Expert Citizenship & Naturalization Services in Seattle
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is one of the most important legal journeys you'll ever take.
At L.I.H. Law, we understand that the path to citizenship represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and the dream of building a permanent future in the United States.
This process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, passing English and civics tests, demonstrating good moral character, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
As U.S. citizens, you gain the right to vote, protection from deportation, the ability to sponsor family members, access to federal benefits, and the peace of mind that comes with permanent security in your home.
Immigration lawyer Lesley Irizarry-Hougan has spent over 20 years exclusively practicing immigration law in Seattle, helping hundreds of immigrants achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship. As the daughter of a veteran and a member of a family with deep roots in both U.S. and Latino culture, Lesley understands the profound meaning of citizenship for immigrant families. Her firm's entirely bilingual, Spanish-speaking staff ensures that language never becomes a barrier to achieving your American dream.
L.I.H. Law is uniquely qualified to handle your citizenship case, including complex situations involving extensive travel, VAWA survivors, asylum-based green cards, and other challenging circumstances. We don't just fill out forms; we thoroughly prepare you for your interview, anticipate potential issues before they become problems, and stand by your side throughout the naturalization process.
Citizenship Services We Provide
We guide Seattle-area immigrants through every aspect of the citizenship process, including:
3-Year Marriage-Based Naturalization
For green card holders married to U.S. citizens (including LGBTQ+ couples and military families)
Standard 5-Year Naturalization Applications
For permanent residents who have held their green card for at least 5 years
Naturalization with Extensive Travel History
Addressing continuous residence and physical presence requirements
Age and Disability Accommodations
Requesting testing exemptions or waivers (Form N-648)
Interview Preparation and Representation
Coaching you on what to expect and accompanying you to USCIS
Derivative Citizenship for Children
Establishing automatic citizenship when parents naturalize
Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
Documenting citizenship for those who acquired it through their parents
Second Opinions on Denied Applications
Reviewing rejections and determining the best path forward
Our Naturalization Process
Pre-Application
1. Initial Consultation
We review your immigration history, green card status, travel records, and personal circumstances. We'll determine if you're eligible to apply now or if we need to address any issues first. We provide honest, realistic assessments—if we see potential problems, we tell you upfront and explain how we can address them.
2. Eligibility Assessment and Timeline Planning
We calculate your exact eligibility date (you can apply 90 days before your 3-year or 5-year anniversary), review your continuous residence and physical presence requirements, and identify any potential red flags. If you're not quite ready to apply, we create a timeline showing exactly when you will be eligible and what steps to take in the meantime.
3. Document Collection and Preparation
We provide you with a detailed checklist of required documents: marriage certificates, divorce decrees, tax returns, employment records, travel records, military service documents, and any court records if applicable. Our bilingual team helps guide you to obtain missing documents and translates any Spanish-language documents into English for USCIS.
Application
N-400 Application Completion and Filing
We carefully prepare your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), ensuring every answer is accurate and consistent with your immigration history. We prepare supporting cover letters if needed, particularly for complex cases. We file your application with USCIS and provide you with copies of everything submitted.
Biometrics Appointment Coordination
After filing, you'll receive a notice for fingerprinting (biometrics). We explain what to expect, review the appointment details, and ensure you attend on time.
Interview
Interview Preparation
Once USCIS schedules your interview, we thoroughly prepare you for success. We conduct practice interviews, review your entire application line by line, and address any concerns about your case.
Interview Representation
Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan accompanies you to your USCIS interview when needed, particularly in complex cases. During the interview, the USCIS officer will verify your application information, test your English ability, administer the civics test, and review your moral character. We're there to ensure your rights are protected and to address any unexpected issues that arise.
Citizenship
Oath Ceremony and Citizenship Certificate
If approved, you'll receive a notice to attend a naturalization ceremony. At the ceremony, you'll take the Oath of Allegiance, surrender your green card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization—proof of your U.S. citizenship. We help you understand what to do next: applying for a U.S. passport, registering to vote, and updating your Social Security records.
Post-Citizenship Support
After you become a citizen, we can help you sponsor family members still living abroad, apply for Certificates of Citizenship for your children, or address any other immigration needs your family may have.
Why Choose L.I.H. Law for Your Citizenship Case
Our Specialty
Experience With Complex Immigration Journeys: Family-Based, Family Reunification, VAWA, Waivers
20+ Years Exclusively Practicing Immigration Law
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Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan has devoted her entire legal career to immigration law since graduating from Northern Illinois University School of Law.
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Unlike general practice attorneys who handle immigration cases occasionally, Lesley exclusively focuses on immigration law. This means she understands the nuances of U.S. immigration law, stays current on policy changes, and knows how Seattle's USCIS office operates.
Fully Bilingual Service—Se Habla Español
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Our entire staff is fluent in Spanish, not just the receptionist. From your first call to your oath ceremony, you can communicate in the language you're most comfortable with.
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We translate documents, explain legal concepts in Spanish, and ensure you fully understand every step. This cultural and linguistic competence means we can better serve Seattle's large Latino immigrant community, though we welcome clients from all backgrounds.
Daughter of a Veteran with Deep Community Roots
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As the daughter of a U.S. military veteran, Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan has a profound respect for the meaning of American citizenship and the sacrifices families make to achieve it.
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She understands both the immigrant experience and American values, bringing a unique perspective to every case.
Active Community Involvement
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L.I.H. Law doesn't just practice immigration law—we actively serve Seattle's immigrant community. Attorney Lesley volunteers at
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citizenship clinics sponsored by the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, helps immigrants apply for citizenship at Naturalization Day events, provides pro-bono services through Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), and gives free immigration workshops throughout Washington State.
Transparent, Reasonable Fees
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We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden costs. Our fees are structured fairly, and we offer payment plans when needed.
Local Knowledge
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Deep Understanding of Seattle USCIS Field Office Procedures
Transparent Process
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Clear Process with Timeline Expectations
Client Service
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Personal Attention Throughout - You're Not Just a File Number
Proven Results
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100+ Five-Star Google Reviews from Satisfied Citizenship Clients
Frequently Asked Questions
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If you got your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen: You can apply after 3 years of being a permanent resident, as long as you've been married to the same U.S. citizen for those 3 years and continue to be married when you apply. You can actually file your application 90 days before your 3-year anniversary.
If you got your green card through other means (employment, family other than marriage, asylum, etc.): You must wait 5 years from the date you became a permanent resident. Again, you can apply 90 days before your 5-year anniversary.
Exception for military service: If you served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for expedited naturalization with reduced waiting times or no waiting time at all during periods of military hostilities.
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The naturalization test has two parts:
English Test: You must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English. The USCIS officer will assess your speaking ability through your conversation during the interview. For reading, you'll be asked to read one sentence correctly out of three provided. For writing, you'll write one sentence correctly out of three provided.
Civics Test: You'll answer questions about the U.S. government and history from a list of 128 possible questions. The officer will ask up to 10 questions, and you must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
Good news: You may qualify for exceptions! If you're 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, OR 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for 15 years, you can take the civics test in your native language. If you're 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you get a simpler version of the civics test.
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USCIS Filing Fee: $760 (includes $640 application fee + $85 biometrics fee). This is payable to the U.S. government, not to your attorney.
Attorney Fees: Our legal fees for citizenship cases vary depending on complexity. During your initial consultation, we'll provide a clear, flat fee agreement. We offer payment plans to make our services more accessible.
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From the time you file your N-400 application to when you take your oath of allegiance, the process typically takes 10-18 months in Seattle, though times vary based on USCIS's current workload.
Typical timeline:
Weeks 1-4 after filing: Receipt notice from USCIS
Weeks 4-12: Biometrics appointment notice
Months 8-14: Interview scheduled
Interview day: Applicants in Seattle may receive same-day oath ceremonies if approved
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Yes, you can travel abroad while your N-400 application is pending. You travel using your valid green card and passport from your country of citizenship.
Important considerations:
Don't miss your biometrics or interview appointment
Maintain continuous residence (trips under 6 months)
Ensure you meet physical presence requirements (30 months out of 5 years)
Keep careful records of all travel dates
What Our Clients Say
★★★★★
"Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan is excellent at her job. She helped me when other lawyers couldn't help me. It's worth the cost of work! Very sincere and clear with your expectations and requirements! Thanks to her, I achieved my residency and my citizenship!"
— Manuel Zempoalteca
Google Review
★★★★★
"Attorney Lesley was always honest and objective regarding my situation. She never gave me false hopes. Very professional all the time. Despite my case not being easy, she has the necessary tools and the knowledge to fight for your cause. I personally recommend her 100%."
— Antonio Sanchez
Google Review
★★★★★
"I want to thank attorney Lesley Ann Irizarry-Hougan for her advice, effort, dedication and support for my immigration case. She represented me very strongly at the immigration court. HONESTY is what defines attorney Lesley. I can proudly say that now I am a PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA here in Seattle, Washington."
— Immigration Court Success Story