Naturalization
Naturalization is the final step to U.S. citizenship for eligible permanent residents.
Speak with the AttorneyWhat it is
Naturalization (Form N-400) is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, including the interview and the civics and English examination. It also includes certificates of citizenship (N-600) in appropriate cases.
What the process can look like
Reviewing residency and eligibility requirements; preparing the application; and preparing for the interview and exam — including cases that involve prior legal history.
How Montoya Law Group approaches it
A careful eligibility review up front, so that issues are identified and addressed before filing rather than after.
The eligibility checklist
Naturalization generally requires five years as a permanent resident — three if married to and living with a U.S. citizen — along with continuous residence, physical presence for at least half the period, good moral character, and passing the English and civics tests. Exceptions to the language requirement exist based on age and years of residence, and disability waivers are available. Each element is checked against your actual record, not assumed.
Why the history gets reviewed first
The N-400 places your entire immigration history under review — how residence was obtained, trips abroad, taxes, and any contact with the criminal justice system. For most applicants that review is routine. For some, it surfaces issues that deserve resolution before filing rather than after. An honest pre-filing assessment is how naturalization is done responsibly.
Continuous residence and trips abroad
Travel history matters more than most applicants expect. Absences of six months or more raise questions about continuous residence, and longer absences can interrupt the clock entirely unless specific protections were put in place before leaving. Reviewing the full travel record — passport stamps, tickets, and dates — before filing avoids surprises at the interview.
Where a consultation begins
A consultation walks through the eligibility elements against your record, flags anything the review of your history may raise, and sets out the timeline — exam, interview, and oath — from filing to citizenship.
Request a ConsultationThis page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Consult a qualified immigration attorney about your situation. This website is attorney advertising.