Nashville Naturalization Attorney

Naturalization is the process of granting U.S. citizenship to a foreign citizen or national who complies with all of the requirements established by Congress. This process is different for individuals based on their category of application.

Obtaining U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

The law office of Maniatis Law PLLC in Nashville, Tennessee, helps clients throughout the United States complete all the steps necessary to obtain U.S. citizenship. You first want to determine if you are already a United States citizen. For some people with a U.S. citizen parent, they may already be a U.S. citizen. Those individuals can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of their status. If you are not already a U.S. citizen, you must meet specific criteria, the main items of which are outlined below.

What Are The Requirements For U.S. Citizenship?

If your non-citizen spouse is currently in the United States and entered the country with a visa, he or she can apply for permanent residency (green card) through a process called “adjustment of status.” This process includes filing several forms simultaneously with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accompanied by supporting documentation.

• 5 Years of Permanent Residency. Generally, you must have been a permanent resident for 5 years prior to your application. However, if you obtained your permanent residency through marriage your wait time is reduced to 3 years. If you file based upon the 3-year category, you must also prove that you’ve maintained a genuine marital relationship.
• Continuous Residence. You must maintain continuous residence in the United States during your applicable 5-year or 3-year time period. Any extended travel outside of the United States could not only jeopardize your application, but can be grounds for your permanent residency to be revoked. Permanent residency is not “permanent” and you must therefore maintain residency in the United States to keep it, and to later obtain citizenship.
• Be a Person of Good Moral Character. The officer examining your application for naturalization will also look into your past to determine whether you have good moral character. The 5 years preceding will be intensely examined, and by statute you can be denied for criminal convictions, failure to pay child or spousal support, unlawful voting, failure to file taxes, and fraud. The interviewing officer can look back beyond the 5-year period however, and any criminal conviction—even those that have been expunged—are subject to scrutiny and may result in a denial. Hiring an attorney to proactively combat any issues related to good moral character is recommended.
• Pass the English and Civics Exams. At your interview, you must not only prove you are eligible for naturalization, but that you can competently read, write and speak English, as well as pass the U.S. civics exam. This exam is a test covering America’s history, principles, and form of government. You are asked 20 questions out of a pool of 128, and must correctly answer 12 out of the 20. If approved, your case will be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony. You are not officially a U.S. citizen until you are sworn in at your ceremony.

Can I Apply For Naturalization If I Have A Disability?

Certain applicants may qualify for a medical waiver that can waive the English test and/or Civics test requirements. This requires a medical examination by a professional who can certify their findings on a Form N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions that is filed with the naturalization application.

Do I have to take the Naturalization Tests in English?

Applicants may be exempt from the English language requirement if they qualify for a medical exemption, or depending on their age. If you are age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception), or if you are age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (the “55/15” exception) you are exempt from the English language requirement, and can use an interpreter during your interview.

You will still have to conduct the Civics Exam, but this can be completed in your native language. If you are 65 years of age or older, and have been a resident for at least 20 years, you will also receive a shortened version of the Civics Exam.

Do I need a lawyer to file for Naturalization?

Applying for naturalization is a major step and you should be guided by the advice of an experienced attorney. Immigration law changes frequently, and it is important to know not only how the law currently applies to you, but how government processing times and procedure can impact your future. Filing for naturalization also opens the door for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review your entire file as a noncitizen, looking back at every application you’ve submitted looking for discrepancies or errors in your case. It is crucial to have your case fully evaluated before you submit your application. Attorney Matt Maniatis knows what it takes to get your application right. He’ll guide you every step of the way, make sure your application is solid, and help you avoid the headache of delays or mistakes.

Expedited Citizenship For Members Of The U.S. Armed Services

Members of the U.S. Armed Services are able to apply for citizenship through an expedited naturalization process. Military members do not have to establish the residency requirements mentioned above. They are still required to show good moral character, however the window of review can be shortened, which may impact the outcome of the case. Spouses of members of the U.S. Armed Services who are deployed can also be eligible for expedited naturalization.

Dedicated To Your Success

The firm’s founding attorney, Matt Maniatis, is dedicated to his clients’ success. He understands immigration laws and procedures, and how to navigate the confusing U.S. immigration system. Maniatis Law PLLC will work hard to complete the necessary paperwork accurately and completely, meet filing deadlines, and complete every step as quickly as possible. The attorney and staff at the firm are open and honest, communicate promptly, and keep clients apprised of all important developments in their cases in a timely manner.

Maniatis Law PLLC follows direction from clients and encourages clients to speak openly and honestly about their circumstances and histories to better help them obtain immigration relief.

Contact Maniatis Law PLLC

The firm’s goal is the same as yours – to bring your loved one to the U.S. so you can live together permanently. For more information, contact Nashville naturalization lawyer Matt Maniaties online or by calling 615-988-1441.