Boston Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

Boston Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyers With Six Decades Of Experience

For more than sixty years, the Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein have helped clients in the Boston area pursue U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Our dedicated team will support you every step of the way, from preparing and submitting your application to preparing you for the interview and civics test.

Why Hire Spar & Bernstein For US Citizenship & Immigration Services In Boston?

Whether you live in Dorchester, Cambridge, South End, or Beacon Hill, our knowledgeable and compassionate legal team offers personalized guidance throughout the naturalization process.

We have worked with more than 100,000 satisfied clients, focusing on avoiding delays and resolving issues promptly to make the citizenship journey as smooth as possible.

Boston By The Numbers: Immigration & Citizenship Trends

• Boston is home to more than 184,000 immigrants, making up over 27% of the city’s population.
• The top countries of origin for Boston’s immigrant population include the Dominican Republic (11.8%), China (11.1%), Haiti (9.2%), Cape Verde (4.5%), and Vietnam (4.4%).
• 52.7% of all immigrants have become U.S. citizens.

Why Apply for Naturalization?

As a U.S. citizen in Boston, you’ll gain:

• The right to vote
• Stronger protection from deportation
• The ability to sponsor parents, siblings, and married adult children for immigration
• Travelling more freely
• Apply for government positions and federal benefits that are only available to U.S. citizens.

Naturalization vs. Citizenship: What Boston Residents Should Know

Before starting the naturalization process, it’s important to establish whether you already qualify as a U.S. citizen. This may be the case if:

• You were born in the U.S.
• You were born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and your parent met certain U.S. residence requirements before your birth.
• Your parent(s) naturalized while you were a Green Card holder under 18 and were living with them when they became a citizen.

If you do not already have U.S. citizenship, you’ll need to go through naturalization: the process where lawful permanent residents apply to become citizens by meeting specific requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Our Boston immigration attorneys will help you determine your current status and guide you through the option that applies to you.

Naturalization Requirements For Boston Green Card Holders

Living in Allston or East Boston and planning to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization? If so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Hold a valid Green Card proving lawful permanent resident status.
• Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Prove you were physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 out of the last 60 months (or 18 out of 36 months if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen).
• Show that you’ve lived in Boston or within the local USCIS district for at least three months.
• Demonstrate good moral character during the required statutory period.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Have knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be ready to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

To find out if you qualify, use the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool or contact our experienced team at Spar & Bernstein. We’ll assess your eligibility and help you at every step of the naturalization process.

How To Become A U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization In Boston

Here are the key steps in the naturalization process for Boston residents:

1. Fill out and submit Form N-400, along with the required supporting documents.
2. Wait for Form I-797C, Notice of Action, confirming USCIS has received your application.
3. Attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification.
4. Attend an interview with a USCIS officer at the local Boston field office. You’ll answer questions about your application and conduct an English and civics test.
5. Receive a decision on your application.
6. If approved, receive Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance.

Need help preparing your forms or interview? Contact our Boston immigration team to go through the process with peace of mind.