Do you need a citizenship lawyer? This decision depends on you and your specific situation. However, I should warn you that the naturalization process isn’t always simple. While it’s not impossible, you must meet specific requirements, submit the correct paperwork, and complete several steps. For these reasons, many applicants choose to hire US a citizenship lawyer to guide them through the process.
If you’re reading this, the question “Do I need a lawyer to apply for citizenship?” has been on your mind for days. Maybe you’ve already gone through a complicated immigration process, such as obtaining your green card. Or perhaps you’ve heard stories about citizenship applications that didn’t go as planned.
Here’s the deal: Hiring a lawyer isn’t always required, but it can help. If you meet all USCIS requirements, have all your documents in order, and don’t have a criminal record, you’ll likely be fine applying on your own. But, if your case is more complex or you’re unsure whether you qualify, getting a US citizenship attorney is probably the smartest move.
If you have a criminal record, you should hire a US citizenship lawyer.
This is one of the most sensitive parts of the citizenship process. A criminal record can become a big issue, and if you don’t handle it correctly, it could lead to other immigration problems. So, you have to be extra careful here. The smartest thing you can do is hire a US citizenship attorney to guide you.
Now, let’s say you were arrested or convicted for a minor offense more than five years ago—or more than three years ago if you’re applying through marriage to a US citizen. That might not be a major issue as long as it was minor, like shoplifting, and not violent or repeated.
Either way, you still need to disclose everything to USCIS, even if your record was sealed or expunged. Don’t try to hide anything, USCIS will find it during your biometrics appointment.
If your arrest was more recent, the offense was more serious, or if you’ve had more than one run-in with the law—even if they seem minor—your case got more complicated. USCIS takes a closer look at these situations, and the process can become more difficult.
That’s why hiring a lawyer to help you apply for US citizenship is your best option. An immigration attorney can review your history and give you honest advice about whether you can use it now, need to wait longer, or must clear something up first. They will also ensure you have all the necessary documents to support your application.
And don’t try to guess whether your case is “serious” or not. Immigration law sometimes defines crimes differently than criminal courts do. What might not have seemed like a big deal a few years ago could have serious consequences now. So, when in doubt, let a professional handle it.
Hire a lawyer if you answer “yes” to the “Have you ever…” question on Form N-400.
If you’ve looked through Form N-400, you’ve probably noticed a section with simple “yes or no” questions, which many people call the “Have you ever…” questions. This is Part 9 of the N-400 form, and there are 37 questions. While they may seem simple, don’t take them lightly. These questions are fundamental.
They cover your past, political activities, legal responsibilities, and any issues that could affect your eligibility to become a US citizen.
Such as whether you’ve ever been in trouble with the law, supported communism or anarchy, failed to pay taxes or child support, or committed a crime. In short, USCIS wants to know if you are someone of good moral character who respects the country’s laws.
In most cases, it’s best to answer “No” to these questions, especially the first 30. But, if you have to answer “Yes” to any of them, your application may not be denied, but it could definitely complicate things. Your case may take longer, the USCIS may request additional documentation, and you must explain your situation during your interview.
That’s why it’s smart to hire a citizenship lawyer to help you prepare. A lawyer can explain what to expect, what documents you’ll need, how to build your case, and how to present it during your interview.
Get a US citizenship lawyer if you or your spouse work abroad or have served in the US military.
Here’s something you might not know: The USCIS has special rules that can speed up and simplify the naturalization process for certain people. This includes:
- US government employees working abroad;
- People whose spouses work overseas for official institutions;
- Individuals who are currently serving or have served in the US military.
If any of these apply to you, you may be able to become a US citizen more quickly with fewer requirements. That’s great news, but it also means your case is unique. Like any special case, it comes with specific rules and technical details.
If you’re considering applying under one of these conditions or are unsure whether you qualify, hiring a lawyer to help you apply for citizenship is highly recommended. A good immigration lawyer will be familiar with these special categories, help you gather the necessary documents, and guide you through the application process.
Hire a lawyer if you applied for US citizenship on your own and got denied.
If you applied for citizenship independently and were denied, don’t go through the process alone again.
When USCIS denies an application, it’s not as simple as “try again later.” In most cases, there’s an underlying issue that needs to be resolved first. Perhaps you missed an important document, failed to explain something clearly, or didn’t realize that you weren’t meeting all the requirements.
If you’ve already been denied, don’t risk a second attempt without legal guidance. At this point, hiring a lawyer to help with your citizenship application is almost a must. An attorney can review the denial, determine what went wrong, and help you correct the issue before you reapply.
Every application takes time, money, and effort, so make sure yours is correct before submitting it again. Ensure everything’s right before submitting again, and give yourself the best possible shot.
Summing up…
So, let’s keep it simple. You should definitely consider hiring a citizenship lawyer if you are in one of these situations:
- If you have a criminal record.
- If you answered “Yes” to any of the “Have you ever…” questions on Form N-400 that usually require a “No.”
- If you or your spouse work abroad or have served in the US military.
- If you have applied before and been denied.
In any of these cases, having a professional by your side can make all the difference. A lawyer can guide you through the process, help you resolve any issues, and ensure that everything is in order before you apply.
These aren’t the only reasons to hire a US citizenship attorney, though. It’s totally okay—and often smart—to get help from a professional if you’re not sure you meet all the USCIS requirements, if your case feels confusing, or if you just want peace of mind.