Citizenship & Naturalization
Naturalization is the final step to U.S. citizenship — and the one with the least room for error, because Form N-400 invites USCIS to re-examine your entire immigration history. Here is what you need to qualify:
- ✓Five years as a permanent resident — or just three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You can file up to 90 days early.
- ✓Physical presence — you were physically in the U.S. for at least half of the required period.
- ✓Continuous residence — no long trips abroad broke it. Six months away raises questions; a year usually breaks it.
- ✓Good moral character — throughout the statutory period and up to your oath.
- ✓English & civics test — unless you qualify for an age-based exemption or a disability waiver.
Attorney Husna Alikhan, Esq., LL.M has prepared clients for naturalization for 22 years — from straightforward filings to cases complicated by old arrests, long absences, or tax issues.
The Civics Test Changed in 2025
Which test you take depends on when you filed. If you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test: the officer asks up to 20 questions from a published bank of 128, and you pass by answering 12 correctly. If you filed before that date, you take the older 2008 test (10 questions, 6 correct to pass). Applicants who are 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident study a shorter list.
When Filing Is Risky
An N-400 can do more than get denied — it can surface problems that jeopardize the green card you already have. Before filing, we screen for arrests or citations anywhere in the world (even expunged ones), unfiled or unpaid taxes, trips abroad over six months, claims to U.S. citizenship or voter registration, child support arrears, and Selective Service registration. Most issues have solutions; some mean you should wait or prepare documentation first. A one-hour review before filing is cheap insurance against a very expensive mistake.
What It Costs and How Long It Takes
The USCIS filing fee is $760 on paper or $710 online. As of mid-2026, most applications take roughly 6 to 13 months from filing to oath, depending on the field office. Our attorney fees are flat and quoted at your consultation, covering eligibility screening, the application, interview preparation, and attendance at your interview when needed.