Understanding Form N-400: The Path to U.S. Citizenship
For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step in a long journey of building a life in the United States. The form that makes this possible is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Understanding how this form works, who qualifies, and why professional guidance matters can help ensure the process goes smoothly.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the official application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Once approved, an applicant gains the full rights of citizenship — including the ability to vote, apply for federal jobs, sponsor family members, and hold a U.S. passport. Naturalization also provides peace of mind by offering permanent protection from deportation.
Who Can Apply?
Not every green card holder can immediately apply for citizenship. Applicants must generally meet these requirements:
Permanent Residency: You must have had a green card (lawful permanent resident status) for at least 5 years. If married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is usually 3 years.
Physical Presence: You must show that you have lived in the U.S. for a specific amount of time and have not taken long trips abroad that break your residency.
Good Moral Character: Applicants must show they have obeyed U.S. laws and paid taxes. Certain criminal convictions can make someone ineligible.
English & Civics Test: Applicants must pass an English reading/writing test and a civics test about U.S. history and government (with some exceptions for older applicants or those with disabilities).
When to Apply
The right time to apply for the N-400 Application for Naturalization depends on how long you’ve had your green card and whether you qualify through marriage to a U.S. citizen. It’s important to start preparing early — gathering tax returns, travel history, and other documents can take time. Filing too early or without the right documentation may lead to delays or even denial.
Common Challenges
Even though the N-400 Application for Naturalization looks straightforward, many applicants run into issues such as:
Misreporting travel dates or failing to disclose long absences.
Forgetting past citations, arrests, or minor offenses that still must be listed.
Mistakes on the form leading to requests for more evidence (RFEs).
Failing the interview due to lack of preparation.
A single error can delay the process for months or even years.
Why Work with Tej Law Firm PLLC?
While it’s possible to file Form N-400 on your own, many applicants feel more confident with a citizenship lawyer guiding them. Naturalization is too important to risk delays or denials caused by small mistakes. An experienced immigration law firm offers a unique advantage — you aren’t just a case number. You get personalized attention, clear communication, and direct access to your attorney.
When you work with a naturalization lawyer at a smaller practice, you know that your case is being handled carefully from start to finish. Your attorney can review your eligibility, help gather supporting documents, prepare you for the citizenship interview, and even attend the interview with you if needed. Having an experienced immigration lawyer for N-400 cases means fewer errors, stronger supporting evidence, and a smoother process overall.
Smaller firms also tend to be more affordable than large national practices while still providing the expertise needed to navigate complex immigration laws. This makes professional legal help accessible for individuals and families who don’t want to risk going through the process alone.
Another key benefit is cultural and language understanding. Many immigrants feel more comfortable working with an attorney who shares or respects their background and can communicate effectively. Whether it’s explaining the process in plain language, reviewing documents carefully, or preparing you for the civics test, a dedicated immigration lawyer ensures nothing is overlooked.
In short, choosing a local immigration attorney gives you the best of both worlds: the knowledge of federal immigration law combined with the personal service of a smaller practice. If you are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship with Form N-400, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can give you peace of mind and increase your chances of success.