Citizenship Lawyer in Dallas, TX

Most naturalization cases are straightforward — and the ones that are not usually look straightforward until the interview. Filing Form N-400 opens your entire immigration file to review, not just the application in front of the officer. That is why the most valuable part of a citizenship lawyer's work happens before anything is filed.

The work has three parts. First, an eligibility and risk review: the dates that start your clock, your trips abroad, any arrests or charges, tax filings, and how your green card was obtained. Second, the application itself — accurate answers to the N-400's long list of yes-or-no questions, with the supporting records that explain any "yes". Third, interview preparation for both the English and civics tests and for the questions about your own application, which is where most surprises happen.

We handle naturalization from our Dallas office for clients across Texas and the country, on a flat fee agreed before we start, with a dedicated paralegal who knows your case.

The general rule is five years as a permanent resident, with at least half of that time — 30 months — physically in the United States, and three months living in the state or USCIS district where you apply. Spouses of U.S. citizens who have been married and living together for three years can apply after three years as residents, with 18 months of physical presence.

On top of the time requirements, applicants must show good moral character during that period, pass the English and civics tests unless an age or medical exception applies, and be willing to take the oath of allegiance. USCIS accepts the N-400 up to 90 days before the five- or three-year anniversary.

Some things deserve a lawyer's look before filing rather than after: any arrest or citation beyond minor traffic, a trip abroad of six months or longer, unfiled or unpaid taxes, a past claim to be a U.S. citizen, or questions about how the green card was granted. Our guide to naturalization eligibility requirements covers each in detail.

Processing time is set by the USCIS office that handles your case and changes through the year, so check current USCIS processing times rather than relying on a fixed number. What lengthens a case is usually avoidable: a missing document, an unexplained arrest record, a trip that needs explaining, or a request for evidence answered late.

What keeps it moving: filing a complete application the first time, bringing certified court records for anything that needs them, and arriving at the interview prepared for both the tests and the questions about your own N-400. Our step-by-step N-400 guide and citizenship test guide go into both.