Knoxville TN Citizen Application Assistance Attorneys

Applying for U.S. citizenship is an important milestone in the immigration journey. For many, it represents the achievement of the “American Dream” after years of living, working, and building a life in the United States. However, the process of naturalization can be complex, and applicants often have questions about eligibility, paperwork, interviews, and potential obstacles.

At Herrera & Still, PLLC, we assist individuals and families in Knoxville and across Tennessee with immigration matters, including citizenship applications. Below is a detailed overview of the naturalization process, the most common mistakes applicants make, and what to expect as you move forward.

Naturalization is the legal process through which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting certain requirements set by U.S. immigration law. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees this process.

Once approved, naturalized citizens gain the same rights as those born in the United States, including the right to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and petition for certain family members to immigrate.

Not everyone is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship immediately. Some of the general requirements include:

• Age: Applicants must usually be at least 18 years old.
   
• Permanent Residency: Most applicants must have been lawful permanent residents (green card holders) for at least 5 years. For those married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is typically 3 years.
   
• Continuous Residence and Physical Presence: Applicants must show they have continuously lived in the U.S. for the required time and spent a certain number of days physically present in the country.
   
• Good Moral Character: Certain criminal convictions or false statements can affect eligibility.
   
• English and Civics Knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the English language and U.S. history and government.
   
• Attachment to the Constitution: Applicants must be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

The process involves several key steps:

1. Submitting Form N-400
    
   • This is the Application for Naturalization. Applicants must carefully complete this form and submit the required filing fee and supporting documents.
      

1. Biometrics Appointment
    
   • After USCIS accepts the application, most applicants are scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where fingerprints, photographs, and signatures are collected.
      

1. USCIS Interview
    
   • A USCIS officer will review the application, ask questions about eligibility, and administer the English and civics tests unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
      

1. Decision
    
   • USCIS will either grant, continue, or deny the application. A continuation often means additional documents are required.
      

1. Oath of Allegiance
    
   • If approved, applicants attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming U.S. citizens.

The citizenship process can be challenging, and many applicants encounter avoidable errors. Some of the most frequent mistakes include:

Form N-400 is lengthy and detailed. Errors such as missing signatures, incomplete answers, or incorrect information can delay the process.

Some applicants mistakenly believe that leaving out past arrests, immigration violations, or travel history will make their application stronger. However, USCIS conducts background checks, and omissions may result in denial.

Applicants must show they have lived in the U.S. continuously and spent enough time physically present. Long trips abroad without proper documentation can break this requirement.

The naturalization exam covers basic U.S. history, government, and the ability to read, write, and speak English. Lack of preparation can cause applicants to fail the test.

Missing documents—such as marriage certificates, tax records, or proof of residency—can slow down or jeopardize the application.

The citizenship interview is one of the most important steps. Here is what applicants should expect:

• Document Review: The officer will go through the N-400 application and verify all information provided.
   
• English Test: Applicants may be asked to read and write simple sentences in English.
   
• Civics Test: Applicants will answer up to 10 questions about U.S. history and government. At least 6 must be answered correctly.
   
• Personal Questions: USCIS may ask about time spent outside the U.S., employment, family, and criminal history.
   

Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s location and USCIS workload. On average, the process can take between 12 to 18 months from filing the application to the oath ceremony. Delays can occur due to:

• Backlogs at USCIS offices
   
• Missing or incomplete documents
   
• Background check delays
   
• Requests for additional evidence (RFEs)

Because the citizenship process is complex, many applicants choose to work with an immigration attorney who can:

• Review eligibility before applying
   
• Help complete and file Form N-400 accurately
   
• Address past criminal or immigration issues
   
• Prepare clients for interviews and exams
   
• Respond to requests for additional evidence
   

At Herrera & Still, PLLC, we help individuals in Knoxville navigate the naturalization process with care and attention to detail. Our firm also handles related immigration matters, including green card renewals, asylum petitions, and deportation defenses.