New York N-400 Application for Citizenship Lawyer

Naturalization is the process by which immigrants become citizens of the United States. This step is significant. It provides stability in an uncertain political climate and allows opportunities that others with green cards and visas. For many, this path is a dream. It is a dream that one day they themselves can be proud of being American. The road to naturalization may have been an uncertain one, but worth every moment. Our firm is honored to help clients on the path to citizenship. For a consultation with an experienced New York City Immigration Attorney and assistance with your N-400 Application, contact The Law Offices of Cheryl R. David.

Application for the Form N-400 & Form N-600

The Form N-400 is the “Application for Citizenship,” and the Form N-600 is the “Application for Certificate of Citizenship”, used for a child under 18 years old. These forms are filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security. An experienced attorney can prepare and file these forms for you and assist you in preparing for any necessary citizenship interviews.

Requirements

When filing your N-400 application, you’ll need to provide correct documentation and pay the filing fees. As such, all applicants are required to submit:

• A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card
• Filing Fees: As of 2026, the fee is $710 for online filings, or $760 for paper filings. Biometrics are now included in these fees for all applicants, regardless of age.
• Certified Records: If you have been arrested at any point in your life, you must provide a certified court disposition for each record. Please note that expunged or sealed records must still be disclosed and documented for immigration purposes

Applicants may be required to submit additional documentation as well, depending on the application category.  For example, you may need to gather and attach such documents as:

• Birth certificate
• Birth certificates for children
• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Income tax returns
• Lease agreements
• Pay statements
• Agency printout of child support payments
• Sentencing records
• Probation or parole records
• Crime expungement records

Eligibility and Documentation

In order to be eligible for naturalization through Form N-400, you must generally meet the following criteria:

• Five-Year Rule: Most green card holders can apply for naturalization after five years of legal permanent residence.
• Three-Year Rule: Those who have obtained a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and are still married to that citizen may apply after three years
• Continious Residence: You must have lived in the U.S. continiously and avoided trips abroad lasting longer than 6 months at a time
• Good Moral Character: Includes being up to date on federal tax payments, having an approved IRS payment plan, and meeting Selective Service registration requirements if you lived in the United States between ages 18 to 26.

Benefits of Citizenship

United States citizenship provides unique rights that visa holders and lawful permanent residents do not have. This includes:

• The right to vote in federal and local elections
• The ability to travel with a United States passport
• The right to sponsor additional family members for residency with shorter wait times
• Protection from removal proceedings (deportation)
• Eligibility for employment by the federal government

Contact Our NYC Attorneys for Citizenship

For more information, you can read “A Guide to Naturalization” – Form M-476, which provides detailed information about citizenship eligibility requirements and processing procedures. For a lawyer’s advice about becoming a U.S. citizen, or for help investigating the facts supporting your claim to citizenship, contact us online.