If you have held a green card for at least five years, or three years while married to and living with a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible. You also need to meet residency, English, civics, and good moral character requirements. A consultation is the fastest way to know for certain where you stand.
Chicago Immigration Attorney
Мы говорим по русски
Chicago Citizenship Attorney
Sverdloff Law Group
Citizenship
You have built a life here. You have worked, raised a family, paid taxes, and put down roots deeper than you ever imagined when you first arrived. Now you are ready for the final step, the one that turns a country you chose into a country that is truly yours.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is more than a legal status. It is the freedom to vote, the security of knowing you belong, and the promise that your family’s future is protected. At Sverdloff Law Group, our Chicago citizenship attorneys are here to walk that last stretch of the road with you.
Who We Serve
Every person who walks through our door carries a different story, but the goal is often the same: to make the United States home for good. You may see yourself in one of these situations:
- Green card holders ready to naturalize. You have met your residency requirement and want to trade permanent resident status for full citizenship.
- Spouses of U.S. citizens. You have been married to a citizen and living in the U.S. and want to apply on the shorter three-year timeline.
- Military service members and veterans. You have served honorably and earned a faster, streamlined path to citizenship.
- Parents of U.S. citizen children. You want the same security your children already have.
- Applicants with complicated histories. You have a past visa overstay, an old criminal charge, long trips abroad, or a previously denied application, and you need someone who will handle it carefully.
Wherever you are on this path, our team is ready to look at your case honestly and help you find the clearest way forward.
The U.S. Citizenship Process
Most people become citizens through naturalization. The process follows a series of steps, and knowing what to expect can take a lot of the stress out of it.
Eligibility Requirements
Before you apply, you generally need to meet these conditions:
- You are 18 or older.
- You have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
- You have kept continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
- You can read, write, and speak basic English.
- You have a working knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- You can show good moral character during the required statutory period.
What the Process Looks Like
- File Form N-400. This is the official Application for Naturalization, and accuracy here sets the tone for your entire case.
- Complete biometrics. USCIS collects your fingerprints and background information.
- Attend your interview. An officer reviews your application and asks questions about your history and answers.
- Take the civics and English tests. You will answer questions about U.S. government and history and show basic English skills. Free study materials are available on the USCIS website, and we help you prepare so you walk in feeling ready.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance. Once approved, you attend your oath ceremony and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Timelines vary, but the process often takes several months to over a year from filing to oath. Questions about your moral character or time spent outside the country can slow things down, which is exactly where an attorney’s guidance protects you from costly mistakes.
Why Choose Sverdloff Law Group
When working with an immigration attorney, you want more than a form-filler. You want someone who understands what this moment means, because they have lived it too.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is an immigrant herself. She knows what it feels like to build a life in a new country and to wait for the day you can finally call it your own. That perspective shapes how she and her team treat every client, as a person with a story, not a case number.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- Focused immigration practice. Immigration law is all we do, which means sharper attention and deeper knowledge for your case.
- A multilingual team. Our firm speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Spanish, so you can explain your situation in the language you trust most.
- A proven track record. Our attorneys have resolved difficult cases that stalled for years, from complicated adjustments of status to hard-fought asylum claims.
- Nationwide reach. With offices in Chicago and Northbrook, we serve clients across all 50 states.
Your success is our mission, and you will have a legal ally in your corner from the first meeting to your oath ceremony.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
You do not have to figure this out alone. Whether you are just starting your N-400 or worried about something in your past, our team is ready to listen, review your situation, and explain your options in clear terms.
Call our Chicago office or schedule a consultation online today. It is fast, easy, and the right next move toward the citizenship you have earned.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship
How Long Does the Naturalization Process Take?
From filing your N-400 to taking the Oath of Allegiance, the process often runs several months to over a year. Your timeline depends on your local USCIS office, your case details, and how quickly you respond to any requests. Careful preparation from the start helps avoid delays.
What if I Have a Criminal Record?
Certain offenses can affect your eligibility or raise questions about good moral character, but a record does not automatically end your chances. The outcome depends on the type of offense, when it happened, and how it is presented. We review your history closely and advise you on the safest path.
Can I Lose My Citizenship Once I Have It?
For most people, citizenship is permanent. In rare cases, it can be revoked if it was obtained through fraud or serious misrepresentation on the application. This is one more reason to file an accurate, honest application with legal guidance from the beginning.
What Happens During the Citizenship Interview?
A USCIS officer reviews your application, confirms your answers, and administers the English and civics tests. It is normal to feel nervous, so we prepare you for the questions and practice ahead of time. Walking in ready makes a real difference in how the interview goes.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer to Apply?
The law does not require an attorney, but the stakes are high and small mistakes can cause big delays or denials. If your case involves travel history, past applications, or any criminal issue, professional guidance protects you. Even straightforward cases benefit from a careful review before you file.
Helping You Realize Your Dreams for a New Life in the United States
Our immigration attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the best outcome in your immigration case.
Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Ukranian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Spanish.
Every Dream Should Be Realized.
Let Us Help You Accomplish Yours.
Reviews
Words From Our
Clients
Reviews from our clients from around the world.
Very knowledgeable attorney. I had the chance to work with many attorneys last ten years. Julia was most knowledgeable and helpful. She got the job done right. Thank you. Read More
Mirrakhim
Julia and her team were purely amazing throughout my adjustment of status process. I had one of the most difficult cases any lawyer can handle, and Julia was actually my 3rd lawyer in 12 years. I can't thank her enough for taking the time, and efforts to execute this task… Read More
Bassel George Diebo, MD
Before meeting Julia and her team, I met many lawyers, but I could not find a better and more professional than Julia Sverdloff. Julia and her team are the best of the best. This team goes to the victorious finish and does not abandon its clients halfway! With this team,… Read More
Atmir K.
Julia's help was invaluable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, straightforward, fast, and empathetic. She was able to solve a green card issue I had been dealing with for 5,5 years in 4 months and helped me with the naturalization process as well. She prepared me thoroughly for the interview, and… Read More
Veronique
I’ve worked with Julia and her team on multiple cases, and every time the experience has been absolutely great. Julia is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive, honestly the best immigration attorney in Chicago. I came to them through a friend’s recommendation and have since recommended them to others. Everyone I… Read More
Anastasia S.
I highly recommend this immigration attorney. She is highly professional, punctual, and exceptionally knowledgeable in her field. She is deeply dedicated to her clients, consistently advocates on their behalf, and provides clear and timely responses to all inquiries. Her reliability, professionalism, and commitment ensure that clients feel fully supported throughout… Read More
Client
My story of love and immigration is truly amazing and wonderful! I met my husband in Romania, and our feelings grew even while we were apart. After arriving in America, we got married here. Following the wedding, we turned to the Julia Sverdloff law firm. Their team of professionals listened… Read More
Michael and Viktoriia
I had a really good experience working with Julia Sverdloff. She was very professional and knowledgeable, and I could tell she really knows what she’s doing. She took the time to answer all my questions and explain everything in a way that was easy to understand. I really appreciate her… Read More
Ana
Hi everyone. Read carefully what i am going to write. Sverdloff Law Group is absolutely the best group of people that can help you with your immigration status. Julia and her team are some of the best people you can work with. Julia is such an amazing person, full of… Read More
marko
The experience was phenomenal, professional, efficient and result oriented . I recommend the firm because they deliver results that matters. God bless the team. Read More
Soji
Julia, Chris, and everyone on the team are so knowledgeable about immigration-related matters. Julia is very kind, caring, and genuinely cares. Chris is so reliable, answers emails on time, and answers all questions thoroughly, and you can tell they take good care of every case. So glad I chose them… Read More
aiswary
Julia Sverdloff is an amazing attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and is willing to work with you. She will tailor to your specific needs and make sure you take all the right steps. 10/10 would recommend! Read More
Luka
I had an overall positive experience working with this law firm. My case was not the simplest, and there were a few mix-ups and minor issues along the way, but whenever I brought something to their attention, the team was responsive and worked with me to get it corrected. I… Read More
Alex
I am incredibly grateful to Sverdloff Law Group, Julia, and her entire team for everything they did for me. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and support, I was able to win my case. A very special thank you to Kristen Coffey. She was always by my side throughout the entire… Read More
Nikolay
Thanks for the help; the communication is excellent, and you can get information or clarification on pretty much anything at almost any time, thanks. Read More
MTN
I had a consultation with attorney Julia Sverdloff because I had a lot of questions about my immigration case. I’m really happy I decided to schedule it. Julia answered every question I had and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I left the consultation knowing exactly… Read More
Ana
Julia represented me in court. She came to the hearing with another attorney, but she was present throughout my defense, and we won my case. Thank you! Read More
Aleksandra S.
I had a wonderful experience working with Sverdloff Law Group, and I’m especially grateful to Julia. She was incredibly helpful during our interview calls, making sure I felt prepared and supported. She kept me informed every step of the way, always responding promptly and professionally. Thanks to the team's efficient… Read More
Aliya A.
As an immigration attorney, I have had the pleasure of knowing Julia Sverdloff and can confidently recommend her. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, highly competent, and deeply committed to her clients. Her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail consistently stand out, as does her compassion and responsiveness. Julia approaches every case… Read More
Steve B.
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