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U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

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

U.S. CITIZENSHIP & NATURALIZATION SERVICES At Burgos Law

U.S. Citizenship is the final step for many immigrants seeking to make the United States their permanent home. Burgos Law helps clients understand citizenship requirements, navigate the application process, and address potential complications.

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

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WHAT IS U.S. CITIZENSHIP and 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.

Our U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization services help lawful permanent residents understand the requirements and prepare for the naturalization process.

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.)

Understanding the requirements for U.S. Citizenship is an important part of preparing for the application process.

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.

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U.S. Citizenship legal services

ACQUIRED OR DERIVATIVE U.S. 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.

Burgos Law can help you determine whether you may qualify for U.S. Citizenship and guide you through the next steps. 

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.

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