Citizenship & Naturalization Attorney in Connecticut

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most meaningful steps in the immigration journey. For lawful permanent residents who have met the residency requirements, naturalization unlocks the full rights and protections of citizenship — the right to vote, a U.S. passport, protection from deportation, and the ability to sponsor additional family members.

The application itself is more rigorous than it first appears. Questions about past arrests, tax filings, continuous residence, and moral character can create unexpected complications. I help Connecticut lawful permanent residents navigate naturalization and also handle Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) applications for individuals who may have acquired U.S. citizenship automatically through a parent.

Call (860) 560-8382 or complete the contact form to schedule a consultation.

Naturalization Eligibility — The Basics

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization (Form N-400), you generally must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Meet the continuous residence requirement — generally 5 years as an LPR, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen
• Meet the physical presence requirement — generally at least half of the relevant continuous residence period physically in the United States
• Have resided in the state or USCIS district of application for at least 3 months
• Demonstrate good moral character during the relevant period
• Pass an English language test (reading, writing, and speaking)
• Pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government
• Take an oath of allegiance to the United States

Certain categories — including U.S. military service members, spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad, and a few others — qualify for modified requirements.

Situations That Complicate Naturalization

Many naturalization applications are straightforward. Some are not. Issues that warrant careful handling before filing include:

Past criminal history. Even old arrests, dismissed charges, or expunged records must be disclosed. Some offenses create permanent bars to naturalization; others require a waiting period; others are navigable with proper documentation. Filing without addressing criminal history first is a serious mistake.

Tax issues. Failure to file federal or state income tax returns, or failure to pay taxes owed, can be a good-moral-character issue. Applicants with tax gaps should resolve them before filing.

Child support obligations. Unpaid child support can be a good-moral-character concern.

Extended trips abroad. Absences of 6 months or more can break continuous residence; absences of a year or more almost always do. If you've spent significant time abroad since becoming a permanent resident, we need to analyze continuous residence carefully before filing.

Selective Service registration. Men who were required to register with Selective Service between ages 18-26 and failed to do so can face naturalization issues.

Prior immigration misrepresentations. Past inconsistencies in immigration applications can create problems, especially where USCIS discovers them during the naturalization review.

Current scrutiny and vetting. USCIS currently applies enhanced review to naturalization applications, including social media screening in some cases. Applications are denied or delayed at rates higher than in prior years. A well-prepared, thoroughly documented application matters more than ever.

When I work with a client, we address these issues before filing — not after a Request for Evidence or a denial arrives.

The N-400 Process

A typical N-400 case involves:

1. Eligibility review — We confirm you meet residency, physical presence, and good moral character requirements
2. Documentation gathering — Tax transcripts, travel history, criminal records where applicable, supporting documents
3. Application preparation and filing — Form N-400 with USCIS, supporting evidence, filing fee
4. Biometrics appointment — Fingerprints, photograph, and signature at a USCIS Application Support Center
5. Interview preparation — We prepare you thoroughly for the interview, including the English test, civics test, and a review of your application
6. Naturalization interview — At a USCIS field office, with an Immigration Services Officer
7. Oath ceremony — If approved, you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization

Current processing times vary by USCIS field office but typically run 10-16 months from filing to oath ceremony.

Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)

Some individuals are U.S. citizens without ever going through naturalization — they acquired citizenship automatically through a parent. Form N-600 is the application for a Certificate of Citizenship, which provides official documentation of this status.

You may qualify for a Certificate of Citizenship if, for example:

• You were born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) and meet the relevant physical presence requirements
• You became a U.S. citizen automatically as a child when a parent naturalized, provided you met specific age, residency, and custody requirements
• You were adopted by a U.S. citizen parent and acquired citizenship through the adoption

Derivative citizenship rules are technical and have changed over the years — what qualifies depends on the date of birth, the parents' immigration history, and specific facts about physical presence and legal custody. I help clients analyze whether they qualify and, if so, prepare the N-600 application.

A Certificate of Citizenship is different from a U.S. passport; both are forms of citizenship documentation, but the Certificate provides formal proof of the underlying citizenship claim.

How I Work With Naturalization Clients

A typical naturalization engagement:

1. Initial consultation — We review your immigration history, travel history, any issues that need addressing, and confirm eligibility
2. Pre-filing issue resolution — If criminal, tax, or other issues exist, we address them before filing
3. Application preparation — Form N-400, supporting documentation, and filing
4. Biometrics and interview preparation — Including English and civics test preparation for clients who need it
5. Interview representation — I attend the naturalization interview with you where permitted
6. Oath ceremony follow-through — Ensuring you receive your Certificate of Naturalization and, if needed, applying for a U.S. passport afterward

Schedule a Consultation

If you're a Connecticut lawful permanent resident considering naturalization, or you believe you may have acquired U.S. citizenship through a parent and need a Certificate of Citizenship, let's talk. Call (860) 560-8382 or complete the contact form to schedule a consultation.

Law Office of Aakash Sharma, LLC 750 Main Street, Suite 100 Hartford, CT 06103 (860) 560-8382 [email protected]

Aakash Sharma is admitted to practice in Connecticut. This page is attorney advertising. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently; this page reflects information current as of April 2026. Submitting a contact form does not create an attorney-client relationship.