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Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer in Utah
Naturalization Help from Attorney Linh Tran-Layton
Becoming a U.S. citizen is an important milestone, but the process involves more than just meeting the basic eligibility requirements.
Before applying, it’s important to understand how your entire immigration history may be reviewed.
At Green Immigration, we help clients prepare for naturalization with a thoughtful and thorough approach.
What Is Naturalization?
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you may:
Vote in U.S. elections
Apply for a U.S. passport
Petition for additional family members
No longer need to maintain permanent residence in the U.S. This means that if you choose to live in another country for the rest of your life, you can still remain a U.S. citizen
Basic Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Most applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have held a green card for 3 or 5 years (depending on how you received your green card)
- Meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- Demonstrate good moral character
- Pass English and civics tests (with some exceptions)
If you received your green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of being a green card holder, provided you and your spouse are still married and living together. For most other green card holders, they must wait five years before applying for citizenship.
Exceptions to the English and Civics Test
Some applicants may qualify for exceptions or accommodations when it comes to the English and civics test requirements.
Age and Residency Exceptions
You may be able to take the civics test in your native language (with an interpreter) if you meet one of the following:
- 50/20 Rule: You are 50 years or older and have had a green card for at least 20 years
- 55/15 Rule: You are 55 years or older and have had a green card for at least 15 years
If you qualify, you will still take the civics test, but you can do so in your native language through an interpreter. You must bring your own interpreter to the interview, as USCIS will not provide one for you. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
Simplified Civics Test (65/20 Rule)
If you are:
- 65 years or older, and
- Have had a green card for at least 20 years
You will be given a simplified civics test, with fewer questions to study.
Medical Disability Exception (Form N-648)
Some applicants may qualify for a full exemption from both the English and civics tests if they have a qualifying medical condition.
To request this exception:
- A licensed medical professional must complete Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions)
Proper documentation is important in these cases, and not all conditions will qualify.
Where Your Citizenship Case Started
Your path to citizenship depends on how you got your green card. These pages cover each path:
- Through marriage to a U.S. citizen: marriage green cards
- Through a family petition: family-based green cards
- Through adjustment of status inside the U.S.: adjustment of status
- After an immigration waiver: immigration waivers
Why Careful Review Matters Before Applying
At this stage, USCIS will review your immigration history again to make sure you were initially eligible for a green card and that you are currently eligible for U.S. citizenship. This can include:
- How you originally entered the U.S.
- Prior applications and/or petitions
- Ensuring that you were initially eligible for your green card
- Travel history
- Any past inconsistencies or errors
- Criminal issues
In some cases, applying too early or without proper review can create unnecessary complications.
Common Issues in Naturalization Cases
Some situations may require additional analysis before applying:
- Extended trips outside the U.S.
- Prior immigration violations or overstays
- Past criminal history (even minor issues)
- Prior filings that may contain inconsistencies
These do not always prevent approval, but these issues still need to be considered.
Long Trips Abroad and Your Citizenship Timeline
In this video, Linh explains how one long trip outside the U.S. can push back the date you are able to apply for citizenship.
How We Help with Naturalization
We assist clients with:
- Reviewing eligibility before filing
- Identifying potential risks
- Preparing and filing the N-400 application
- Preparing for the naturalization interview
- Addressing issues if they arise during the process
Common Questions About Citizenship
When can I apply?
Most green card holders can apply after 5 years, or after 3 years if they are married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse. USCIS accepts applications up to 90 days before you reach that date.
What happens at the naturalization interview?
A USCIS officer will conduct the interview in English, administer the civics test, and will go over your naturalization application with you. Some applicants may qualify for an English language exemption, and/or an exemption from the civics test, or a simplified version of the civics test. For most Utah applicants the interview is at the USCIS Salt Lake City office. We help you prepare.
How long does it take?
It depends on your local USCIS office and changes often. See our update on USCIS processing times.
I spent a lot of time outside the U.S. Can I still apply?
Long trips can affect the continuous residence requirement. A trip of 6 months or more raises a presumption that it was broken, and a trip of more than a year breaks it. Talk to an attorney before you file.
I don’t live in Utah. Can you help?
Yes. Linh meets clients by Zoom or phone anywhere in the U.S. and abroad, and consultations are available in English and Spanish.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Many naturalization applications are straightforward, but some are not as simple as they appear.
Taking the time to review your case before applying can help you move forward with clarity and avoid delays.
We work with families across the Salt Lake Valley, including West Valley City and Kearns. Meet with Linh in person in South Jordan, by phone or on Zoom.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship, we can help you determine whether now is the right time and guide you through the process.
