Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney

Helping Permanent Residents Become U.S. Citizens

After years as a permanent resident, citizenship can give you security, opportunity, and a stronger future in the United States. We help prepare your naturalization application, organize key documents, and avoid mistakes that may cause delays, RFEs, or denials.

Why Choose Serrano Immigration

Experienced Guidance for the Final Step to Citizenship

For many people, citizenship is the final step after years of hard work, waiting, and building a life in the United States. We help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

20+ Years of Immigration Experience
Focused guidance in naturalization, citizenship, and complex immigration matters.
Personal Understanding
Led by an attorney who personally understands the immigration journey.
Good Moral Character
Strategic guidance on organizing the character evidence your application may require.
Clear, Bilingual Communication
Straightforward guidance and bilingual support in English and Spanish.

Attorney | Federico B. Serrano

What You Need to Know

What Is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process that allows a lawful permanent resident to become a U.S. citizen. Most applicants apply by filing Form N-400 after meeting requirements for residence, physical presence, good moral character, English, and civics.

The steps may seem simple, but USCIS reviews your full immigration history, travel, taxes, criminal record, and eligibility. A complete, well-prepared application can help reduce the risk of delays, Requests for Evidence, or denial.

Citizenship Changes What You Can Do

A green card gives you permanent residence. U.S. citizenship gives you additional rights, protections, and opportunities.

As a citizen, you may be able to:

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 review your green card history, travel dates, residence, taxes, and eligibility before you file.

Application Preparation and Filing

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

Good Moral Character Documentation

We assess the evidence of good moral character your naturalization application may require.

Test and Interview Preparation

We help you understand what to expect during the English test, civics test, and USCIS interview.

Secure Online Process

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

Real Human Support

Get answers from our team when questions or concerns come up during the process.

Our Citizenship Services

From the N-400 to the Oath of Allegiance

From a first-time N-400 application to complex citizenship issues, test concerns, interview preparation, and appeals, we help you move forward with a clear legal strategy.

Naturalization (Form N-400)

Full preparation and filing for the standard path to U.S. citizenship.

Citizenship Through Marriage

Naturalization guidance for spouses of U.S. citizens
applying under the three-year track.

Derivative & Acquired Citizenship

Citizenship cases for people who may already be U.S. citizens
through a parent, including Form N-600.

Difficult Naturalization Cases

Guidance for cases involving criminal records,
long absences, tax issues, or prior immigration problems.

Naturalization Denials & Appeals

Help with Requests for Evidence, denials,
and Form N-336 hearing requests.

Replacing Citizenship Documents

Help replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Certificate of
Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

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 final step. We help you confirm eligibility, prepare your application, and approach your interview with confidence.