U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal for most lawful permanent residents — providing voting rights, U.S. passport, protection from removal, ability to sponsor more family members, and full participation in American civic life. The Law Offices of Keshab Raj Seadie, P.C. handles naturalization, derivative citizenship, and citizenship documentation across all pathways.
| PROGRAMS COVERED IN THIS CATEGORY | |
|---|---|
| N-400 Naturalization (5-Year Rule) | |
| N-400 Naturalization (3-Year Marriage Rule) | |
| Military Naturalization (N-426) | |
| N-600 Certificate of Citizenship | |
| N-565 Replacement Certificate | |
| Derivative Citizenship | |
FORMS: Form N-400
The N-400 application is the standard naturalization process for lawful permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency. Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, knowledge of English and U.S. civics, and attachment to the Constitution.
Lawful Permanent Resident for at least 5 years; continuous residence in U.S. during 5-year period; physical presence at least 30 months (913 days) of 5 years; physical presence in state/USCIS district at least 3 months; good moral character (typically reviewed for 5-year statutory period); English proficiency (with age/disability exemptions); U.S. civics knowledge (with age exemptions); attachment to U.S. Constitution; and willingness to take Oath of Allegiance.
Step 1: File Form N-400. Step 2: Biometrics appointment. Step 3: Naturalization interview at USCIS field office (English test, civics test, application review). Step 4: Oath ceremony — typically same-day or scheduled for later date.
Required: green card; passport; selective service registration evidence (males 18–25); tax returns (typically 5 years); travel records; criminal disclosures with court records; child support compliance; and supporting documents per individual circumstances.
N-400 filing fee; biometrics fee; (some applicants qualify for fee waiver or reduction).
Currently 8–14 months processing nationwide.
We handle thousands of N-400 cases including: criminal history complications, taxation issues, extended absences from U.S., good moral character challenges, and complex multi-spouse households. We prepare clients comprehensively for the naturalization interview.
If you’ve been a green card holder for 5 years (or close to it), citizenship offers permanent benefits and protections. Contact us to begin your naturalization journey.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
FORMS: Form N-400
Spouses of U.S. citizens may naturalize after only 3 years of permanent residency (vs. 5 years standard) if they meet additional requirements regarding marriage and shared residence. This accelerated path significantly speeds citizenship for marriage-based green card holders.
LPR for at least 3 years; married to U.S. citizen for those 3 years; living in marital union with U.S. citizen spouse during entire 3-year period; spouse is U.S. citizen for entire 3-year period; physical presence at least 18 months of 3 years; continuous residence; good moral character; English; civics; and other standard requirements.
Same N-400 process as 5-year rule, with marriage-based eligibility documentation.
Marriage certificate; spouse’s U.S. citizenship evidence (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, U.S. passport); evidence of continued marital union (joint accounts, shared residence, children, etc.); plus standard N-400 documentation.
Standard N-400 fees.
8–14 months.
We handle marriage-based naturalization including complex bona fide marriage situations, post-divorce cases (3-year period must include marriage to U.S. citizen), and battered spouse VAWA-based 3-year cases.
If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you’ve been married 3+ years, you may already qualify for citizenship. Contact us to evaluate.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
FORMS: Form N-400, Form N-426 (military service certification)
U.S. military service members may have expedited naturalization rights — including waiver of normal residence and physical presence requirements (Section 329 wartime service) and reduced 1-year service requirement (Section 328 peacetime). Military naturalization can occur during basic training, deployment, or post-service.
Qualifying military service in U.S. armed forces (active duty, reserves, or national guard); honorable service; meet good moral character; English; civics; and constitutional attachment requirements (with some exemptions).
File N-400 with N-426 military service certification. Naturalization may occur on military bases or at standard USCIS facilities.
N-426 from military command; service records; standard N-400 supporting documentation.
Generally no fees for military naturalization.
Often expedited for active duty service members.
We handle military naturalization for active duty members, reservists, and veterans, including post-service naturalization and addressing service-related complications.
If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you’ve been married 3+ years, you may already qualify for citizenship. Contact us to evaluate.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
FORMS: Form N-600
Form N-600 is for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship automatically — typically children of U.S. citizen parents who became citizens before age 18 through a parent’s naturalization, or those born abroad to U.S. citizen parents. The N-600 produces a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of status.
Acquired citizenship at birth (born abroad to U.S. citizen parent meeting transmission requirements); OR derived citizenship before age 18 (one parent naturalized while child was a permanent resident under 18 in parent’s custody — Child Citizenship Act of 2000).
File Form N-600 with documentation of parent’s citizenship, child’s permanent residency (for derived), and meeting requirements.
Birth certificate; parent’s evidence of U.S. citizenship; child’s green card if derivative; physical presence/residence evidence as applicable.
N-600 filing fee.
Processing 6–18 months.
We assist clients establishing claims to citizenship through complex transmission rules (varying by year of birth) and CCA derivative claims.
If you may have already acquired or derived U.S. citizenship without realizing it, contact us to evaluate your status.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
FORMS: Form N-565
Form N-565 replaces lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed naturalization or citizenship certificates. It is also used to amend certificates with name changes, gender corrections, or other modifications.
Form N-565 replaces lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed naturalization or citizenship certificates. It is also used to amend certificates with name changes, gender corrections, or other modifications.
File Form N-565 with affidavit explaining loss/damage and supporting documentation.
Identity documents; prior certificate documentation if available; supporting affidavits; and amendment documentation if applicable.
N-565 filing fee.
6–18 months processing.
We assist with replacement and amendment filings, including complex name change documentation.
If you’ve lost your certificate or need amendments, contact us for N-565 filing.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
FORMS: Form N-600
Derivative citizenship occurs when a person becomes a U.S. citizen through a parent’s naturalization, typically before age 18. The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 simplified rules: children automatically acquire citizenship if (1) at least one parent is U.S. citizen; (2) child is under 18; (3) child is permanent resident; (4) child resides in U.S. in legal/physical custody of citizen parent.
Meeting all CCA criteria for events occurring on/after February 27, 2001. For events before that date, prior law (INA 320/321) applies — more complex requirements.
File N-600 to establish and document citizenship; can also be established through U.S. passport application.
Birth certificate; parent’s naturalization or citizenship evidence; permanent residency documentation; parent’s custody documentation; and physical presence in U.S. during qualifying period.
N-600 fee or U.S. passport fee.
N-600: 6–18 months; passport application: 6–8 weeks.
We resolve complex derivative citizenship cases including pre-CCA issues, divorce/custody complications, and stepparent scenarios.
If you became a permanent resident as a child while a parent was a U.S. citizen (or naturalized while you were under 18), you may already be a U.S. citizen. Contact us for analysis.
Call: 212-571-6002 | WhatsApp Available |GreenCardMaker.com
