Linkedin-in Facebook Instagram
Philadelphia Office (215) 437-0392
Trenton Office (609) 414-7488

Naturalization & Citizenship Lawyer Philadelphia

Citizenship & Naturalization

Move toward US citizenship with clarity, careful preparation, and trusted legal support

Consult with our team
mb masthead citizenship naturalization 2x

Avoid setbacks on your path to citizenship

Applying for citizenship involves more than filing Form N-400. You must confirm that you meet the permanent residence requirements, document your immigration history, and prepare for the naturalization interview and civics test. Prior arrests, extended travel, tax concerns, or periods when you may have unlawfully stayed in the country can place your immigration status at risk if they are not addressed properly.

At Gian-Grasso & Tomczak Immigration Law Group (GTILG), we can review your case records, identify potential concerns, and help you prepare a complete application. Our citizenship lawyers in Philadelphia have extensive experience practicing immigration law and representing individuals through complex citizenship matters. 

With guidance from a naturalization attorney, you can approach the process with greater clarity and protect the future you have worked hard to build.

Our citizenship & naturalization services

GTILG specializes in guiding permanent residents and foreign nationals through the complexities of citizenship and nationality law. Our experienced citizenship attorneys are here to assist you with the following:

Eligibility review & Form N-400 filing

A naturalization lawyer reviews your green card history, travel, taxes, and case records before preparing Form N-400 and the required documentation.

Interview & test preparation

We prepare you for your US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interview, including questions about your application, English, and civics tests.

Complex cases & USCIS decisions

Past arrests, extended travel, or prior removal orders can affect your application. Our immigration lawyers identify risks and help with USCIS requests, delays, denials, and appeals.

Citizenship through parents

You may have acquired citizenship through a US citizen parent. Our attorneys can review your family history and determine whether you qualify for proof of citizenship.

Broader immigration concerns

As a full-service Philadelphia immigration firm, GTILG also assists clients with green cards, immigrant visas, asylum, waivers, deportation defense, and humanitarian relief.

What to expect from your citizenship attorney

When your citizenship is on the line, you need a team that does more than prepare paperwork. When you work with GTILG’s naturalization lawyers in Philadelphia, you can expect:

img what to expect from your citizenship attorney 2x

A careful eligibility review

Your attorney will review your case records, travel history, employment, taxes, and prior immigration filings to confirm that you’re ready to apply for citizenship.

Honest advice about potential risks

Your lawyer will address any concerns about past removals, arrests, extended travel, or application inconsistencies, especially if applying could expose you to removal proceedings or other consequences.

Complete application preparation

Confidently prepare your Form N-400, organize your supporting documents, and accurately present your history. If you have survived domestic violence, experienced detention, or received another form of immigration protection, an attorney can evaluate how those circumstances may affect your application.

Clear communication at every stage

We provide timely updates, straightforward explanations, and practical resources for the naturalization interview and civics test. Your lawyer will also discuss fees during the initial consultation so you understand the cost and scope of the representation before moving forward.

Support when complications arise

If USCIS requests more evidence or denies your application, your attorney can review the decision and outline your options. This may include responding to USCIS, requesting a hearing, or filing an appeal.

Our complete range of immigration services

Citizenship and naturalization are central to our practice, but our support extends beyond them. We offer comprehensive services to help individuals and families move forward in their immigration journey with confidence and clarity:

Family and Green Card Applications

Secure your family's future with expert guidance on family-based immigration, adjustment of status, consular processing, and other pathways to lawful permanent residence.
Learn more

Deportation and Removal Defense

Protect your ability to remain in the United States with focused representation in deportation and removal proceedings, bond matters, and related immigration court cases.
Learn more

Asylum and Humanitarian Cases

Explore legal protections available to people facing persecution, violence, abuse, or other serious circumstances in their home countries.
Learn more

Federal Litigation

Challenge unlawful delays, agency decisions, and other federal immigration issues when administrative options are no longer enough. We also handle petitions for writ of habeas corpus for those facing unlawful immigration detention.
Learn more

See what our immigration law clients have to say

Read how individuals, families, and businesses have experienced GTILG’s attentive service, clear guidance, and committed legal support.

I’m very thankful to Attorney Alina and her team for their help with my green card process. Alina was professional, knowledgeable, and reassuring throughout the case. Tiesha and the rest of the team worked hard to move everything forward
Mouad M.Chicago, IL
I want to take my deepest gratitude to Mrs Alina Park for an outstanding work as my lawyer. I would like to leave a few words to describe your law firm, to be represented by such a special legal team is just a blessing.
Sekou T.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Brennan for his outstanding work as my lawyer. His knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail went far beyond anything I could have imagined.
Christian A.
I thought, I already wrote my review on this firm, I went and looked back, I couldn’t find it and I decided to write a new review again.
Mamudu A.
I’ve been working with Kim Tomzack since 2015 and she helped me go through my asylum case and interview. Very friendly and professional team. Kim along speaks fluent Spanish and it made the experience more comfortable.
Aidy F.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between citizenship and naturalization?

Citizenship is a legal status that may be acquired at birth, obtained through a US citizen parent, or acquired through naturalization. Naturalization is the process through which an eligible lawful permanent resident applies to become a US citizen.
The most common path requires an individual to be a lawful permanent resident for at least five years before applying for naturalization. However, certain applicants who are married to and living with a US citizen may qualify after three years. Additional pathways may also apply to members of the military and those with specific circumstances. Our Philadelphia immigration lawyers at GTILG can review your history and confirm when you may file.
Applicants typically must meet requirements involving age, lawful permanent residence, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and knowledge of English and US civics. Eligibility depends on the legal basis under which you apply.

Your attorney may begin by analyzing case records, travel history, tax compliance, prior applications, arrests, and removal matters. This review helps identify issues that could affect your eligibility before you submit Form N-400.

Please take note that you are not required to hire an attorney to file Form N-400. However, legal guidance can be valuable if your case involves extended travel, prior immigration problems, tax concerns, criminal history, or questions about how you obtained permanent residence.

While a dedicated immigration lawyer can significantly strengthen your application through careful preparation, no attorney can guarantee approval — the final decision always rests with USCIS. It’s also worth noting that the claim that more than half of applicants without attorneys are denied is not verifiable.
Depending on the reason, you may be able to request a USCIS hearing by filing Form N-336. Your attorney can review the decision, explain applicable deadlines, and determine whether an immigration appeal or another legal response is appropriate.

No. Immigrant visas support permanent residence, while nonimmigrant visas generally authorize temporary stays. Different categories serve different purposes, including fiancé visas, student visas, employment-based options such as H-1B visas, and investor visas. Sponsorship and eligibility requirements vary by category and should be reviewed individually.

While both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders may eventually be eligible to apply for US citizenship, the journey requires several steps and processes, such as maintaining lawful permanent residence status, meeting residency requirements, and passing a citizenship test, among others.

Yes. Prior immigration violations, removal orders, periods of detention, or a criminal history may all complicate a naturalization case. USCIS reviews an applicant’s full history when determining good moral character, and some offenses may delay or prevent naturalization entirely. Anyone facing these circumstances should speak with an immigration attorney before filing to evaluate the potential risks and available protections.
Yes. Long or frequent trips outside the United States may affect your continuous residence or physical presence. An attorney can review your travel history before you file Form N-400 and identify potential concerns.
Most applicants complete English and civics testing. Age-based exemptions may allow qualifying longtime permanent residents to take the civics test in their preferred language. Disability exceptions or accommodations may also be available in certain circumstances.
Legal fees vary based on the attorney’s billing structure and the complexity of the case. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others use an hourly rate. At GTILG, we believe in full price transparency — you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for. Before moving forward, we provide a written agreement that clearly outlines all legal fees, USCIS filing costs, and included services, with no hidden surprises.
Before seeking legal advice, confirm that the attorney holds an active license and is in good standing with a US state bar. You can also review the Department of Justice’s list of disciplined immigration practitioners or reach out to trusted community organizations for recommendations. Be sure to avoid unauthorized practitioners, such as unlicensed consultants and notarios, as they cannot legally provide immigration advice.
If you need additional support, Department of Justice-accredited representatives can provide authorized immigration assistance through recognized nonprofit organizations. These representatives hold either partial or full accreditation, which is tied to their organization rather than held individually. Before services begin, it’s important to verify their accreditation status to ensure you’re receiving qualified assistance.
Having an attorney who is familiar with the Philadelphia USCIS office can make a significant difference in your case. Their knowledge of local procedures, staff, and processing times means they can better prepare you for each step of the process, set realistic expectations, and avoid potential pitfalls that could delay or jeopardize your application.

Take the next step toward the future you have built

Navigating naturalization takes careful preparation and committed legal guidance. Contact GTILG to discuss your circumstances and move forward with a clear plan.

Schedule your citizenship consultation