Welcome to the Kazi Law Firm! We are a boutique law firm steeped in Texas tradition personifying the warmth and congeniality consistent with southern hospitality. We believe in preserving integrity and professionalism with true Texan charm, staying true to our roots, while providing essential, affordable legal services to all. Located just north of Dallas, Texas in the rapidly growing suburb of Frisco; the Kazi Law Firm concentrates on contracts drafting and review, immigration law, will & estates, real estate law, landlord, tenant, mediation, and general business law needs.
Clients often contact us to start their naturalization process. Naturalization is the legal process through which a foreign citizen or national can become a U.S. citizen. In order to be naturalized, an applicant must first meet certain criteria to apply for citizenship. Then, the applicant must complete an application, attend an interview, and pass an English and a civics test. Upon successful completion of these steps, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance and becomes a U.S. citizen.
These legal requirements help USCIS ensure that only those people who are sincere in their desire to become U.S. citizens become naturalized. Below you will find a more detailed description of the basics of naturalization, including eligibility for naturalization and the steps involved in the application process.
Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- A lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years before applying for naturalization
- Physically present in the United States for at least five years at the time of application
- Able to understand and speak English
- Of good moral character
The residency requirement has some exceptions for time outside the country that an immigration attorney can explain in more detail.
Completing the Application:
It’s vital to complete your naturalization application accurately and completely. For the this of the process, you must:
- Complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (can be found on the USCIS website)
- Submit two photographs of yourself that meet immigration service requirements (pose, size, lighting, etc.)
- Collect all the necessary documents
- Send your application, documents, and filing fees to the appropriate Service Center with via certified mail, return receipt or courier service such as UPS or FedEx with a tracking number
Please keep in mind that it is critical that once you file your application, you’re expected to reside continuously in the U.S. from the date of the application to the time of naturalization.
Naturalization Filing Fee:
The application fee is $725. This includes $85 for biometrics services. Please remember that fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. This fee must be sent with your application. You can pay the fee with a check or a money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security. You can also pay with a credit card with no upcharge for this method of payment (appropriate form available on the USCIS website). Note: Naturalization fees are expected to increase in 2020 to as much as $1170.
Fingerprinting:
As part of the naturalization application, you’ll need to be fingerprinted. For this step of the process, you will:
- Receive an appointment letter from USCIS
- Go to the fingerprint location and get your fingerprints taken
- Mail additional documents, if requested
Interview & Testing:
The next monumental step in the process is the most talked about: the interview and tests. You will:
- Receive an appointment for your interview
- Go to your local office at the specified time (don’t be late)
- Bring identification & dress professionally
- Answer questions about your application and your background (always be honest)
- Take the English and civics tests (test prep guide available)
Congratulations you’re almost at the finish line. Once you’ve completed the interview and tests, you will receive a decision about your application for naturalization.
Oath of Allegiance:
This is undoubtedly our favorite part of the naturalization journey. If you’re successful during your interview and test, you can take the final step: the oath of allegiance. For this step of the naturalization process, you will:
- Receive a ceremony date
- Check-in at the ceremony location
- Return your Permanent Resident Card
- Answer questions about what you’ve been doing since your interview
- Take the oath of allegiance
As with any immigration process, naturalization takes careful preparation at every step and an experienced immigration lawyer is your best ally to navigate the process.
I built my law practice on the premise of being a life raft in a sea of sharks. I want to be an advocate for those that have been wronged and are too intimidated to seek help. My firm is here to explore your options, guide you through your legal journey and give you that safe space to ask questions! There’s no such thing as a stupid question… Only the ones you don’t ask. So, my question to my clients is not “do you have any questions?” But rather “what questions do you have?”
As always, the Kazi Law Firm is standing by to help you in your time of need. Don’t hesitate to contact us today. We specialize in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, immigration, and wills & estate planning. Family is at the core of our practice. Just as we treat our family with respect, we treat yours. Come join the Kazi Law Firm family today!
Why swim alone in shark infested waters when you don’t have to?
