U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization

Helping Lawful Permanent Residents Become U.S. Citizens

Contreras Law Group represents lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship through naturalization, guiding applicants through the process with clarity, preparation, and experienced legal counsel.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone — one that brings stability, opportunity, and full participation in civic life. Our role is to help make the process understandable, efficient, and successful.

What Is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident applies to become a U.S. citizen after meeting specific residency, physical presence, and good-moral-character requirements.

Citizenship offers important benefits, including:

The right to vote
The ability to sponsor additional family members
Protection from removal
Access to federal benefits and opportunities

Because naturalization eligibility depends on immigration history and personal circumstances, proper legal review is essential before applying.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

An individual may be eligible to apply for naturalization if they:

Have been a lawful permanent resident for the required period
Have maintained continuous residence and physical presence
Have demonstrated good moral character
Are able to read, write, and speak basic English (with some exceptions- See FAQ's Below)
Can pass a U.S. civics exam (with some exceptions- See FAQ's Below)

Eligibility rules may differ for applicants based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, military service, or other special circumstances.

Our Naturalization Services

Contreras Law Group provides comprehensive support throughout the naturalization process, including:

Eligibility and timing analysis
Preparation and filing of N-400 applications
Review of prior immigration history for risk assessment
Interview preparation and representation
Guidance on English and civics testing requirements
Responding to Requests for Evidence or additional inquiries

Our approach is proactive and thorough — especially for applicants with complex immigration histories.

Citizenship as a Gateway for Families

U.S. citizenship often creates new immigration options for family members. Naturalized citizens may be eligible to sponsor:

Parents
Married children
Brothers and sisters

We help clients understand how citizenship fits into broader family-based immigration planning.

Speak With a Citizenship Attorney

Applying for U.S. citizenship is an important legal step. Experienced guidance can help ensure the process goes smoothly and avoid unintended consequences.

We offer consultations to help you understand:

Whether you are eligible to apply
When to file
What to expect at the interview
How to prepare for success

Request Information

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to have a green card before applying for citizenship?

5 years for most permanent residents.
3 years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
You may apply up to 90 days before meeting the full residency requirement.

Can I apply for citizenship if I have traveled outside the U.S.?

Yes, but long or frequent trips can affect eligibility. Trips of 6 months or more may disrupt continuous residence, and trips of 1 year or more almost always do. We review travel history carefully before filing to avoid problems.

What happens during the naturalization interview?

At the interview, an officer from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will:

Review your application (Form N-400)
Ask questions about your background and eligibility
Test your English reading, writing, and speaking skills (if required)
Administer the U.S. civics test (if required)

What if I am over 50 or 55—do I still need to take the English test?

You may qualify for an English exemption if:

You are 50+ and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, or
You are 55+ and have been a permanent resident for 15 years

In these cases, you can take the civics test in your preferred language with an interpreter.

What if I have a medical condition and cannot learn English or take the civics test?

Some applicants may qualify for a medical disability waiver if they have a physical, developmental, or mental health condition that prevents them from learning or demonstrating knowledge of English and/or U.S. civics.

To request a medical waiver, a licensed medical professional must complete Form N-648, certifying that the condition:

Is medically diagnosable
Has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months
Is not caused by illegal drug use
Directly affects the applicant’s ability to meet the testing requirements

Medical waivers are carefully reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and improperly prepared waivers are often denied. Our firm works closely with applicants to ensure the waiver is properly documented, clearly explained, and submitted correctly to give it the best chance of approval.

Does your firm offer low-cost or free citizenship services?

Yes. Through our Pro Bono Citizenship Initiative, we represent eligible lawful permanent residents in their naturalization process at no legal fee, subject to eligibility and availability.