Naturalization: Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers are based on those frequently posed to the Attorneys and staff at Chávez & Associates, P.C., L.L.O. We generously share this information as a courtesy to our clients and the immigrant community.

Should you have questions that are not addressed in this FAQ section, contact us for professional and personalized legal counsel.

Q. How long does it take to process applications for Naturalization?

A. Processing times can vary from one INS office to another. Please check with your local INS office to confirm approximate times for processing applications for Naturalization. For example, the adjudication for Naturalization in the Omaha, Nebraska district are currently taking approximately twelve months.

Q. How do criminal convictions affect my application for Naturalization?

A. If you have criminal convictions on your record, we would advise you to contact us direct your questions to a qualified Immigration Attorney experienced in representing clients on Naturalization applications. You are best advised not to file any application for Naturalization without first conducting a thorough background investigation into any crimes which may exist on your record. Criminal convictions can have severe consequences, including removal from the United States, regardless of the conviction date.

Q. How does the non-payment of Child Support affect my application?

A. If you have an order for Child Support, you are best advised to make sure you are current on your payments before filing for Naturalization. If you are not current on your payments, the INS will consider you a person who lacks good moral character. The INS will inquire, and request proof, of your payment on any child support orders.

Q. How does the failure to file Income Taxes affect my application?

A. Likewise, you are best advised to ensure that you filed all your income taxes since becoming a Lawful Permanent resident, otherwise the INS will consider you a person who lacks good moral character.

Q. If I am unemployed, does this affect my application?

A. No. Employment status will not affect your application for Naturalization, as it does not go to the issue of good moral character.

Q. How much English will I have to know in order to pass the examination?

A. A minimal amount of English is required in order to pass the Naturalization exam.You will be expected to read at least 50% of the actual sentence given by the examiner. Furthermore, you must pass at least six out of the ten questions on the history and government section. Finally, you must write a sentence of which at least 50% is correctly written. The entire examination process will be conducted in the English language without the use of an interpreter.