Citizenship & Naturalization Navigating Immigration with Precision & Integrity

Citizenship Lawyer in Greensboro

Guiding Greensboro Families to Citizenship Since 2018, With Attorneys Who Know This Journey Personally

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most significant steps in an immigrant’s life, and the naturalization process requires careful preparation at every stage. At Burgos Law, we’ve guided clients in Greensboro and Guilford County through citizenship cases since 2018 as an immigration-only, Latina-led firm. Many of our attorneys and staff have navigated the U.S. immigration system personally or through their families, which means we understand this process from the inside, not just from law books.

We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish and handle citizenship and naturalization alongside family-based immigration, green cards, deportation defense, and other immigration matters. Whether you’re ready to file or still weighing your options, in-person and virtual consultations are available.

To speak with a caring citizenship and naturalization lawyer in Greensboro, call (336) 739-5166 or contact Burgos Law online. Se habla español.

The Naturalization Process: Steps & Eligibility

If you are a foreign citizen who wasn’t born in the U.S. and don’t qualify for citizenship through your parents, you can become a citizen through naturalization. The process can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on USCIS processing volume and whether any issues arise in your case.

Who Is Eligible for Naturalization?

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you must generally meet the following requirements:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a green card (lawful permanent resident status) for at least five years, or three years if you have been living in marital union with a U.S. citizen spouse who has been a citizen throughout that period
  • Have continuously resided in the U.S. for five years before filing (or three years under the marriage track), with physical presence for at least 30 months of the five-year period or 18 months of the three-year period
  • Have lived in the state or USCIS district where you’re filing for at least three months before submitting your application
  • Demonstrate good moral character
  • Pass an English and civics test, unless you qualify for an exemption based on age, disability, or medical condition

Special naturalization provisions apply to current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their eligible family members, including expedited processing in some cases.

Citizenship opens rights that permanent residents don’t have: voting in federal elections, traveling on a U.S. passport, petitioning to bring family members to the United States, and eligibility for federal employment. For many of our clients, it also represents a deeply personal milestone after years of building a life here.

Navigating the Naturalization Process

The naturalization process follows these key steps:

  • Confirm your eligibility before beginning, including continuous residence and physical presence requirements
  • Complete and submit Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, online or by mail
  • Attend a biometrics appointment where USCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature
  • Attend the USCIS interview, where an officer reviews your N-400, verifies your identity, and administers the English and civics tests for most applicants
  • Take the English and civics tests, which assess U.S. history and government knowledge and basic English reading, writing, and speaking ability
  • Receive a decision on your application from USCIS after completing all required steps
  • Attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony if approved, at which point you officially become a U.S. citizen

We help clients prepare for each of these steps: gathering and organizing documents, completing Form N-400 accurately, and preparing for the USCIS interview and tests. When complications arise, whether in communication with USCIS or in legal proceedings, we step in to protect our clients’ interests.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Burgos Law at (336) 739-5166 or reach us online to schedule your consultation.

What sets us apart from the rest?

A Client-Focused Approach to Immigration
  • Clarity & Transparency in Every Step
    We believe immigration law should be clear, not confusing. Our team provides straightforward guidance, realistic expectations, and open communication, so you always know where you stand.
  • Legal Strategies for Professionals & Businesses

    We understand the unique immigration needs of executives, professionals, and businesses. Our firm offers tailored solutions designed to support career growth, corporate mobility, and business success.

  • Culturally Aware & Spanish-Speaking Support
    As a Latina-led firm, we understand the immigrant experience firsthand. We offer bilingual services in Spanish and English, ensuring accessibility, clear communication, and a welcoming experience for all clients.
  • Ethical, Client-Focused Advocacy
    Your immigration journey deserves more than legal representation—it deserves a trusted partner. We approach every case with integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Why Work with a Greensboro Citizenship Attorney at Burgos Law?

Immigration is the only area of law we practice. That means our team stays current with every procedural and policy change affecting naturalization cases, including USCIS rule changes that alter how interviews are conducted and applications are reviewed. That focus matters when the rules shift and timelines tighten.

In-Person Interview Representation

As of May 18, 2026, USCIS requires attorneys to be physically present at naturalization interviews at field offices. Remote phone participation is no longer permitted except in narrow circumstances. Having an attorney who attends in person is now a material factor when choosing representation, and our team can be there with you.

A Team That Understands the Process Firsthand

Our firm is Latina-led and bilingual in English and Spanish, removing language barriers at every stage of the process. Many of our attorneys and staff are immigrants or children of immigrants who have gone through the U.S. immigration system themselves. That firsthand understanding shapes how we explain the process, anticipate concerns, and respond when clients feel uncertain.

Clients who work with us benefit from:

  • Immigration-only focus that keeps our team current on USCIS policy and procedural changes
  • In-person interview representation at USCIS field offices serving Greensboro and Guilford County
  • Bilingual services in English and Spanish throughout the entire case
  • Consistent, clear communication on deadlines, next steps, and any USCIS requests
  • Fair, transparent fees with no hidden costs
  • In-person and virtual consultations for clients throughout the Greensboro area and surrounding communities

Client reviews consistently describe feeling supported, informed, and confident throughout the process. We aim to be more than legal representatives: a steady guide through one of the most meaningful steps in an immigrant’s life. To learn more about our team and the backgrounds that bring depth to our work, visit our team page.

Contact Us for Your Consultation

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  • 10/10 would recommend this firm to anyone. They actually care about their clients and are honest.
    - Michael H.
  • The team was professional and responsive, always kept me informed, and made me feel comfortable.
    - Maria G.
  • I cannot recommend Burgos Law enough! From the very beginning, they were professional, attentive, and truly compassionate about my situation.
    - Maria S.

    Common Legal Challenges in Naturalization

    Naturalization can be complex, and even applicants who appear eligible can encounter setbacks. The most common challenges we help Greensboro-area clients navigate include:

    • Continuous residence and physical presence gaps caused by extended international travel, which can jeopardize eligibility and require careful documentation or strategic timing of the application
    • Criminal history and good moral character concerns, including certain misdemeanors that must be disclosed and evaluated before filing
    • Application errors and omissions on Form N-400, among the most common triggers for USCIS delays and Requests for Evidence
    • Document procurement for key records such as green cards, birth certificates, and civil documents needed to support the application
    • USCIS processing delays and the uncertainty of waiting for a decision, especially when balancing work, family, and daily responsibilities in Greensboro and the surrounding area

    We assess eligibility issues before filing, review applications for errors, and monitor pending cases so our clients aren’t left guessing about where things stand. When USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, we respond on the client’s behalf to help prevent avoidable setbacks. Applicants with criminal history, prior immigration violations, or complex travel records can benefit particularly from having an attorney involved early.

    Ready to connect with a citizenship attorney in Greensboro? Use our online form to get started today.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

    Naturalization timelines vary depending on USCIS processing volume, background check completion, and interview scheduling. Submitting an accurate, complete application reduces avoidable delays. We can help identify and address potential issues before filing so your case can move forward without unnecessary interruptions.

    What Is the Naturalization Test Like?

    The test you take depends on when you filed Form N-400. Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025 take the 2008 civics test, which requires correctly answering at least 6 out of 10 questions. Applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025 take the 2025 civics test, which requires correctly answering at least 12 out of 20 questions. All applicants must also demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking ability. Exemptions exist for qualifying age, disability, or medical conditions.

    What Happens at a Naturalization Interview?

    A USCIS officer reviews your Form N-400, confirms your identity, asks about your background and travel history, and administers the English and civics tests. As of May 18, 2026, attorneys must be physically present at USCIS field office interviews to represent applicants. Remote phone participation is no longer permitted in most cases. We can attend with our clients so they go into the interview prepared and supported.

    What Documents Should I Bring to My Citizenship Interview?

    Bring your appointment notice, green card, passport, state ID, and any supporting documents referenced in your application, such as tax records, travel history, and marriage or divorce paperwork. We help clients organize these materials and identify anything that may need clarification before the interview.

    What Happens If I Fail the Citizenship Test?

    USCIS allows one retest, typically scheduled 60 to 90 days after the initial interview. You only retake the section you didn’t pass. We can help you identify where preparation fell short and work with you before the second attempt.

    How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

    The current USCIS filing fee for Form N-400 is $760 by paper or $710 online. Fee reductions and waivers are currently available for qualifying applicants, though USCIS has proposed eliminating these options in a pending rulemaking. We provide transparent cost information upfront so there are no surprises, and we can help you determine whether you qualify for fee relief.

    Let us know how we can help you or someone you love achieve citizenship. To arrange your consultation with a citizenship lawyer in Greensboro, call (336) 739-5166 or contact us online. Se habla español.

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