What is Naturalization? Quick answer: Naturalization is the process that allows lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet residency, good-moral-character, and civics/English requirements to become U.S. citizens by filing Form N-400, passing an interview and tests, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most impactful immigration steps a person can take. Our office provides clear guidance and
experienced representation for lawful permanent residents preparing to file Form N-400. If you are considering
citizenship, we offer a free consultation so you understand your eligibility, the process, and whether any issues in your
background may affect your case.
If you want a quick starting point, use our
Naturalization Eligibility Checker
to estimate your earliest filing date (3-year vs. 5-year rule, 90-day early filing) and flag common issues like long trips.
If you obtained your green card through marriage, you may also want to review our
marriage green card overview
to understand how your underlying residence is evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I naturalize with a DUI?
Often yes, but timing matters. USCIS reviews the entire record for Good Moral Character. We will look at dates, court records, and any other incidents before recommending whether to file now or wait.
Can I apply if I owe taxes?
A payment plan and proof of compliance are typically required. USCIS wants to see that you are addressing the issue and meeting your obligations.
Can I apply with an expired green card?
You may still apply, but renewing the card may be recommended depending on your situation. We can advise which approach makes most sense for your case.
Do I need a lawyer?
Some applicants successfully file on their own. However, applicants with criminal history, long trips abroad, complicated marriages, fraud allegations, or past denials usually benefit from legal representation so risks are fully evaluated.
How long does naturalization take in Chicago?
Most applicants experience a months-long timeline, but actual processing times depend on USCIS workload, background checks, and how quickly interviews and oath ceremonies are scheduled.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?
Most applicants qualify under one of the following categories:
Five-Year Permanent Residents
You may apply when you have held a green card for at least five years and meet all other requirements.
Three-Year Permanent Residents (Marriage-Based)
If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you have been living together in a bona fide marriage, you may qualify to apply after three years. For more information on the marriage-based process, see our page on marriage green cards.
Military Service Members
Certain applicants who served in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify under special rules.
Continuous Residence and Physical Presence
USCIS reviews your travel history and residence patterns to ensure you meet required periods inside the United States.
English and Civics Requirements (USCIS Source)
Most applicants must demonstrate the ability to speak, read, and write basic English and pass a civics test. Some exceptions are available based on age and years of residency.
Good Moral Character
USCIS examines your conduct during the statutory period. Criminal issues, unpaid taxes, child support concerns, or past immigration problems can affect eligibility. You can review general naturalization eligibility directly on the USCIS naturalization information page, and we can help you apply those rules to your specific case.
How We Can Help
What to Expect During Your Free Consultation
During your naturalization consultation, we will:
- Review your immigration history and prior filings
- Identify eligibility issues or risks, including Good Moral Character concerns
- Discuss documentation needed for the N-400
- Outline the naturalization process and expected timeline
- Provide a clear fee quote if you choose to move forward with representation
Our goal is to give you a realistic assessment so you can decide when and how to apply for U.S. citizenship.
How Our Office Helps With Your N-400 Application
- Confirming eligibility and identifying red flags before filing
- Reviewing arrests, citations, and prior immigration filings
- Preparing the N-400 and supporting documentation
- Responding to Requests for Evidence
- Ensuring accuracy to help avoid delays
- Preparing you for the interview, including common questions
- Attending the interview when permitted by USCIS
If your permanent residence came through marriage, we can also review your prior filings and evidence, including the bona fide marriage evidence you previously submitted.
Common Problems
Common Issues That Can Affect Naturalization
- DUI or alcohol-related arrests
- Criminal charges, even old ones
- Tax problems or payment plans
- Selective Service registration concerns
- Long trips outside the U.S.
- Prior fraud or misrepresentation findings
- Complications in marriage-based cases
- N-400 denials and re-filing strategies
These issues do not automatically prevent citizenship, but they require careful analysis before filing. During your free consultation, we will identify whether any of these areas present a risk for your case.
The Interview
What Happens at the Naturalization Interview?
Review of Your Application
The officer will review your identity, travel history, marital history, employment, and any criminal or immigration concerns. They will usually go through many of the “yes/no” questions from your N-400.
English and Civics Tests
Most applicants must pass a short English reading and writing test, along with a civics exam covering U.S. government and history. Certain applicants may qualify for exemptions or accommodations.
After the Interview
If approved, you may receive a same-day oath ceremony notice or a scheduled ceremony date. You become a U.S. citizen only after taking the oath of allegiance.
Fees and Timeline
Fees and Processing Times
- USCIS filing fee: standard N-400 fee and biometrics fee, subject to periodic USCIS updates. As of December 2025 the fee is $710.00 for online filing or $760.00 for paper filing. There is a waiver available for economic hardship that could reduce or eliminate the fees if you qualify.
- Timeline: Most naturalization cases in the Chicago Field Office range from several months to over a year depending on background checks and scheduling.
During your consultation, we will discuss current processing trends and how they may apply to your case.
Derivative Citizenship (Citizenship Through a Parent)
Not everyone who needs proof of U.S. citizenship has to “naturalize.”
Some people are already U.S. citizens automatically through a U.S. citizen parent—either at birth (sometimes called
“acquired citizenship”) or later while they were under 18 (often called “derivative citizenship”).
If that applies to you, the right next step may be proof of citizenship (for example, a U.S. passport or Form N-600),
rather than filing Form N-400.
Common situations where this may apply
- You were born outside the United States and one (or both) parents were U.S. citizens.
- You became a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) as a child and later lived in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. citizen parent before turning 18.
- You were adopted and later met specific requirements for automatic citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent.
Quick caution:
Filing the wrong application can cost time and money. If you may already be a U.S. citizen through a parent,
it is usually better to confirm eligibility first and pursue the correct proof-of-citizenship pathway.
Filing the wrong application can cost time and money. If you may already be a U.S. citizen through a parent,
it is usually better to confirm eligibility first and pursue the correct proof-of-citizenship pathway.
To help you screen this issue quickly, we built a short guided questionnaire that flags common derivative/acquired
citizenship fact patterns and directs you to the most likely next step.
This tool is for general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If your situation is complex
(adoptions, custody changes, long periods outside the U.S., or parents with different immigration histories), we recommend a consultation.
Not ready to naturalize? If you are not yet eligible for citizenship or prefer to remain a permanent resident, you may still need to renew your green card before it expires.
Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by JR
Chicago immigration lawyer focusing on marriage-based green cards, adjustment of status (I-130/I-485), spouse visas, and family and employment immigration. Free consultation available.
53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1234 Chicago, IL 60604
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Law Office of Justin G Randolph
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