Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney in Houston

Naturalization isn't just paperwork. It's the step that turns years of effort into permanence

You’ve been a permanent resident for years, and now you want your status to reflect the life you’ve built. Naturalization is the legal path to citizenship, and working with a citizenship attorney in Houston makes that path safer.

At the Houston USCIS field office, the N-400 currently takes around 9.5 months to process. A documentation error or a poorly prepared interview can add months to that timeline. We make sure that doesn’t happen.

When can you apply for naturalization? The 5-year rule and the 3-year rule

The first thing we determine is which of the two main paths applies to you. It’s not just a matter of time: each path has specific requirements that must be met before filing the N-400.

5 years as a permanent resident: the standard path

This is the general route for those who obtained their green card through any means other than marriage to a U.S. citizen.

Be at least 18 years old.
Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 continuous years.
Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years.
Have not taken any trips outside the country longer than 6 continuous months during that period.
Demonstrate good moral character.
Pass the USCIS English and civics exam.

Calculating physical presence isn’t intuitive. If there were frequent or extended trips, a single day can mean having to wait additional months to meet the requirement. As your citizenship lawyer, we verify this before recommending when to file.

3 years through marriage to a U.S. citizen: the faster path

This is the most common path among our firm’s clients. It allows you to apply two years earlier than the standard path, but it comes with additional conditions.

Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years.
Have obtained the green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
The marriage must still be valid at the time of filing the N-400.
Have lived in marital union during the 3 years of residence.
Physical presence of at least 18 months out of the last 3 years.
Have resided in the same USCIS state or district for at least 3 months before filing.

If the marriage ended before filing the application, this path does not apply, even if the green card was originally obtained through that marriage. In that case, you must wait to complete the full 5 years. Many people don’t realize this, and it can result in a denial if not properly evaluated.

When a case is close to the threshold between one path and the other, we analyze it to determine which option is best given the timeline and specific circumstances.

From the N-400 to the oath of citizenship, what happens at each stage and what we do

The naturalization process has five stages. At each one, there are points where cases get delayed or denied. Here’s what happens and what we do to keep your case moving.

Stage 1: Preparing and filing the N-400 with USCIS

Form N-400 is the official application for naturalization. It requires detailed information about residence history, employment, travel, marital status, children, and background. Every answer must be consistent with previously filed forms (I-485, I-130, I-751).

An incomplete application triggers an RFE that stops the case for weeks or months. We prepare the complete package with verified documentation before filing.

Stage 2: Biometrics appointment

USCIS schedules an appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification. It’s a quick step in the naturalization process, but there’s an important rule: rescheduling this appointment significantly delays the case because it resets your position in the processing queue. We guide you on what to expect and what to bring so it goes smoothly.

Stage 3: Interview with a USCIS officer

This is the most important stage of the citizenship process. The officer reviews the entire application, verifies answers, evaluates eligibility, and administers the English and civics exam in the same session.

What many applicants don’t expect is that the officer can ask questions about any part of the N-400, including travel, employment history, and marital status. A vague or contradictory answer can raise red flags that complicate the case.

We prepare the applicant before the interview: we review the most likely questions based on the case profile, verify that documents are organized, and make sure the answers are clear and consistent with what was declared on the form.

Stage 4: USCIS decision

After the interview, USCIS can approve the application, deny it, or request additional evidence. If there’s an issue, we act immediately to resolve it within the deadlines.

Stage 5: Oath ceremony

Once the application is approved, USCIS schedules the ceremony where the Oath of Allegiance is taken. That day, the certificate of naturalization is issued. From that moment on, the person is a U.S. citizen with all the rights that entails: voting, sponsoring family members without category restrictions, and the security of a status that cannot be lost due to absence from the country.

If you've been a permanent resident for years and you're ready to take the next step,

Call (281) 606-0800 or fill out the form to have your case evaluated

How our naturalization lawyer handles your case, from first analysis to oath ceremony

Every step is coordinated so there are no gaps in the documentation and no surprises at the interview. When you hire an immigration attorney for citizenship, this is what the process looks like.

1. Consultation: we review the case, calculate whether eligibility has been met (5 years or 3 years), identify potential obstacles, and determine the best time to file.
2. N-400 preparation: complete package with travel, employment, residence, and marital history. Everything verified and consistent with prior forms before filing.
3. Interview preparation: prep session with the most likely questions based on the case profile, document review, and guidance on the English and civics exam.
4. Post-interview follow-up: if USCIS requests additional evidence or there is any issue with the decision, we resolve it within the deadlines.
5. Oath ceremony: we coordinate through the last step of the process.

What you need to know about naturalization before taking the step

What is the difference between citizenship and naturalization?

Citizenship is the legal status. Naturalization is the process to obtain it. A person born in the U.S. is a citizen by birth. A permanent resident who meets the requirements can become a citizen through naturalization, which includes the N-400 form, an interview, and an oath ceremony.

How long does the naturalization process take in Houston in 2026?

The USCIS field office in Houston processes the N-400 in approximately 9.5 months based on the most recent data. Nationally, the range is 6 to 10 months depending on the office. Rescheduling appointments or receiving an RFE can add weeks or months.

Can I apply at 3 years if I am married to a U.S. citizen?

Yes, as long as the green card was obtained through that marriage, the marriage is still valid at the time of filing the N-400, and the physical presence and continuous residence requirements are met. If the marriage ended before filing, you must wait for the full 5 years of permanent residence.

What is Form N-400 and what information does it require?

The N-400 is the official naturalization application filed with USCIS. It requires information about residence history, employment, travel outside the U.S., marital status, children, and background. Every answer must be accurate and consistent with what was declared in prior immigration forms.

What happens at the USCIS naturalization interview?

The USCIS officer reviews the complete application, verifies the N-400 answers, confirms the applicant’s identity, and administers the English exam (reading, writing, and speaking) and civics exam (10 questions about U.S. history and government; at least 6 must be answered correctly).

What happens if I traveled outside the U.S. for more than 6 months?

A trip longer than 6 continuous months can break the continuous residence requirement, meaning the time count could reset. Trips longer than one year generally require a prior reentry permit. Each case depends on the specific circumstances of the trip.

What happens if my citizenship application is denied?

USCIS notifies the reason for the denial. Depending on the reason, there may be options: filing a hearing request (Form N-336) within 30 days, correcting the issue and reapplying, or waiting until the missing requirements are met. We evaluate based on the specific cause.

Do I need a citizenship lawyer to apply for naturalization?

It’s not required, but legal representation prevents errors that can result in denial or significant delays. Inconsistencies between the N-400 and prior forms, incorrect physical presence calculations, or lack of interview preparation are common problems that an immigration lawyer for citizenship identifies before they become an issue.

Can I keep my original citizenship after naturalizing in the U.S.?

The U.S. doesn’t require you to renounce another citizenship to naturalize. However, your country of origin may have its own rules. Some countries allow dual citizenship and others do not. It is important to verify the laws of the country of origin before making the decision.

Can I apply if I do not speak English perfectly?

The exam requires a basic level of English: reading a sentence, writing a sentence, and holding a simple conversation with the officer. Advanced fluency isn’t expected. There are exceptions based on age and length of residence that may waive the English exam requirement. We evaluate each case individually.

What documents are needed to file the N-400?

The main documents include: a copy of the green card, passport, travel history, marriage or divorce certificates if applicable, tax returns for the last 5 years (or 3 if the marriage-based path applies), and any documents previously issued by USCIS in the case. The exact list depends on the individual situation.

How much does the naturalization process cost with USCIS?

The N-400 filing fee with USCIS is $710 (which includes $640 for the application plus $85 for biometrics). Partial or full fee waivers are available for individuals with low income. The USCIS fee is separate from legal representation fees.

IN-DEPTH NO OBLIGATION CASE EVALUATION

The next step toward citizenship

Naturalization is the final step of a journey that started years ago. Contact our office to evaluate your eligibility and define a concrete plan.

Call (281) 606-0800 or email info@shellesimonlaw.com