Becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step in a long journey for most lawful permanent residents. We have guided thousands of Central Florida residents through the N-400 application, civics and English testing, the interview, and the oath ceremony — and we will guide you too.
How U.S. citizenship through naturalization works
To naturalize through Form N-400, you generally need to be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years — or 3 years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you are still married to and living with that citizen spouse. You must also show continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., good moral character (typically over the 5-year or 3-year period), the ability to read, write, and speak basic English (with exemptions for certain older long-term residents), and knowledge of U.S. civics.
The process has four main stages: (1) filing the N-400 with supporting documents, (2) biometrics appointment for fingerprinting, (3) interview with a USCIS officer who will administer the English and civics tests and review the application, and (4) the oath ceremony, which can sometimes happen the same day as the interview or weeks later.
Common pitfalls include extended trips abroad that break continuous residence, criminal convictions (even minor ones can affect the case), failure to register for Selective Service for males between 18 and 26, and tax issues. We review every detail of your immigration history, residence, travel, and background before filing — many problems can be cured before they become disqualifying.
A clear process, from first call to final approval
Eligibility review
We confirm 5-yr vs 3-yr rule, residency, travel, character, and any past issues that need addressing first.
N-400 preparation
We complete the form, gather supporting documents, and check tax and Selective Service compliance.
Interview prep
We run a mock interview, review civics and English questions, and accompany you if you wish.
Oath & beyond
After approval, you take the oath and receive your certificate. We help you sponsor family next.
What clients say
Mr. Gustavo Vargas was my lawyer twice, years ago for my immigration process and now for my husband's. He is extremely Professional and knowledgeable about the entire process. Both times it was a success story! Highly recommended. Thank you so much.alba inacio
A great service and organisation. He explained the process many times and provided detailed instructions every step of the way. When an issue occurred in the process (and through Covid) Mr Vargas clearly detailed what needed to be done and how.Ian Collins
Great service and I'm glad I paid my money to have his guidance.
Gustavo Z. Vargas, Esq.
Gustavo Vargas is Florida Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law and has practiced exclusively in immigration since 1996. Born in Lima, Peru, he is himself a naturalized U.S. citizen and speaks fluent Spanish.
He has represented clients before USCIS, the Orlando Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. He earned his J.D. at Florida State University in 1992.
Naturalization questions we hear most
When can I apply for citizenship?
You can apply 90 days before you reach the eligibility threshold. The general rule is 5 years as a lawful permanent resident; if you got your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and are still married to and living with that spouse, the rule is 3 years. The 90-day early-filing window lets USCIS get your case in queue without breaking continuous residence rules.
I have a misdemeanor on my record. Can I still naturalize?
It depends on the offense, when it happened, and how it was disposed. Some misdemeanors are bars to naturalization (DUIs are scrutinized heavily, certain crimes involving moral turpitude can be permanent bars or require waiting periods, and aggravated felonies are absolute bars). Other minor offenses are not disqualifying but require careful disclosure. Bring all court records to the consultation — we will tell you whether to file now, wait, or pursue post-conviction relief first.
I traveled abroad for 7 months last year. Will that hurt my case?
A single trip of more than 6 months but less than 1 year creates a presumption that you broke continuous residence — rebuttable with evidence (you maintained a U.S. home, kept U.S. employment, kept U.S. tax filings, didn't establish residence abroad). Trips of 1 year or more break continuous residence absolutely (with limited military and government-employee exceptions). We can help you build a rebuttal record or advise on the right timing for filing.
Do I have to take the English and civics tests?
Most applicants take both. Exemptions exist for: applicants 50+ who have been LPRs for 20+ years (no English test, civics in their language); applicants 55+ who have been LPRs for 15+ years (no English test, civics in their language); and applicants 65+ who have been LPRs for 20+ years (simplified civics test in their language). Medical exemptions also exist for documented disabilities (Form N-648).
What's in the civics test?
The current 2008 version is 100 possible questions about U.S. history and government; the officer asks up to 10 and you must answer 6 correctly to pass. The reading and writing test is one sentence each. We provide study materials and run a mock interview before yours.
Do my kids automatically become citizens when I naturalize?
Often yes, under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents and reside in the U.S. in your legal and physical custody automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when you naturalize. We can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) or U.S. passport as proof, but the citizenship itself is automatic.
How long does the whole process take in Orlando?
Naturalization processing in the Orlando jurisdiction commonly runs 6–9 months from filing to interview, then a few weeks to the oath ceremony. Some applicants are sworn in the same day as the interview.
Ready to talk about your case?
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligation. Confidential. Available in English or Spanish.
Visit our Orlando office
545 Delaney Ave, Building 4
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 835-1009
info@immlawcenter.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. 2 miles from the Orlando Immigration Court.
Photo credit: Photo by Grand Canyon NPS on CC BY 2.0
Request a Consultation
Get in touch and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. We look forward to hearing from you!
