Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney

Helping Permanent Residents Become U.S. Citizens

After years as a permanent resident, naturalization is what makes you a U.S. citizen, and a complete, well-documented Form N-400 is what keeps your case moving. As your citizenship and naturalization law firm, we prepare your application, guide you through the interview process, and help you avoid mistakes that can cause delays or denials.

Why Choose Serrano Immigration

Experienced Guidance for the Last Step to Citizenship

For many people, citizenship is the end of a long wait and the security of finally belonging here for good. We understand what that means to you.

20+ Years of Immigration Experience
Two decades of naturalization and complex immigration cases.
Personal Understanding
Led by an attorney who has personally experienced the immigration journey.
Good Moral Character
Strategic guidance on organizing the specific character evidence required for your application.
Clear, Bilingual Communication
Straightforward guidance and full support in English and Spanish.

Attorney | Federico B. Serrano

What You Need to Know

What Is Naturalization?

Naturalization is how a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. For most people it begins with Form N-400, filed after meeting the requirements for residence, physical presence, and good moral character.

The steps have not changed, but the scrutiny has. A complete, well-documented application is what keeps your case moving and helps you avoid a Request for Evidence or a denial.

Citizenship Changes What You Can Do

A green card is not the same as citizenship. As a citizen, you can:

Vote in U.S. elections

Petition for more family members

Travel on a U.S. passport

Stay protected from removal

*Members of the U.S. armed forces may qualify under separate, faster rules.

Who May Qualify?

Five-Year Permanent Resident Track

Three-Year Marriage Track

How We Help

Personalized Representation, Not High Volume Processing.

Eligibility Review

We confirm your track, your dates, and your physical presence before you file.

Application Preparation and Filing

We prepare Form N-400, organize your documents, and file your case with USCIS.

Good Moral Character Documentation

We assemble the evidence of good moral character your application needs.

Test and Interview Preparation

We get you ready for the civics and English tests and the interview itself.

Secure Online Process

Upload documents, review forms, and sign paperwork securely from anywhere.

Real Human Support

Get answers from our team when questions come up.

Our Citizenship Services

From the N-400 to the Oath of Allegiance

From a first-time N-400 to derivative citizenship and appeals, we handle the path that fits your case.

Naturalization (Form N-400)

Full preparation and filing for the standard path to citizenship.

Citizenship Through Marriage

The three-year track for spouses of U.S. citizens.

Derivative & Acquired Citizenship

For children who became citizens through a parent, including Form N-600.

Difficult Naturalization Cases

Criminal records, long absences, or tax problems
that require a strategic legal assessment.

Naturalization Denials & Appeals

Request for Evidence responses and Form N-336
hearing requests after a denial.

Replacing Citizenship Documents

Form N-565 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged certificate.

Client Testimonials

Trusted by new U.S. citizens for more than 20 years

After getting my green card, Attorney Serrano also guided me to become a naturalized citizen. He has also helped both my parents become legal residents, and they’ll continue with him when it’s time for them to naturalize. Going through any immigration process is stressful, and having the right person by your side matters—if I had to do it all over again, without a doubt I’d choose Mr. Serrano.

Client – Mannasas Park, VA

Attorney Serrano is very professional and reviews every possibility in detail so the case is a success. Most importantly, he listens to his clients and is willing to fight alongside them for their cases. He was always available when I had a question, and when things got complicated, he never left me alone and fought with me for a positive answer. If someone needs to handle an immigration matter, Attorney Federico Serrano is definitely the right one.

Client – Triangle, VA

Federico Serrano is a great immigration lawyer. He has excellent knowledge of immigration law—efficient, detail-oriented, caring, and extremely professional. I highly recommend his services to anyone facing or in need of immigration assistance. I had a wonderful experience with him throughout my entire process, and I’m truly grateful for all his hard work in helping me become a Permanent Resident in the U.S.

Client – Alexandria, VA

FAQs About Citizenship & Naturalization

Got Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Who is eligible to apply for naturalization?

You must be a lawful permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and meet the residence and physical presence requirements. Most applicants qualify after five years with a green card, with continuous residence and at least 30 months of physical presence in the United States. Spouses of U.S. citizens can often apply after three years, with at least 18 months of physical presence. You must also show good moral character and an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

What is Form N-400, and what documents do I need?

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the form that begins the process. A strong filing includes your green card, your complete travel history, your tax records, and documentation addressing any aspects of your background that USCIS may question. Because USCIS now weighs positive evidence of your character, we also help you review records of your work, family responsibilities, and community ties.

What are the English and civics tests, and who is exempt?

There are two parts: an English test covering reading, writing, and speaking, and a civics test on U.S. history and government. Applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test. You may be exempt from the English or civics tests based on your age and years as a resident. Additionally, applicants with qualifying medical conditions can waive the exams using Form N-648.

What happens at the naturalization interview?

After USCIS reviews your application, you attend an in-person interview at a USCIS office. The officer confirms the answers on your Form N-400, administers the English and civics tests, and asks about your eligibility and background. You may be represented by an attorney with in-person attendance available upon request. In all cases, we thoroughly prepare you in advance so you know what to expect and how to answer clearly.

What are the Oath of Allegiance and the Certificate of Naturalization?

Once your application is approved, the final step is the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You become a U.S. citizen the moment you take the oath, and you receive your Certificate of Naturalization as official proof. From there, you can apply for a U.S. passport and register to vote.

Can my children become U.S. citizens through me?

Often, yes. Many children automatically become citizens when a parent naturalizes, as long as the child is a permanent resident, under 18, and resides in the parent’s physical and legal custody. This is called derivative or acquired citizenship, and you can request a Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600 as proof. We help families confirm whether a child is already a citizen and ensure the documentation is completed correctly.

What are the most common reasons naturalization is denied?

Because every case is unique and must be evaluated individually, the reasons for a denial can vary. Common problems include criminal records, long trips abroad that break continuous residence, unpaid taxes, and missed Request for Evidence deadlines. Some issues can be resolved before filing; others, such as certain inadmissibility grounds, may require a waiver first. If USCIS denies your N-400, you must file a request for a hearing using Form N-336 within 30 days of the denial notice, where a different officer reviews your case.

What has changed in the naturalization process recently?

USCIS has tightened its review. Officers now apply a holistic good moral character standard that weighs your positive contributions, such as work, family, community involvement, and tax compliance, not only the absence of problems. USCIS has also increased its administrative scrutiny, utilizing enhanced verification procedures to review employment and residence histories in some cases. Gathering character evidence before you file now matters more than it used to, and because these rules are still settling, a current review of your situation is the safest first step.

Our Purpose

Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

You have spent years as a permanent resident, and citizenship is the last step. We make it clearer, keep it organized, and prepare your case with the care a final step deserves.