✅ How to Become a U.S. Citizen in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide by a Trusted Miami Immigration Attorney

🙌 Introduction

I’m Attorney Viktor De Maio, a seasoned Miami immigration attorney. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step toward achieving U.S. citizenship—from eligibility assessment to the oath ceremony. My goal: give you clarity, confidence, and the legal support you need🔒—and show why partnering with our firm can make all the difference.

By Freepik

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility 🧭

Citizenship

Who can apply?

To pursue naturalization, you must:

• Be 18 or older

• Hold a Green Card for at least 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen)

• Have maintained at least 30 months (or 18 months if married to a citizen) of continuous U.S. residency in the past 5 years

• Demonstrate good moral character

• Show attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and willingness to swear allegiance

Key updates under Trump 2025

A few policy changes took effect recently:

• Streamlined background checks reducing waiting times

• New flexibility in civics test preparation materials

• Advance green-card renewals allowed before naturalization steps beginThese changes help maintain your eligibility by preventing unexpected delays.

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Attorney in Miami

Form N‑400 – document accuracy matters

I review all your personal information, travel history, and moral character questions to avoid inconsistencies that lead to USCIS delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Medical & language exemptions

• Form N‑648 for applicants with disabilities

• Age-based exemptions: Spanish civics testing for those 50/20 or 55/15If you qualify, filing these forms early avoids surprises at your interview.

Step 3: Paying Fees & Fee Waiver Assistance

Miami Immigration

Understand N‑400 fees

• Standard application fee: $760

• Biometrics fee included

• Possible fee reduction or waiver for low-income applicants—we help gather supporting documents to strengthen your waiver request.

Step 4: Study & Test Preparation

Immigration

English and Civics Test Strategies

• English Section: We recommend daily practice in reading, writing 1–2 simple sentences, and conversational English

• Civics Section: Study the list of 100 USCIS questions; we prioritize the most commonly asked ones

• Use mock interviews and structured quizzes in our office for confidence-building

Spanish Study Support

Over 50? Eligible to sit in Spanish? We offer bilingual guidance materials and Spanish-language mock civics interviews.

Step 5: Schedule & Attend USCIS Appointments

Miami Attorney

Biometrics Appointment

Simple—but critical. We’ll remind you of the date, location, and required documents.

Naturalization Interview

Your interview includes:

• Swearing in for your English test

• Reading a sentence

• Writing a sentence

• Answering civics questionsWe prep you through role-play and walkthroughs. On the day, we accompany you for reassurance.

Step 6: Managing Outcomes

Attorney in Miami

If you pass

• We notify you of the oath ceremony date

• You receive your Certificate of CitizenshipWe celebrate with you—this is the moment your American dream becomes reality 🎉

If you fail one test

USCIS allows a single retest between 60–90 days later. We help you prepare for and schedule this.

If your application is denied

You’ll receive a detailed USCIS Notice of Denial. We’ll:

1. Review every issue

2. Advise corrections or evidence

3. File an appeal or reapply

Step 7: Post-Citizenship Considerations

Immigration

Dual citizenship

The U.S. allows it, but some countries do not. We guide you through risks and compliance.

Bringing family members

Now you can file immediate relative petitions for spouses, parents, and unmarried children—fast-track family unification.

Keeping your status up-to-date

We provide steps to update your new citizenship status for:

• Social Security

• Passports

• Driver’s license

• Voting registrations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the process take?

A: Usually 8–12 months, but current policy changes aim to shorten waits. We’ll continuously update you.

Can I travel during processing?

A: Short trips are fine. Extended travel before the interview may jeopardize eligibility—check with us before booking.

Can I apply with a misdemeanor or minor conviction?

A: Often yes. We review your criminal history, assess “good moral character,” and advise a strategy for approval.

My child is under 18—do they get citizenship automatically?

A: Yes, if they’re LPRs and live in the same home with you. We’ll file any required paperwork.

My application was denied—what now?

A: We analyze the denial grounds, advise whether to appeal or reapply, and craft a strong case to correct issues.

How can I request a fee waiver?

A: We support fee waiver applications by gathering income statements, public benefit documentation, and addressing your financial situation.

Why Choose De Maio Law, PLLC?

Personalized representation

Every case gets dedicated attention from me and my team. You’ll receive proactive updates, direct access, and personalized guidance.

Local expertise

As a trusted Miami attorney, we understand USCIS local processes and resources. We leverage networks of translators, educators, and community services.

Compassionate legal support

You’re not just another application. We strive to understand your unique story and support you through emotional and logistical challenges.

Start Your Citizenship Journey Today…

🎯 Take the first step: Call us at (786) 232‑9120 or email info@demaio‑law.com📅 Schedule your consultation and eligibility review

Let Attorney Viktor De Maio, your trusted attorney in Miami, build your path to U.S. citizenship. Your future deserves the best legal guidance—reach out now!