New Jersey citizenship and naturalization attorney Cindy is dedicated to helping immigrants obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalization. She is renowned for her expertise and advocacy in immigration law. The Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul provides caring and compassionate representation to citizenship applicants throughout New York.

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign citizen or national is granted U.S. citizenship. While some of us take our citizenship for granted, there are millions of people who dream of obtaining legal status in the United States. The culmination of this long and often arduous process is becoming a naturalized citizen. The application for naturalization is filed on Form N-400 and requires an interview in which the applicant is given the Naturalization Test.

While there are many ways to qualify for naturalization, the most common avenues to citizenship typically require that the applicant hold a green card or prove some relationship to a U.S. citizen (USC) parent. General eligibility requirements for each group can be summarized as follows:

Green Card Holders or Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs)

• Green card holder for at least 5 years preceding filing of N-400
• Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years preceding application
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years
• Ability to read, write, and speak English and understand U.S. history and civics
• Good moral character (no aggravated felonies or crimes of moral turpitude)

LPR Spouses of U.S. Citizens

• LPR for at least 3 years preceding filing of N-400
• Living in "marital union" with same USC spouse during that time
• Continuous residence in the U.S. as LPR for at least 3 years
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 18 months of the 3 years
• Same knowledge and good moral character requirements listed above

Citizenship for Military Personnel and Family

• LPR member of the U.S. armed forces
• At least one year of honorable service during "peacetime"
• Continuous residence for at least 5 years and physical presence for at least 30 months unless application was filed within 6 months of honorable separation from armed forces
• Spouses and children are eligible for expedited naturalization or overseas processing
• Same knowledge and good moral character requirements

Biological or Adopted Children of USC parent (Under 18 years of age)

• Children Residing in the United States
• At least one USC parent by birth or naturalization
• Residence in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of USC parent based on lawful admission for permanent residence
• Children Residing Outside the United States
• At least one living USC parent or deceased parent who was USC at time of death
• Child's USC parent was physically present in the U.S. for 5 years, at least 2 of which were after the child turned 14
• Residence outside the U.S. in legal and physical custody of USC parent
• Temporary presence in the U.S. after legal entry and maintenance of lawful status

If you are ready to become a citizen through naturalization, contact an experienced New Jersey citizenship and naturalization lawyer today. A qualified professional can speed up the process and vastly improve your chances of obtaining citizenship. Cindy Ramjattan-Paul is a seasoned attorney with years of experience ushering LPRs and families through the naturalization process. She is dedicated to helping applicants avoid the many setbacks and complications that can delay your path to citizenship. You can rest assured that you will be prepared for the naturalization test and have a representative advocating for your best interests