U.S. Citizen / Naturalization

If you are a U.S. citizen and you wish to bring your foreign spouse to the U.S. permanently, be aware that you have options.

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How long should it take for the USCIS to process my adjustment of status application?

If you are seeking a visa to come to the U.S. to work, study, or perform, one of your top concerns will likely be how long it will take for your application to be processed.  The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is tasked with processing the majority of visa applications.  Average processing times depend upon statistics for the year, how complete your application is, and any external factors.  Our New York immigration lawyers at NPZ Law Group, P.C. discuss what processing times you should expect if you are seeking a visa and how the government shutdown could impact your visa below.

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On Oct. 1, USCIS began using digital tablets to administer the English reading and writing tests during naturalization interviews as part of the agency’s ongoing business modernization efforts.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began issuing redesigned Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization, following a successful pilot in four USCIS field offices and one service center. The redesign of these eight certificates is one of the many ways USCIS is working to combat fraud and safeguard the legal immigration system.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document, and Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA), can be filed online.
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Applicants can file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization online through their USCIS online account. When they use the interactive Form N-400, applicants will see questions, alerts, and notifications specific to the answers they provide while completing the form.
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Starting December 23, 2016, applicants must use only the 12/23/16 edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. USCIS will reject earlier versions of the form after that date. Applications postmarked or filed on or after Dec. 23 must also include the new fees or USCIS will not be able to accept them.
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Most Americans take it for granted that marriage to a U.S. citizen and other family relationships entitle an immigrant to permanent residence (a green card), but there are barriers that often prevent or delay these family members from becoming lawful permanent residents, even if they are already in the United States. Among these barriers are the “three- and ten-year bars,” provisions of the law which prohibit applicants from returning to the United States if they depart after having previously been in the country illegally.
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USCIS recently issued a new policy (PA-2014-009) clarifying the definition of "mother" and "parent" under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to include gestational mothers using assisted reproductive technology regardless of whether they are the genetic mothers. USCIS and the Department of State (DOS), who exercise authority over these issues, collaborated in the development of this policy.
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As part of an initiative to improve existing Forms, the USCIS responded favorably to suggestions received from the general public. The result is a recent revision of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The revised Form N-400 provides USCIS with additional tools to make important eligibility determinations, present customers with clearer instructions, and incorporate technology that improves efficiency and accuracy for both USCIS and its customers.
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Several years ago, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the release of revised Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, for those seeking an exception from the English and civics requirements for naturalization because of disabilities. Immigration law requires that individuals applying for Naturalization/Citizenship must exhibit proficiency of U.S. civics and the English language. Individuals, who have disabilities or impairments, may seek exceptions from either or both of these requirements. Applicants, who ask for such an exception, must file Form N-648.
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