Citizenship/Naturalization Lawyer in Minnesota Simplifying the Immigration Process

Being a citizen of the United States means that you get specific benefits and protections that immigrants without citizenship status do not. If you’re an immigrant who wishes to make the United States their permanent home, becoming a naturalized citizen is the next logical step. TVA Law Office is an immigration law firm that can help you understand how to get from where you are now to successful citizenship. We have experience helping clients through the naturalization process and understanding the common challenges and pitfalls. Keep reading to learn about what the naturalization process involves and what you need to know before you get started.

Gaining citizenship status is the end goal for many immigrants, and it’s the finish line of a lengthy and complex process. If you’re interested in learning more about what it takes to become a citizen of the United States, TVA Law Office can help. Call our Minneapolis firm today to find out more about our immigration law services and what we can offer you.

What Is the Difference Between Citizenship and Naturalization?

While naturalized citizens are often just referred to as citizens, there is a legal difference between a citizen and a naturalized citizen. A citizen gets their status because they were born in the country in question. A naturalized citizen is someone who was born in another country but has become a U.S. citizen through the legal citizenship process. Once you have been granted naturalized citizenship status, you have the same rights and protections as a U.S. citizen by birth.

How Do I Pursue Naturalization?

The first step in pursuing naturalization is to make sure that you are eligible. The U.S. government has specific guidelines over who is and isn’t eligible to be naturalized. There is a worksheet available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services so you can confirm your eligibility. Once you know that you are eligible, you will need to apply for naturalization and submit all of the paperwork. You will also need to have a biometrics appointment and go through an interview process. There is also a civics test to pass, and you must take an oath of allegiance to the United States. If you go through all of these steps successfully, you will be granted naturalized citizenship status.

What Is Involved in the U.S. Citizenship Test?

To be eligible for naturalization, you must pass a U.S. civics test that includes questions on the United States government and history. The test has 100 possible questions, but you can only be asked up to 10. To get a passing score on the test, you need to answer at least six questions correctly. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has an online study guide that outlines the possible questions for the test as well as the acceptable answers. It’s important that you take the time you need to study the questions and answers until you feel that you can successfully pass the test.

Once I’m a Naturalized Citizen, Can I Sponsor Family Members?

Once you have gained citizenship status, you are eligible to sponsor a family member for immigration as long as you are at least 18 years old to sponsor a spouse or child and at least 21 years old to sponsor a parent or sibling. You will need to file a Petition for Alien Relative form and make sure that you are prepared to financially support the beneficiary. There are specific rules and procedures around family-based immigration, so it’s important to talk to an attorney before you start the process.

If you’re wondering whether you need an immigration attorney to help you work toward citizenship, the answer is yes. TVA Law Office can help you understand the process of becoming a citizen and answer any questions along the way. Having an immigration attorney can also ensure you can respond to questions or even a denied application quickly so you can keep your citizenship journey moving forward. Call our office at 651-571-8547 to get started.