If you would like to become a U.S. citizen (that will secure your opportunity to work for the Federal Government and to vote or to be voted for), you need to apply for naturalization. There are additional benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen, such as higher estate tax exemptions and greater freedom of travel to other countries. In addition there are certain federal grants and scholarships available only to U.S. citizens.

We can help you to prepare and file your citizenship application. We can advise as to whether there are any issues in your background that could be a problem and how to address those issues on your road to becoming a United States citizen.

The time it takes to be naturalized varies from one local office to another. In 1997, in many places, it took over 2 years to process an application. USCIS continues to improve the naturalization process. As of October 2001, USCIS

reported that it takes, on average, between 6 and 9 months to become naturalized.

After USCIS has received your application, they will notify you of the location where you should get fingerprinted. It is very important not to miss your interview. If you have to miss your interview, you should notify the office where your interview is scheduled by mail as soon as possible. In your letter, you should ask to have your interview rescheduled. Rescheduling an interview may add several months to the naturalization process, so try not to change your original interview date. If you miss your scheduled interview without notifying USCIS, we will “administratively close” your case. Unless you contact USCIS to schedule a new interview within 1 year after USCIS closes your case, they will deny your application.

You become a citizen as soon as you take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States . In some places, you can choose to take the Oath the same day as your interview. If that option is not available or if you prefer a ceremony at a later date, USCIS will notify you of the ceremony date with a “Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony”.