Five years, or three
In general you need five years as a permanent resident, or three if you have been married to and living with a US citizen during that time.
US citizenship · California
Ready to become
a US citizen?
Naturalization is the last step, but trips abroad, a past arrest or unpaid taxes can complicate it. An independent immigration attorney checks your eligibility before you file the N-400 and prepares you for the interview.
A free, no-obligation first call. Flat fee quoted before any work starts.
Independent California attorneysFlat fee quoted up frontNo obligation
The essentials
What matters for naturalization?
Time in the US
You need continuous residence and physical presence for at least half of that period. Long trips abroad can break continuous residence.
File 90 days early
You can file up to 90 days before you reach the required residence period.
Interview and tests
At the interview you take the English and civics tests. Exemptions apply for some older applicants and for certain disabilities.
Easy to start
No big leap.
Just a first step.
You tell us what is going on. We find the right attorney for it.
- 01
A few words about your situation.
Choose your topic and leave your contact details. You don’t need a complete file to get started.
- 02
A free first call.
Our intake team gets in touch, clarifies what you need and connects you with an independent attorney licensed in California.
- 03
A flat fee before any work.
The attorney reviews your case and quotes the scope and a fee in writing. You decide whether to go ahead.
For later, not for now
What you can have
ready for the call.
You don’t need to upload anything in the form. These documents can help later:
- Your green card and passports with your travel history
- Records of any arrest, citation or court case, even if dismissed
- Tax returns and, if relevant, marriage or divorce records
A criminal record or a false claim to US citizenship can endanger your green card. Talk to an attorney before you file. An enquiry does not stop any deadline.
You may still be wondering …
Before we
talk.
Can I apply after a trip abroad of more than six months?
A trip of six months to a year creates a presumption that continuous residence was broken. You can rebut it with evidence of your ties to the US. An attorney checks this before you file.
Do my children become citizens too?
Children under 18 who are green card holders and live with you in your legal and physical custody generally become citizens automatically when you naturalize.
What does the first call cost?
The first call is free and without obligation. If you want an attorney to take on your matter, the attorney quotes the scope and fee in writing before any work starts.
What happens after I send my request?
Our intake team reviews your request and gets in touch to clarify it and arrange the call. Sending the form does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not book an appointment.
The first step is free
Let's look at your next step together.
Time for your situation.
Clear, personal and without obligation.