Naturalization and Citizenship

Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship) Lawyer in Gainesville and Athens, GA

I’m Giovanna Holden. I came to the United States at 19 with my parents and siblings, so I know what citizenship through naturalization can mean to a family.

If you have had your green card for a few years, you may be closer to applying than you think. This page walks you through who may qualify and what the process looks like, so you can decide on your next step.

Do you qualify to become a citizen?

In general, you may be able to apply if you:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years
• Have lived in the United States continuously during that time
• Have been physically in the United States for at least half of that time (30 months)
• Can show good moral character
• Can pass the English and civics tests

You may be able to apply after three years instead of five if:

• You are married to a U.S. citizen. You must have been married to and living with your spouse for those three years, and your spouse must have been a citizen for that whole time. You need 18 months of physical presence on this path.
• You got your green card through VAWA because a U.S. citizen spouse or parent abused you. If this is your situation, I can talk it through with you.

You may be able to file up to 90 days before you reach the five-year or three-year mark, as long as you meet the other requirements. There are also exceptions for certain military service and for older applicants who have been permanent residents a long time. USCIS has a naturalization eligibility tool you can try, but it can’t tell you how your travel, taxes, or past records affect your case.

Your travel history matters

Your trips abroad are part of your application, so it helps to count them up early.

• A trip of more than six months but less than a year is presumed to break your continuous residence. You can show that it did not, and I can help you gather that proof.
• A trip of one year or more breaks it.
• Several shorter trips can also raise questions, and they count against the time you must be physically present in the United States

You must show Good Moral Character

USCIS has to find that you had good moral character during the years before you applied (generally five, or three on the marriage and VAWA paths). This includes not having any significant criminal history, past due taxes, past due child support, etc. Since 2025, USCIS looks at the whole picture more closely. If you have any concerns, it is better to speak to a lawyer about them now, before filing, than finding out you have a problem at the interview.

What the process looks like

1. File Form N-400. This is the application for naturalization.
2. Biometrics appointment. USCIS takes your fingerprints, if they do not have them already.
3. Interview and tests. You go to an interview where an officer reviews your application with you and asks about your English and your knowledge of U.S. history and government. If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test. USCIS posts free study materials on its website and there is an app you can download on your phone to help you study. You must get 12 out if 20 questions right.
4. Decision. USCIS approves, denies, or asks for more information. They must make a decision within 120 days of your interview date. f you are denied, you can ask for a hearing, but the deadline is short: 30 days after you receive the decision (33 if it was mailed). Bring me the letter right away
5. Oath ceremony. You attend your Oath Ceremony and become a US Citizen!

Do not forget to apply for your American Passport and register to vote!

Official resources

• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (USCIS)
• USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: study materials, practice tests, and the eligibility tool
• Case Status Online (USCIS)

A good time to talk to me

Reach out before you file if:

• You have taken a trip of six months or more
• You have ever been arrested, cited, or charged, even if the case was dismissed
• You want to check that your taxes are in order
• You are not sure what a past immigration form said
• You have ever voted or registered to vote

Asking questions now can save you time later.

Schedule a consultation

Call 678-865-4444 or use the form below. I see clients in English and Spanish at two offices:

Gainesville: 311 Green Street, Suite 402, Gainesville, GA 30501
Athens: 182 Ben Burton Circle, Athens, GA 30622

This page is general information, not legal advice about your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different.