U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

Quick Access

Looking for something specific? Jump to the topic by clicking the links below.

What Is Naturalization? Common Issues to Watch For What Is Acquire or Derivative Citizenship? FAQs

U.S. CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION SERVICES At Burgos Law

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone—and one of the most meaningful decisions an immigrant can make. At Burgos Law, we’re here to walk beside you on this important journey and help you reach your goal of U.S. citizenship with confidence.

Whether you’re applying through naturalization or believe you may have already acquired citizenship through a parent, we’ll help you understand your options and make a clear plan.

Why Work with Burgos Law?

We understand that this process is both deeply personal and legally important. That’s why we take the time to:

  • Explain your path to citizenship step by step

  • Help you gather the right documents and avoid delays

  • Prepare you for the interview and the naturalization test

  • Determine if you already acquired citizenship and how to prove it

  • Provide support if any legal complications arise

Schedule an Immigration Strategy Session!

WHAT IS Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. It’s the most common path to citizenship, but the rules can get complex depending on your history.

You’re at least 18 years old

You must be an adult at the time you apply.

You can pass the English and civics test

You’ll need to show you can read, write, and speak basic English and that you understand U.S. history and government.

You’ve held a green card for 3 or 5 years

3 years: If you’ve been married to—and living with—a U.S. citizen spouse for the last 3 years, and they’ve been a citizen for that entire time. 5 years: For everyone else, the standard requirement is five years as a permanent resident.

You've Resided in the U.S. Continuously

You must have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years) immediately before filing your naturalization application—and continue to do so until the date of your oath ceremony.

You’ve spent enough time physically in the U.S.

You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (about 913 days) out of the last 5 years—or at least 18 months (about 548 days) out of the last 3 years if you are applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

You’ve demonstrated good moral character

This covers things like honesty, lawful behavior, and responsibility. USCIS will look at your behavior for the past 5 years—or 3 years if applying through marriage.

COMMON ISSUES TO Watch for

Naturalization can seem simple—but many people run into issues with:

  • Continuous residence (too much time abroad)

  • Physical presence (not enough time in the U.S.)

  • Good moral character (past criminal history, false claims, etc.)

At Burgos Law, we help you prepare thoroughly so you’re not caught off guard at your interview—and we’ll work with you to address any risks in your case.

Schedule an Immigration Strategy Session!

WHAT IS ACQUIRED OR DERIVATIVE Citizenship?

Some people don’t need to go through the naturalization process at all—because they already became U.S. citizens automatically through their parents. This can happen in one of two ways: acquisition or derivation from citizenship. They’re similar, but not the same.

Acquired Citizenship happens when you’re born outside the U.S. and one or both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time.
 
Derivative Citizenship happens after you’re born—usually when a parent becomes a U.S. citizen and you meet certain requirements as a child. Thanks to the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, you may have automatically derived U.S. citizenship if all of the following were true on or after February 27, 2001:

  • You had at least one U.S. citizen parent (this includes adoptive parents)

  • You were under 18

  • You had a green card (lawful permanent resident)

  • You were living in the U.S. with your U.S. citizen parent

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

Let’s talk about your situation and what steps are next. Whether you’re applying for naturalization or believe you are already a U.S. citizen through a parent, we’re ready to help. We can also help figure out whether you became a citizen automatically and what documents you’ll need to prove it.

FAQs

Do I need to speak perfect English to pass the naturalization test?

No—only basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills are required. There are also exceptions for age and disability in certain cases.

Extended trips abroad can affect your continuous residence. We’ll help you evaluate whether this will be a problem for your application.

You may apply 90 days before your 3- or 5-year permanent residency requirement is met.

Sometimes. If they meet the requirements under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, they may become citizens automatically.

Possibly. It depends on the nature of the offense. We’ll help you understand your options and whether a waiver or delay is needed.

GRAB OUR free NATURALIZATION checklist

DOWNLOAD