Citizenship & Naturalization
Citizenship & Naturalization
Immigration Lawyer
Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer in Fairfax, VA
Representation in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Northern Virginia, & Nationwide
Citizenship is the goal and dream of many immigrants in the U.S. Becoming a U.S. citizen provides many benefits, not least of which are protection from potential deportation. The USCIS offers guidance for immigrants on the qualification for “naturalization,” which is the path to becoming a citizen.
These qualifications can be vague and often lead people into pitfalls wherein their application is denied, and they lose their fees. At Mughal Law Firm, Attorney Mughal has many years of experience handling citizenship and other immigration cases with various complexities.
Our team is passionate about helping clients achieve positive results in these cases and joining the thousands of immigrants who are now proud citizens of this country.
Consult with our Fairfax naturalization and citizenship attorney by email online or at (703) 520-7571.
Citizenship & Naturalization Lawyer in Alexandria, VA
Representation in Fairfax County, Arlington County, Northern Virginia, & Nationwide
Citizenship is the goal and dream of many immigrants in the U.S. Becoming a U.S. citizen provides many benefits, not least of which are protection from potential deportation. The USCIS offers guidance for immigrants on the qualification for “naturalization,” which is the path to becoming a citizen.
These qualifications can be vague and often lead people into pitfalls wherein their application is denied, and they lose their fees. At Mughal Law Firm, Attorney Mughal has many years of experience handling citizenship and other immigration cases with various complexities.
Our team is passionate about helping clients achieve positive results in these cases and joining the thousands of immigrants who are now proud citizens of this country.
Consult with our Alexandria naturalization and citizenship attorney by email online or at 703-672-2165. ¡Hablamos Español!
Immigration Lawyer
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At Mughal Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
"Forever Grateful"
He listened to my concerns & explained every outcome. He is a driven, hard-working, experienced attorney, and I recommend his services to anyone who seeks to reconcile their business.
- Quanika T.
"Knows His Stuff"
If anyone needs corrections or amendments done to their long-form birth certificates, Mr. Mughal and his office are the only ones in Northern VA that know their stuff!
- Tammy T.
"Professional & Courteous"
Mughal Law Firm provided good service in helping my spouse’s Civil. They provided on-time communication, reasonable professional fees, and assured our success.
- R.L.
What You Need To Apply For Citizenship
To be eligible to complete a U.S. citizenship application, which includes N-400, Application for Naturalization, you must fulfill several requirements.
These requirements include:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 when filing the N-400 application.
- Lawful Permanent Resident status: Applicants must have been lawfully admitted to the U. S. for permanent residence and must have held such status for at least five years before applying. For spouses of U.S. citizens, this requirement is reduced to three years if the applicant has been living in a marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time.
- Continuous residence: Applicants must have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before applying. For spouses of U.S. citizens, this period is reduced to three years. Absences from the U.S. of more than six months but less than one year may disrupt this continuous residence unless the applicant can provide evidence to establish that they did not abandon their permanent resident status.
- Physical presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years (or 18 months out of the three years for spouses of U.S. citizens) immediately preceding the application.
- Residence in a particular USCIS district or state: Applicants must have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed.
- Good moral character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character for five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens) before applying and up to the time of naturalization. Certain criminal offenses may impact this requirement.
- English language proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including an ability to read, write, and speak basic English (there are exceptions based on age and disability).
- Knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics): Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and the principles and form of the U.S. government.
- Attachment to the Constitution: Applicants must be willing to support and defend the United States and its Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This entails taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
- Selective Service registration: Male applicants who lived in the U. S. between the ages of 18 and 26 must have registered with the Selective Service System or have a valid exemption.
Helping Unite Families Since 2013
Helping Unite Families Since 2013
Why Choose Mughal Law Firm?
Client Centered Approach
Our solutions are tailored to your specific objectives and needs.
Virtual Consultation Available
Meet with our Civil lawyers during a virtual consultation!
Providing Service in Spanish
Civil help provided by a Spanish-speaking team.
We Only Handle Civil
We're exclusively focused on handling Civil cases.
Good Moral Character
Good moral character is a vague requirement that can mean what your USCIS officer wants it to mean. Before 2016, it meant that you had no crime of moral turpitude, such as a drug possession charge, a fraud charge, or an aggravated felony.
Now, it means any unlawful act. This could be a traffic ticket or a dismissed charge. If you have any record whatsoever, speak with our attorney. USCIS officers have discretion in the adjudication process but with limits.
Any information you provide that reflects negatively on you can be a problem. USCIS can and will hold this against you. Proving good moral character is complex and requires the proper evidence to mitigate unlawful acts and show that you contribute positively to your community.
Additional Requirement: Good Immigration History
A good immigration history is another new requirement. USCIS has recently examined applicants’ entries and exits from the U.S. with a magnifying glass. For example, if you lied about your marital status to get an immigration benefit, USCIS will deny your application and may put you in deportation proceedings. If this occurs, you will need our attorney’s help with an appeal in the federal courts.
Additional Requirement: Good Immigration History
The numerous advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen include:
- Voting rights: Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, offering a voice in the democratic process and decisions that affect the nation’s future.
- Passports and travel: U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport, allowing for easier travel and assistance from the U.S. government abroad.
- Family reunification: Citizens can sponsor relatives for green cards, including parents, spouses, and children, with a faster processing time than for non-citizens.
- Federal employment: U.S. citizenship is a requirement for many federal government jobs, providing access to a wide range of employment opportunities.
- Protection from deportation: Citizens are not subject to removal proceedings, except in cases involving fraud in the naturalization process.
- Federal benefits: Citizenship opens the door to various governmental assistance programs, including Social Security benefits and federal college assistance.
Discuss your concerns and needs with our Fairfax citizenship attorney by reaching us on our contact form or by calling 703-672-2165.
Common Cost Schedule for Citizenship Application
The citizenship application process involves several fees, which are subject to change but generally include:
- N-400 application fee: Approximately $640 (Check the USCIS website for the most current fee schedule).
- Biometrics fee: Approximately $85 for fingerprinting and photo services.
- Optional legal representation fees: This can vary based on the complexity of the case and the level of service required. Mughal Law Firm firm offers competitive rates and comprehensive services for each stage of the application process.
Preparing for the Naturalization Interview & Test
The naturalization interview and test are crucial components of the citizenship process.
Our firm provides extensive preparation assistance, including:
- Interview preparation: Guidance on what to expect during the interview, reviewing your application, and preparing for questions about your background, application, and character.
- Civics test preparation: Study materials and practice tests to prepare for the U.S. history and government questions.
- English test preparation: Resources to help improve your reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English, tailored to the examination’s requirements.
- Mock interviews: These are conducted by experienced attorneys to simulate the interview environment, helping clients become comfortable with the process and improving their confidence.
Navigating the path to U.S. citizenship is a complex and often challenging process. With our representation, you can rest assured that you are well-prepared and supported throughout the process. We aim to make the dream of U.S. citizenship a reality for each individual we serve, providing peace of mind and a foundation for a prosperous future in the U.S.
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Mughal Law Firm's Blog

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