U.S. Naturalization - FAQs

 

What should I wear for the naturalization interview?

There is no requirement or official code, but we request our clients to use good judgment. Business casual is a good standard.

 

What happens if I lost my US citizenship certificate?

You can obtain a replacement.

 

How do I get a replacement certificate of citizenship?

To obtain a replacement of your certificate of citizenship one should complete USCIS Form N-565.

 

Do naturalized citizens have the same rights?

Yes. As far as voting, travel, immigration laws to petition for relatives. A naturalized citizen can not become President or Vice President of the USA.

 

What is the highest office a naturalized citizen can hold?

Citizens who are not natural-born citizens can serve in any office in the US except President and Vice President. This includes senior staff positions, cabinet positions, Congressional leadership, Justices of the Supreme Court, and so forth.

 

How long can a naturalized U.S. citizen stay outside the U.S.?

U.S. citizens do not have requirements or limitations on their time abroad. They are still required to file taxes etc.

 

Can my attorney go with me to the naturalization interview?

Yes.

 

How many questions are there in the naturalization exam?

On December 1, 2020 USCIS started administering a new naturalization exam for those who are applying for citizenship. The exam will now be 20 questions long as opposed to 10 and it will be from a question bank of 128 instead 100. The new exam is up and the questions are also up. You can check them out at uscis.gov. Some people believe there are tricky questions.

 

What happens if you fail naturalization test?

If it is the first time, you will be rescheduled for the naturalization test. If it is the second, more than likely will be denied.

 

How many times can you fail the citizenship test?

With an application you are given two attempts. If you fail the first time, you will be rescheduled for a different day to take your second exam.

 

I Would Like To Know When Is The Right Time To Apply Citizenship Again Because My First Application Was Denied Due To Lack Of Good Moral Character. I Was Given A Letter That I May Apply for An Appeal, But I Don't Have Money For The Application. How Long Should I Wait To Reapply?

One of the requirements of naturalization is a demonstration of good moral character. If the denial was based on criminal history which occurred prior to your application, but within 5 years of your application, you would need to wait 5 years from the date of your conviction. If the denial was based on a misrepresentation which occurred during the interview, you would need to wait 5 years from the interview date. It would be wise to consult with an attorney, to avoid any additional time or money waste. Also, please be advised some criminal history may make you removable. You would also want to have the attorney review this as well, prior to any application for citizenship. Best of luck next time!

 

I Have Submitted My N400 Application More Than Five Weeks Ago. This Is My Second Time Applying. Will There Be A Fingerprint Appointment?

With COVID-19 USCIS was issuing notices stating that they will recapture fingerprints. If you received that notice then you will not have a fingerprint notice. If you haven't received it then you just need to wait until you receive your fingerprint application. Right now, it is taking four to six weeks for you to receive your receipts. You can expect your biometrics appointments to come later on after that. Your immigration attorney is not in control of when USCIS issues the receipts and they are often as frustrated as you are. If you haven't received a receipt notice within six weeks of USCIS accepting your money or your package you definitely want to call the customer service 1-800 number for USCIS.

Immigration Law