Los Angeles Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer

Trusted Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyers In Los Angeles

For 60 years, our team at Spar & Bernstein has helped thousands of people become U.S. citizens, including many clients right here in Los Angeles.

Whether you’re in Koreatown, Westlake, Glendale, or the San Fernando Valley, we’re here to make the naturalization process smooth and less stressful for you and your loved ones.

Why Choose Spar & Bernstein For Citizenship Services In Los Angeles?

Finding a good legal team in a city like Los Angeles can be overwhelming. Finding attorneys who are knowledgeable and compassionate is an even bigger challenge.

Listening to each story and considering every detail, our team at Spar & Bernstein takes care of filling and filing needed documents and addressing potential blockers to protect your rights all the way toward a successful outcome.

Los Angeles By The Numbers: Citizenship & Naturalization Trends

• In Fiscal Year 2024, California became the state with the highest number of naturalized individuals in the U.S.
• During the same period, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 9,300 naturalization applications filed in LA.
• Approximately 6.5% of all U.S. naturalizations occurred in the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metro area.

The Benefits Of Becoming A U.S. Citizen

For many immigrants in Los Angeles, naturalization opens the door to various benefits that are not available to Green Card holders.

As a U.S. citizen, you’ll gain the right to vote, access specific federal jobs and benefits, and have stronger legal protection if it comes to deportation.

You’ll also be able to petition to bring your parents and siblings to the U.S., so that your family can be together and enjoy the important moments in your life.

Are You Already A U.S. Citizen? Here’s How To Know

Before beginning the naturalization process, you should establish whether you already qualify as a U.S. citizen.

This might be possible if you were born in the United States, born abroad, and one of your parents was a U.S. citizen, or if you obtained automatic citizenship when a parent naturalized while you were a minor.

If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you’ll need to apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.

Who Can Apply For Naturalization In Los Angeles?

Thinking about applying? You’ll need to meet a few key criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old and have a Green Card.
• Have lived in the U.S. for five years (or three years if your spouse is a U.S. citizen).
• Have residence within the jurisdiction of your local USCIS office.
• Have good moral character.

You’ll also need to know English, along with U.S. history and government. (See more about the U.S. Citizenship test and sample questions.)

Are you unsure whether you meet the criteria? Our Los Angeles immigration attorneys will assess your situation and explain your options.

What Happens During The Naturalization Process In Los Angeles

Once you establish that you meet the eligibility requirements, you must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with supporting documents with the USCIS.

USCIS will send you a receipt notice, Form I-797C to confirm they have received your application and it’s being processed.

They’ll schedule a biometrics appointment, where you’ll provide your fingerprints and a photograph for identity verification and background checks.

You’ll then attend an interview at your local USCIS field office. During it, a USCIS officer will review your application, and then you’ll be asked to do the English and civics test.

Once USCIS approves your application, you’ll receive an invitation to the Oath Ceremony, the final step of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Common Challenges When Applying for Citizenship in Los Angeles

Meeting the basic requirements for naturalization isn’t enough, and you may still face challenges that slow down the naturalization process.

It’s worth knowing that a skilled Los Angeles citizenship attorney can help you address most of these issues.

Difficulties With The English & Civics Test

To become a U.S. citizen, you must show you have a basic understanding of the English language and are also familiar with key facts and events related to U.S. history and government.

If you’re of age and have not attended school in the U.S., this may feel intimidating. We know where to find the best prep classes, whether free or low-cost, in Los Angeles, and to help you prepare.

We’ll also conduct mock tests and interviews, so you can gain confidence and feel relaxed when the actual tests and interviews come around.

Gaps In Continuous Residence Or Physical Presence

If you’ve been abroad for long periods or frequently left the United States, it may be challenging to prove you meet the residence requirements.

Our team will carefully review your travel history and assist you in gathering documentation to demonstrate that you maintained ties to the U.S. while abroad.

Missed Biometrics Or Interview Appointments

If you were scheduled for a USCIS appointment and could not attend due to illness, urgent travel, or not receiving the notice on time, your naturalization application may be delayed or denied by USCIS.

We’ll help you address such a situation if it has already happened and assist with rescheduling to avoid long-term consequences.

Past Legal Or Immigration Issues

Have you been arrested or accused of fraud while in the United States? Or probably had previous immigration issues? Either of these may threaten your citizenship application.

Let’s talk about what’s happened: we’ve helped many Los Angeles residents who were applying for naturalization in similar situations.