Talk To A Chicago Immigration Attorney
312-332-2550
Paths to Citizenship
Chicago Citizenship Attorneys
For many immigrants who already have lawful permanent resident status, becoming a full United States citizen is their ultimate goal within the U.S. immigration system. While permanent residents are allowed to live and work in the United States indefinitely, they do not have all the rights of a citizen. For example, they are unable to vote in United States elections and may inadvertently give up their green cards if they leave the country for too long.
There are several paths to citizenship, four of which are detailed below. For specific information regarding your case, call the team of immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today.
Most Common Path to Citizenship
The most common way that an individual can be granted citizenship is by holding a permanent resident card (“green card”) for at least five years. After five years, however, citizenship is not automatic, as you must apply and meet certain eligibility requirements. The following are some examples of the criteria required to be a citizen:
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Have continuously resided in the United States with a green card for the past five years;
- Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five past years of residency;
- Have continuously resided in the same state for at least three months;
- Continue to reside in the U.S. following your application until you granted citizenship;
- Demonstrate the ability to read, speak, and write basic English;
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the United States government and history;
- Demonstrate that you have good moral character; and
- Adhere to the principles of the U.S. constitution.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
If you are married to a United States citizen and have been residing continuously with him or her, you may be eligible for citizenship without having to wait five years. You must only have had a green card for three years to become a citizen as long as you meet all of the other criteria for other green card holders.
Citizenship for Military Members
There are provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) that allow non-citizens who serve in the United States military to obtain citizenship more quickly than non-military members. Individuals who serve during peacetime may apply for citizenship within one year, and those who serve during periods of hostilities may apply for citizenship at any time. There are other eligibility requirements that apply, so it is important for service members to speak with immigration attorneys about applying for citizenship.
Citizenship for the Children of United States Citizens
Individuals can obtain U.S. citizenship through their parents either at birth or prior to the age of 18. Whether or not an individual is eligible for citizenship is based on a number of factors, including:
- Whether one or both parents were a citizen at the time of their birth;
- Whether their United States citizen parents had actually lived in the U.S. or one of its territories;
- Whether the child is residing in the United States; and
- Whether the child’s parents were married at the time of the child’s birth.
For this reason, it is highly advisable for anyone with questions regarding obtaining citizenship through his or her parents to talk to an attorney about his or her options.
Contact a Chicago Immigration Attorney Today to Discuss your U.S. Citizenship Application
Anyone seeking United States citizenship through any path should talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. In many instances, the representation and assistance of an experienced lawyer can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case. To schedule a consultation with a Chicago immigration attorney, call Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today at 312-332-2550.
Meet The Attorneys
What Our Clients Say
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
Schedule A Consultation!
Libertyville
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy