U.S. Citizen / Naturalization

WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services expanded its policy guidance regarding unlawful acts that may prevent an applicant from meeting the good moral character (GMC) requirement for naturalization. The commission of, or conviction or imprisonment for, an unlawful act, during the statutory period for naturalization, may render an applicant ineligible for naturalization should the act be found to adversely reflect on moral character.

Previously, the USCIS Policy Manual did not include extensive information on unlawful acts.
Read more . . .

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.

Read more . . .

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.

Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .

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.
Read more . . .