FOR EVERY JOURNEY
The last step: citizenship.
After years as a permanent resident, naturalization is the final step – the one that makes this country yours, with the right to vote, a U.S. passport, and security that can’t be taken away. Nothing should derail it, and a citizenship lawyer’s real value is making sure nothing does: Onward Immigration keeps your application clean and your path to the oath smooth.
IS THIS YOU?
You may be in the right place if...
The eligible resident
You’ve held a green card long enough to apply, and you’re ready to become a citizen.
The cautious
You want to apply but you’re worried something in your history – travel, taxes, a record – could be a problem.
The test-anxious
You’re ready except for the English and civics test, and you want to walk in prepared.
The family-minded
You want citizenship partly so you can petition for family, vote, and put down permanent roots.
The Path Forward
How we build your case
I
Confirm eligibility
We check your residency, time, travel, and history to confirm you’re ready, and flag anything to address first.
II
Prepare the application
We prepare your application and supporting evidence, accurately and completely, to avoid delays and hard questions.
III
Prepare for the test
We prepare you for the interview, test, and oath so the final step feels like a formality.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Flat fees, full attention.
Every naturalization engagement is a single flat fee, agreed before we begin – no meter, no surprises. As a deliberately small firm, your case is handled by an attorney from first call to final decision, never passed down a chain.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Citizenship questions, answered.
When can I apply for citizenship?
Most permanent residents can apply after five years, or after three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You also need continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character, with special rules for military service. We confirm exactly when you’re eligible based on your dates and history.
Will travel outside the U.S. affect my eligibility?
It can. Long or frequent trips may break the continuous residence you need, and very long absences can reset the clock, while short trips usually don’t. Because the rules are technical, it’s worth reviewing your travel before you apply. We check your trips against the requirements so an absence doesn’t derail you.
Can a criminal record or tax issue stop me?
Sometimes, but not always. Certain offenses bar citizenship permanently; others affect only a period of good moral character. Unfiled taxes or owed child support can also matter. The key is assessing it before applying, since the application can surface old problems. We review your history first to apply safely.
Can I apply for naturalization if I am on a payment plan for my taxes?
Yes, you may still be able to apply for U.S. citizenship if you owe taxes and are on a valid IRS or state tax payment plan. However, taxes can affect the “good moral character” requirement for naturalization, so it is important to show that your tax returns were filed, your payment plan was properly set up, and you are making payments as agreed. Before filing Form N-400, an immigration attorney can review your tax history, payment plan, transcripts, and any other issues that could affect your naturalization case
What's on the citizenship test?
There’s an English component – speaking, reading, and writing – and a civics test on U.S. history and government. Most applicants pass with preparation, and some qualify for exemptions based on age or time as a resident. We tell you what to expect and help you prepare so test day isn’t stressful.
How do I get a naturalization test waiver?
You may qualify for a naturalization test waiver or exception in a few different ways. Some applicants can be exempt from the English test based on their age and how long they have had a green card, but they usually still have to take the civics test in their preferred language. Other applicants may qualify for a medical disability exception to the English and civics tests if a licensed medical professional completes Form N-648 and explains why a physical, developmental, or mental impairment prevents them from meeting the testing requirements. Because test waivers are closely reviewed, it is important to prepare the N-400 and any waiver request carefully before filing.
Do I have to give up my original citizenship?
The U.S. doesn’t require you to renounce your other citizenship – many naturalized citizens hold dual nationality. But your home country’s laws may differ, and some don’t allow it. We can flag the U.S. side; for your original country’s rules, we’ll point you to the right resource to confirm.
Do I need a citizenship lawyer?
Many people naturalize on their own, but a citizenship lawyer is worth it if travel, taxes, or any record could be an issue — the application can surface old problems, and it’s better to spot them before you file.
Where can I check my case status?
You can track any pending case with your receipt number through the USCIS Case Status Online tool at: egov.uscis.gov/casestatus. We also monitor your case and flag anything that needs a response, so nothing slips.
Ready to move onward?
Every journey begins with a conversation. Let’s talk about where you’re headed,
and how to get you there.