Naturalization

You need to be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence, and have good moral character and English proficiency and knowledge of us Civics.

The process can take several months to over a year, depending on factors such as the volume of applications and individual case circumstances.

The civics test is a component of the naturalization process where you are required to answer questions about U.S. history and government.

It depends on the nature of your criminal record and how it impacts your good moral character. We can help assess your situation and advise on potential impacts.

A continuous absence of one year or more will break your continuous residence. You may qualify under the “Four years and one-day” rule. Applicant who is required to establish continuous residence for at least 5 years can apply 4 years and 1 day after returning to the United States from the lenghy break to resume permanent residence. However, evidence of ties to the United States while abroad should be provided in your application. Elsharnoby and Associates can assess whether you qualify.

A trip of over six months is presumed to have broken your continuous residence. This presumption can be overcome if you can demonstrate significant ties to the United States during the period you were abroad.