Naturalization
U.S. Naturalization Attorney
Orange County, California
Guidance through every step of the N-400 process. H&H Law's citizenship lawyers prepare, review, and guide permanent residents through the entire N-400 naturalization process — with consultations in Korean and English.
Key Facts
Naturalization (U.S. citizenship) — preparation, review, and guidance through the full Form N-400 process. Eligibility — most permanent residents qualify after 5 years of continuous residence, or 3 years if married to and residing with a U.S. citizen. Includes eligibility review and interview preparation. USCIS fee — $760 (paper) or $710 (online), with a $380 reduced fee for eligible household incomes; a June 2026 proposed rule would raise the fee, but it is not final (see our 2026 guide). Korean and English — full consultations with attorney Austin Kim, J.D. Santa Ana office serving all of Orange County, across from the USCIS building.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. For most permanent residents (green card holders), naturalization is available after 5 years of continuous residence — or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and residing with them throughout.
U.S. citizenship provides rights not available to green card holders: the right to vote, a U.S. passport, the ability to petition for a broader range of family members, eligibility for certain federal jobs, and protection from deportation.
Eligibility Requirements
- Lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Continuous residence in the U.S. (no extended absences breaking continuity)
- Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months (18 months for 3-year path)
- Resided in the USCIS district where you file for at least 3 months
- Good moral character for the statutory period
- Ability to read, write, and speak basic English
- Pass the civics test (for N-400s filed on or after October 20, 2025, the 2025 test asks 20 questions from a 128-question list, and 12 correct answers are needed to pass; see our N-400 interview guide)
The Naturalization Process
- 1
Eligibility review
H&H Law reviews your green card history, travel records, criminal history (if any), and tax compliance to confirm eligibility and flag any issues before filing.
- 2
File Form N-400
Prepare and file the Application for Naturalization with USCIS. H&H Law reviews all answers carefully — errors or omissions on the N-400 can cause serious delays or denials.
- 3
Biometrics appointment
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints, photographs, and a signature.
- 4
USCIS interview
An officer reviews your application, tests your English, and administers the civics test (for N-400s filed on or after October 20, 2025, 20 questions from the 128-question list, with 12 correct answers needed to pass). H&H Law provides interview preparation in your preferred language.
- 5
Oath of Allegiance
After approval, you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Permanent residents in Los Angeles County are served from the same Santa Ana office, with consultations in Korean and English. See Korean-speaking immigration attorney for Los Angeles County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers by Austin Kim, J.D. · Updated September 2026
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