04 Aug 2026

I applied for naturalization under the five-year rule and am now considering divorce. Do I need to wait until after my N-400 case is approved?

Answer If a person is applying for naturalization under the five-year rule, rather than the three-year rule based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, a pending divorce would generally not prevent approval of the N-400 application. (04.Aug.2026) Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

16 Jun 2026

I am applying for naturalization but have heard that USCIS is not scheduling oath ceremonies for many applicants, even when the interview goes well. Am I allowed to travel internationally while my naturalization application is pending?

Answer Yes. In general, applicants may travel internationally while their naturalization applications are pending. However, it is important to avoid any scheduling conflicts with USCIS appointments. Applicants also should ensure that any travel does not affect their ability to satisfy the continuous residence and physical presence...

29 Apr 2026

I have an employment-based green card and am getting ready to file for citizenship. Since obtaining my green card, I have changed jobs and am no longer working in the same field. Is this a problem?

Answer Generally speaking, you are not required to be working in the same field at the time of applying for naturalization as when you received your green card. However, in some circumstances it may be an issue. Before seeking new post-green card employment or applying for...

24 Sep 2025

I am in the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. If I use a debt consolidating service, will this harm my chances of getting the naturalization case approved?

Answer Under current rules, there is no financial test for naturalization. So, using a debt consolidating service normally would not be relevant to a naturalization case. (23.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

20 Aug 2025

I became a conditional permanent resident through the EB5 program. Does time spent as a conditional resident count toward the 5-year requirement to apply for U.S. citizenship?

Answer Yes, time spent as a conditional permanent resident counts toward fulfillment of the requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. (20.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright ©...

06 Aug 2025

My father recently became a U.S. citizen and would like to sponsor me for a green card. Is that allowed, even though I already have a pending EB2 case?

Answer Yes, this normally would be allowed. Filing a family-based case generally would have no impact on a pending employment-based case. Both cases could continue, but each would have a separate priority date. (i.e., The priority date from an employment-based case cannot be used for a...

29 Jul 2025

Does the United States allow for dual citizenship?

Answer U.S. law does not prohibit a person from being a dual citizen. But, depending upon the circumstances, there are certain complications that can arise; and one must take into consideration the laws of the other country regarding dual citizenship. (29.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

09 Jul 2025

I am working in H1B status in California. My wife, who is on H-4, is due to give birth in a few weeks. Will my child be considered a U.S. citizen?

Answer Yes, as things stand now, a child born in California would still be considered a U.S. citizen.California is one of 22 U.S. states that filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding his executive order that purports to end birthright citizenship. This led to issuance...