Becoming a U.S. citizen is a profound milestone that brings new rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. At Kasturi Law LLC, our Chicago immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience and a decade of experience representing individuals and families in Illinois.
We understand the significance of this achievement and the challenges that can arise during the naturalization process. Our Cook County immigration attorney is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your journey to citizenship is smooth and successful. Whether you need help navigating eligibility requirements, overcoming obstacles, or preparing for your naturalization interview, Kasturi Law, LLC is your trusted partner.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. Citizenship provides numerous benefits, including:
The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections.
Access to federal jobs and benefits.
The ability to sponsor family members for immigration more quickly.
Protection from deportation.
A U.S. passport for international travel.
While the rewards of citizenship are immense, the process involves detailed applications, eligibility checks, and rigorous preparation. Kasturi Law, LLC is here to simplify the process and help you achieve your goals.
Eligibility for Naturalization
To qualify for naturalization, you must meet specific eligibility requirements.
These include:
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
Lawful Permanent Residency: You must have held a green card for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Continuous Residence: You must have continuously resided in the U.S. for the required period without extended absences.
Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.
Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character, free from serious legal or ethical violations.
English and Civics Knowledge: You must pass tests in English language proficiency and U.S. history and government.
Kasturi Law, LLC provides personalized consultations to evaluate your eligibility and address any challenges you may face.
The Naturalization Process
The journey to citizenship involves several steps:
Filing Form N-400:The application for naturalization, Form N-400, is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form requires detailed information about your history, residency, and eligibility.
Biometrics Appointment: USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
Naturalization Interview: During the interview, a USCIS officer will review your application, test your knowledge of English, and assess your understanding of U.S. civics.
Oath of Allegiance: After approval, you will attend a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Our attorneys assist with every stage of the process, from preparing your application to ensuring you are fully prepared for your interview and oath ceremony.
Overcoming Challenges in the Naturalization Process
While naturalization is a straightforward process for many, obstacles can arise.
Common challenges include:
Good Moral Character Issues:Criminal convictions, tax issues, or past immigration violations can complicate your application.
Continuous Residence or Physical Presence Gaps:Extended absences from the U.S. may disrupt eligibility.
English and Civics Test Difficulties:Language barriers or test anxiety can make passing the naturalization exam challenging.
Application Errors:Mistakes or omissions on Form N-400 can lead to delays or denials.
At Kasturi Law LLC, our Chicago naturalization attorney works proactively to address these challenges, providing solutions such as:
Gathering evidence to demonstrate good moral character.
Clarifying residency timelines to prove eligibility.
Offering personalized preparation for the English and civics tests.
Reviewing and submitting accurate, complete applications to avoid unnecessary complications.
Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Attorney for Naturalization
While applying for naturalization without legal assistance is possible, having an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of success.
Here’s how Kasturi Law, LLC can help:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We review your eligibility and identify potential risks or challenges.
Tailored Application Support: Our team ensures your Form N-400 is complete, accurate, and compelling.
Interview Preparation: We provide personalized coaching and mock interviews to build your confidence.
Legal Representation: If complications arise, such as Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or appeals, we advocate on your behalf to resolve them effectively.
Choosing Kasturi Law LLC means partnering with a team that is invested in your success as you are.
Why Choose Kasturi Law, LLC?
At Kasturi Law LLC, we bring experience, dedication, and personalized attention to every case.
Our Chicago-based immigration and naturalization attorney:
Has a deep understanding of U.S. immigration laws and policies.
Provides compassionate and client-focused service.
Tailors our strategies to meet your unique needs and goals.
Delivers timely, practical solutions to ensure your case progresses smoothly.
When you choose Kasturi Law LLC, you’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re gaining a partner committed to helping you achieve your dream of U.S. citizenship.
If you’re ready to begin your journey to U.S. citizenship, Kasturi Law, LLC will guide you. Our experienced naturalization attorney in Chicago provides the knowledge and support you need to navigate the process confidently. Contact our Chicago immigration law firm today and take the first step toward securing your future as a U.S. citizen.
Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes.
Streamlining Consular Processing for Illinois Residents: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
February 10, 2025
For many Illinois residents seeking immigrant visas, consular processing is crucial in achieving lawful permanent residency in the United States. This process...
Conditional Green Cards vs. Permanent Residency: What Illinois Residents Need to Know
February 7, 2025
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be challenging, especially when understanding the differences between conditional green cards and permanent residency....
Adjusting Status After Overstaying a Visa: Legal Options and Considerations
February 3, 2025
Many immigrants overstay their visas, often due to unforeseen circumstances or misinformation. While the consequences of overstaying can be significant,...
Filing for a K-1 Visa After Meeting Your Fiancé Online: Special Considerations
November 1, 2024
With the rise of online dating platforms, more couples are forming meaningful relationships across international borders. Many of these relationships...
The Importance of Legal Representation When Responding to an RFE
October 28, 2024
Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can be overwhelming, especially in complex immigration cases. An...
How to File a VAWA Self-Petition for Immigration Relief
September 14, 2024
Filing a Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petition allows certain abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents...
Help! I Received a Notice of Intent to Deny Letter from USCIS. What Now?
June 22, 2024
At Kasturi Law, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney helps individuals whose immigration applications are found to have significant...
Shobhana Kasturi, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and Kasturi Law, LLC firm founder, knows the I-751 interview is...
The Role of the National Visa Center (NVC) in Consular Processing
May 22, 2024
Our Illinois-based national immigration law attorney and Kasturi Law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, knows the U.S. Department of State National Visa...
The Importance of Medical Examinations in Immigrant Visa Applications
May 18, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois-based national immigration law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, knows immigrant visa applicants must...
The Importance of Adjustment of Status: Why It Matters
May 14, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville and Schaumburg immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, helps individuals and families...
What are the Reunification Procedures for Family-Based Immigration Cases?
April 22, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC provides individuals with real-time legal solutions for family-based immigration...
What are the Most Common Challenges in the U.S. Immigration Process?
April 17, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney, a first-generation immigrant, empathizes deeply with the challenges of...
How Can I Petition for Current or Future Family Members to Immigrate to the United States?
April 1, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney helps individuals throughout Illinois and surrounding areas petition for...
What is the Process of Appealing Immigration Decisions and Obtaining Waivers for Inadmissibility Issues?
March 22, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney knows the process of appealing immigration decisions and obtaining waivers for...
What Does Unlawful Presence Mean, and How Does it Impact the Immigration Process?
March 16, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, explains to our clients that “Unlawful Presence” refers to the period when...
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, understands that preparing for a U.S. immigrant visa can be a stressful...
How Can the Violence Against Women Act Help Immigrants in Abusive Relationships?
March 8, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville Violence Against Women Act immigration attorney knows the Act’s provisions offer essential protections and avenues for...
Can an Immigration Attorney Help with Complex Family Sponsorship Cases?
March 2, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney provides our clients with invaluable legal guidance when handling complex family...
Who is Eligible to File for a U Non-Immigrant Visa?
February 29, 2024
At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney, knows the U Non-Immigrant Visa is specifically for victims of crimes who...
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, knows when someone obtains lawful permanent resident status (green card) through marriage...
Tips for a Successful Adjustment of Status or Naturalization Interview
February 8, 2024
Our Naperville immigration and nationality law attorney at Kasturi Law, LLC, knows adjustment of status and naturalization interviews share some similarities but...
Naturalization, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, requires applicants to demonstrate commitment to the United States through continuous residence....
Do You Have Enough $ Money to Support Yourself? (Qualify for Green Card)
November 17, 2023
Understanding the intricacies of U.S. immigration law, particularly regarding green card self-sponsorship, is critical for those seeking permanent residency. With...
Consular Processing, Non-Immigrant Visa (B2s and F1’s), What to Expect at the Interview?
October 20, 2023
U.S. immigration requires a comprehensive understanding of the various visa processes, including consular processing for non-immigrant visas such as B2...
The journey toward obtaining an immigrant visa in the United States involves various legal procedures and intricacies. Among them, consular processing stands...
JUST RECEIVED A NOTICE OF INTENT TO DENY (NOID) FOR A 1-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (about the reinstatement of F1 status)? A LITTLE BIT OF INVESTIGATING THE FACTS CAN GOAL
Case Facts: I had an FN spouse who had filed a second pro se reinstatement of F1 status. She had...
Just received a seemingly unreasonable Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) for an I-130? How investigating the facts and providing additional evidence can end with positive results. Any Lessons Learned?
Case Facts: Foreign National (FN) and his US Citizen(USC) spouse, who filed their one-step adjustment several years prior, came in...
I sought the services of Kasturi Law firm to help me with Naturalization Process. The experience of working with Shobhana could not have been better! By end of our Initial...
Very good consultation. Very considerate lawyer. Everything explained very well. Answered all of our questions. My parents were comfortable in hindi language, she speaks the language, made everything a lot...
– V.S.
I met Ms. Kasturi to discuss about my parents green card process. She is an Excellent attorney, is very experienced & knowledgeable and a thorough professional. She gave us all...
– T.R.
Shobana is an extremely caring and talented professional with an iron clad dedication for her clients. She works tirelessly and explores every possible avenue for any problem you come to...
– J.M.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
Shobhana is a highly qualified and caring lawyer. I did plenty of research before choosing an immigration lawyer and I was looking for someone who was highly rated and someone...
– A.
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
– M.S.
It was pleasure working with Shobhana. I strongly recommend her for RFE response.
– K.G.
My case was that of a change of status from B1/B2 to F-1. This is one of the most difficult change of status to carry out and I got a...
– D.M.
I had the best experience working with Kasturi Law, LLC on my I751 waiver case. She was incredibly human, and responsive throughout the process, patiently explaining all details and taking...
– N.F.
We had a great experience working with Shobhana on our immigration case. She is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the clients she works with. Shobhana helped us step by step...
– D.M.
Shobhana is a dedicated and caring attorney I will highly recommend her for an incredible job with my case which had a positive outcome. shes always on point and always...
– F.R.
Excellent Experience! I would definitely recommend Shobhana to friends and family. She’s a pleasure to work with and dedicated time to work our case for the best result. Thank You...
– V.B.
Shobhana Kasturi has helped me with the US Naturalization process. She is very organized, well planned, polite and extremely very quick to respond to the questions which makes easy and...
– V.P.
Shobhana is very competent. She walked us throughout every step of the process and she was very informative. I recommend her for any immigration matter
– F.
Shobhana is outstanding as an attorney as well as a person. Detail-oriented, very helpful, accommodative despite being busy, and sympathetic. I would recommend her as immigration attorney without any hesitation.
– M.V.
Shobhana was very responsive and reassuring throughout our legal process. She addressed our questions and concerns quickly and in a very professional manner. She was honest and up-front about any...
– A.
Attorney Shobhana is very knowledgeable and experienced Attorney. I would like to say she is more than an Attorney, in my case (very critical and crucial one, US Citizenship) she...
– S.D.
We retained the services of Kasturi Law, LLC in mid 2021 to assist in getting my wife’s permanent resident status with the USCIS. Shobhana was very professional, thorough, and proactive....
– T.H.
Shobhana is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable.I can’t say enough about her hard work, professionalism and transparency. She is on the top of everything and each step goes nice and...
– P.D.
Shobhana from Kasturi Law is a top notch and very knowledgeable immigration attorney that helped us through the naturalization process including an appeal. She was very proactive, well organized and...
– S.S.
Shobhana is fantastic and is 100% with you for the whole process. She also makes sure you are well prepared before your interview. Two things I really appreciated was her...
– A.F.
I had a great experience with Shobhana representing our case. She stuck by us through the whole process that took year and a half. We are eternally grateful to her...
User
I was very impressed with the attention, care, and professionalism I received from Shobhana. All of my questions and doubts were addressed from the very beginning and I was updated...
– MK.M.
I have had immigration issue with my F-1 status, and Shobhana ma’am provided me with all of the information I needed to take the next steps in my case. I...
– R.T.
I had an excellent experience with Mrs. Shobhana Kasturi as my immigration attorney. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of my case, she provided exceptional service and support....
– L.C.
Shobana was extremely professional, knowledgeable. It was a comfort to feel I was in good hands and to know I had made the best choice in choosing this law firm....
S.Z.
Shobhana was available on short notice on a saturday when I reached out regarding an urgent consultation. She provided competent guidance on the matter and continued to stay available until...
J.V.
We retained Kasturi Law for responding to a RFE for a family member’s green card application. Shobhana’s work is extremely thorough. She took great care in getting the right information...
A.N.
Shobhana @ Kasturi Law, was very professional, yet empathetic, so as to be able to understand her clients needs and situation. Very good advise provided during consultation.
S.B.
Shobhana amended our I130 application from adjustment of status to consular processing successfully and coordinated between our case and congressional help efficiently, which allowed for a timely approval of the...
D.K.
I would highly recommend her for any visa related consultations, is very thorough and professional.
A.S.
Kasturi law firm filed my GC, Shobhana showed high professionalism, a very detailed oriented person who makes sure that the processing will go successfully without any RFEs. The process was...
V.A.
Shobhna is a very talented and knowledgeable lawyer, She is best for all your immigration issues, She is very quick and prompt in communication, I received a RFE in my...
G.M.
Kasturi Law firm is a great and reliable immigration attorney to work with. I highly Recommend Shobana for any of your Immigration needs.
O.A.
I recently went through the Naturalization process using the law firm of Kasturi Law located in Naperville. One of my best decisions was to use this law firm as I...
C.S.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
D.P.
I had a complex immigration situation that required the expertise of an immigration lawyer, and I’m extremely grateful to have found Shobhana. Her professionalism throughout the process was exceptional. She...
R.M.
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
M.A.
Shobhana is very knowledgeable and thorough. From the initial consult, she clearly outlined what to expect throughout mine and my fiancé’s K1 visa application and what her role would be....
C.Z
I am so so glad I retained Shobhana as my attorney , throughout my case she was highly vigilant and extremely professional She was always ten steps ahead of me...
S.A.
Hired Shobhana because I have a disability and trying to navigate the process of applying for citizenship on my own was such a daunting and unnerving task. From the beginning,...
Y.D.
Shobhana is an excellent immigration attorney. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the approval process and the paperwork requirements, were the key to our success. Mum’s green card arrived in...
K.J.
Ms Kasturi is a dedicated and sympathetic lawyer. She is very well versed, meticulous, detailed, patient and trust worthy. All needed in doing her job well and puts her clients...
S W
I was in process of applying my GC through the L2 visa program and need a lawyer who can help me since I have small problems on my case ....
A.S.
Shobhana is amazing. She’s very thorough and professional. She responds to inquiries very timely and always available for her clients. She explains the immigration process very well. I highly recommend...