One of the most common questions applicants have when preparing for naturalization is whether they need to hire a lawyer. The short answer is: no, you are not required to have a lawyer to apply for US citizenship. However, depending on your situation, legal assistance may be helpful.
You Can File Form N-400 Yourself
According to USCIS, you can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. Many applicants successfully complete the naturalization process without any legal assistance by carefully following the instructions and preparing thoroughly for the interview.
When Legal Help May Be Beneficial
Due to the complexity of individual cases, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or an accredited representative. You may want to consider legal help if:
- You have a criminal record or past arrests
- You have complicated travel history or extended absences from the US
- You have issues with your green card or immigration status
- You owe back taxes or have child support issues
- You're unsure about eligibility requirements
What Can Authorized Representatives Do?
Only attorneys and EOIR-accredited representatives can:
- Provide legal advice about which forms and documents to attach to your application
- Explain immigration options you may have
- Communicate with USCIS about your case
Beware of Immigration Scams
Many people offer to help with immigration services, but not all of them are authorized or qualified to do so. Be cautious of notarios or immigration consultants who claim they can provide legal advice—in many states, this is illegal. If you decide to get legal help, make sure the person is an attorney or an EOIR-accredited representative.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Resources
If you need legal assistance but cannot afford a private attorney, there are options available. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost immigration legal services. You can find authorized legal services through the Department of Justice's list of recognized organizations.
Prepare for the Test on Your Own
While a lawyer can help with the application process, preparing for the citizenship test is something you can absolutely do on your own. USCIS provides free study materials, and apps like Citizenry offer comprehensive preparation tools including unlimited mock interviews, flashcards, study guides, and quizzes to help you pass your civics and English tests.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Download Citizenry and start your path to citizenship today.
