Citizenship Attorneys in Jacksonville

Strategic Advocacy from Jacksonville Citizenship Lawyers

Edwards & Edwards, P.A. represents individuals and families across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida on naturalization and citizenship matters. Our attorneys bring over 65 years of combined legal experience to each case, and as a sister-owned, family-operated firm run entirely by women, we treat every client with the care we’d expect for our own family. 

When you need guidance on the citizenship process, our team can guide you each step of the way. 

Why Jacksonville Families Choose Edwards & Edwards, P.A. for Citizenship

Immigration cases rarely exist in isolation. A pending naturalization application can be complicated by a prior criminal charge, a divorce, or a family-based petition filed by a spouse. Our firm handles family law, criminal defense, and immigration matters under one roof, meaning our attorneys can address those intersecting issues directly rather than referring you elsewhere. 

Other reasons to choose us include:

• Over 65 years of combined experience: Our attorneys have spent decades handling complex legal matters and understand how different areas of law impact your citizenship application.
• Bilingual legal support: We have Spanish-speaking team members available to provide clear, comfortable communication throughout your case.
• Responsive communication: We keep you informed at every step of your immigration journey and quickly respond to your questions when you need answers.

Citizenship & Naturalization Services We Handle

Our team works with clients at every stage of the naturalization process. 

Here are the specific matters we handle:

• N-400 Naturalization applications: We prepare and file your N-400 Application for Naturalization and get you ready for the naturalization interview.
• Certificates of Citizenship (N-600): We assist clients in obtaining an N-600 Certificate of Citizenship and documenting their legal status.
• Derivative Citizenship: We handle derivative citizenship matters for children who may have acquired citizenship through a naturalized parent.

We serve clients in Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties. Our Jacksonville citizenship attorney can provide comprehensive guidance throughout the entire process.

Federal Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

While every applicant’s situation differs, most lawful permanent residents must meet the following general requirements before filing:

• Continuous residence: Five years as a lawful permanent resident, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
• Physical presence: At least half of the required residence period must have been spent physically in the United States.
• Good moral character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character throughout the statutory period.
• English and civics: Applicants must show the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. civics, with some exceptions based on age or disability.
• Military service: Lawful permanent residents with qualifying U.S. military service may be eligible under different residency requirements.
• Oath of allegiance: Approved applicants complete the process by taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

The Naturalization Process: Step by Step

Knowing what to expect before you file makes the process less stressful. 

Here is how naturalization generally works from start to finish:

• File Form N-400: The process begins with submitting Form N-400 along with required supporting documentation, photographs, and filing fees to USCIS.
• Biometrics appointment: After filing, applicants attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints and photographs are collected.
• USCIS interview and testing: A USCIS officer conducts a naturalization interview that includes the English and civics test. Preparation for this step matters.
• Oath ceremony: Applicants approved at the interview attend a naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and receive their Certificate of Naturalization.

Criminal Records & Naturalization Denials

A criminal record doesn’t automatically disqualify a naturalization applicant, but certain convictions can result in a denial or, more seriously, trigger removal proceedings against a lawful permanent resident. Understanding how a prior charge interacts with the good moral character standard is critical before you file. Since we handle both immigration and criminal defense matters, we can assess how a past conviction may affect your citizenship case from both angles.

If your naturalization application has already been denied, the process isn’t necessarily over. You may have options, including an administrative appeal or federal court review. Our citizenship lawyer in Jacksonville can evaluate your situation and help you decide on the next steps. 

Schedule a Consultation About Your Citizenship Case in Jacksonville, FL

Naturalization timelines and eligibility questions benefit from early attention. We offer same-day appointments and scheduling outside regular business hours when your situation is urgent.