Florida Citizenship Lawyer — Immigration Lawyer for Citizenship
YO PELEO™ - Your Path to American Citizenship
Achieve your American dream with experienced citizenship guidance. Our attorneys guide immigrants through every step of the naturalization process, from the N-400 to the oath ceremony.
Do I need an immigration lawyer for citizenship?
Naturalization is not just paperwork — a wrong answer on Form N-400, an old arrest, or a missed continuous-residence rule can lead to denial or, in some cases, removal proceedings. An immigration lawyer for citizenship reviews your full history before filing, prepares you for the civics test and interview, and represents you when USCIS pushes back. Our citizenship lawyer team is the immigration lawyer Florida residents call to get naturalization done right the first time. See our green card lawyer services for permanent residency.
Why Choose Us for Your Citizenship Journey?
With over a decade of experience, we guide clients through every step of the naturalization process — from the N-400 to the oath ceremony — toward American citizenship. Se habla español.
Our Citizenship Services
Naturalization Process
- • N-400 Application Filing
- • Eligibility Assessment
- • Interview Preparation
- • Document Review
Citizenship Test Preparation
- • English & Civics Practice
- • Mock Interviews
- • Study Materials
- • Bilingual Instruction
Dual Citizenship
- • Country-Specific Rules
- • Tax Implications
- • Documentation Requirements
- • Legal Compliance
Certificate of Citizenship
- • Derivative Citizenship
- • Replacement Certificates
- • Name Changes
- • Passport Applications
Basic Naturalization Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- • Age 18 or older
- • Permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
- • Physical presence in the U.S.
- • Good moral character
- • Basic English knowledge
- • Knowledge of U.S. history and civics
Process Timeline
- • 1. Application Filing (N-400)
- • 2. Biometrics Appointment
- • 3. Interview & Testing
- • 4. Decision Notification
- • 5. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
- Total Time: 12-18 months
Why Choose Our Citizenship Team?
- Extensive experience with naturalization cases from every country
- Comprehensive test preparation with personalized study plans
- Bilingual attorneys and staff fluent in multiple languages
- Personal guidance through every step of the process
- Assistance with complex cases and special circumstances
How much does a lawyer charge for citizenship?
Across Florida immigration practices, an N-400 naturalization case commonly runs $500–$2,000 in attorney fees — straightforward applications sit at the low end, while cases involving old arrests, long trips abroad, or a prior denial sit at the high end. Hourly rates in this market typically run $200–$500 per hour. Vasquez Law Firm quotes each case individually — these are general market ranges, not a quote.
| Naturalization service | Typical Florida market range (attorney fees) | What it generally covers |
|---|---|---|
| N-400 preparation and filing | $500–$1,500 | Eligibility review, document collection, drafting and filing the application |
| Naturalization interview representation | $500–$1,000 | Attorney attends the USCIS interview with you; sometimes bundled with filing |
| Full-service N-400 (filing plus interview) | $800–$2,000 | One fee covering the case from eligibility review through the oath ceremony |
| Complex history, RFE, or prior denial | $1,500–$3,000, or $200–$500 per hour | Criminal record analysis, continuous-residence problems, N-336 request for a hearing |
| USCIS filing fee (government, not an attorney fee) | Set by USCIS — billed separately | Confirm the current N-400 fee on uscis.gov; fee waivers exist for qualifying applicants |
These are general Florida market ranges for context only — not a quote from Vasquez Law Firm, which prices every naturalization case individually. Government filing fees set by USCIS are separate from attorney fees, and your actual cost depends on the complexity of your immigration history. A free consultation gives you an exact quote.
Should I hire a lawyer to become a US citizen?
Not every naturalization case needs a lawyer. If you have held a green card for five years, have never been arrested, have not spent long periods outside the United States, and have filed your taxes, many people file the N-400 on their own. Hiring an attorney matters when your record is not that simple.
Talk to an immigration attorney before filing if any of the following apply to you:
- Any arrest, citation, or conviction — even one that was dismissed or expunged
- Trips outside the United States longer than six months since getting your green card
- Unfiled or unpaid taxes, or taxes filed as a non-resident
- Men who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 and never registered for Selective Service
- Overdue child support, or a green card obtained through a marriage USCIS later questioned
- A previously denied N-400
The reason to be careful is that USCIS reviews your entire immigration history when you apply. In some situations a problem disclosed on the N-400 leads to more than a denial — it can put a permanent resident into removal proceedings. If that risk exists in your case, our deportation defense team reviews the file before anything is filed.
What is the difference between the 5-year rule and the 3-year rule?
The five-year rule is the general path: five years as a lawful permanent resident with at least 30 months of physical presence in the United States. The three-year rule applies only if you have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the past three years, which shortens the requirement to three years of permanent residence and 18 months of physical presence. Both paths require good moral character and the English and civics tests.
5-year rule (general path)
- • 5 years as a lawful permanent resident
- • 30 months physically present in the U.S.
- • 3 months residence in the state or USCIS district
- • May file 90 days early (at 4 years and 9 months)
- • Marital status does not matter
3-year rule (married to a U.S. citizen)
- • 3 years as a lawful permanent resident
- • 18 months physically present in the U.S.
- • Married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for all 3 years
- • Your spouse must have been a citizen for those 3 years
- • May file 90 days early (at 2 years and 9 months)
Separation, divorce, or the death of the citizen spouse before the oath generally moves the case back to the five-year rule, so timing matters. A single trip abroad of six months or more can also break continuous residence and reset the clock under either rule.
Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Start Your Citizenship JourneyCitizenship Resources
William J. Vásquez
Founding Attorney · Vasquez Law Firm
U.S. Air Force veteran and immigration attorney with years of hands-on U.S. immigration experience. J.D., NCCU School of Law. AILA member. Admitted to the 4th, 5th, and 11th Circuit Courts.
Available 24/7 - Free Evaluations
Reviewed for legal accuracy by William J. Vásquez
Licensed in North Carolina; U.S. immigration is federal practice.
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Your path, step by step
We keep it simple and keep you informed the whole way.
- 01
Free consultation
Tell us your situation. We listen and explain your options — in English or Español.
- 02
Your case plan
We map the right strategy and the documents you will need, with clear pricing.
- 03
We file & advocate
We prepare, file, and represent you at every stage — you always know the status.
- 04
Approval & next steps
We fight for the outcome that keeps your family and future secure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship?
Under the fee schedule in effect since 2024, the USCIS filing fee for Form N-400 is $710 filed online and $760 filed on paper. Biometrics are included rather than billed separately, so there is no additional $85 line. A reduced fee and a full fee waiver (Form I-912) are available to applicants who meet the income criteria. Confirm the current amount on uscis.gov before you pay — a filing sent with the wrong fee is rejected and returned. Attorney fees are separate.
What are the requirements for U.S. citizenship through naturalization?
You must be at least 18 years old, be a permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate continuous residence, pass English and civics tests, and show good moral character.
Can I keep my other citizenship when I become a U.S. citizen?
The U.S. generally allows dual citizenship, though some countries require you to renounce your original citizenship. Our attorneys can advise you on your specific situation based on your country of origin.
Are attorney fees separate from USCIS filing fees?
Yes. The USCIS filing fee is paid to the government and is required whether or not you hire a lawyer. Attorney fees are separate and cover legal work: reviewing eligibility, preparing the N-400, and representing you at the interview. Across Florida practices attorney fees for naturalization commonly run $500 to $2,000 — a general market range, not a quote. Vasquez Law Firm prices each case individually.
Can I get a fee waiver for the N-400 filing fee?
Possibly. USCIS grants fee waivers on Form I-912 if you receive a means-tested public benefit, your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, or you have a financial hardship. A reduced-fee option also exists for some applicants. A fee waiver covers the government fee only, not attorney fees.
How long does naturalization take in Florida?
Most N-400 cases take roughly 12 to 18 months from filing to the oath ceremony, moving through biometrics, the interview with the English and civics tests, a decision, and the oath. Processing times vary by USCIS field office, and cases with a criminal record, long absences abroad, or a request for evidence take longer.