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Citizenship Expert Legal Guidance You Can Trust

Helping Clients Obtain Citizenship Through Naturalization

Legal Representation for Citizenship Matters in Tampa, FL

For many foreign citizens who are permanent U.S. residents, achieving U.S. citizenship can provide many additional rights—including the right to vote. But citizenship brings additional responsibilities as well, beginning with proceeding through the citizenship application process. This process has many detailed requirements and procedures that can be confusing.

If you need help with your application, or if you encounter difficulties along the way, each citizenship lawyer at the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. has extensive experience helping individuals in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and throughout the Tampa Bay area through the naturalization process.

U.S. citizenship form

What are the Requirements for Obtaining U.S. Citizenship?

The Immigration and Nationality Act established by the United States Congress defines a number of requirements needed to qualify for application, including the following:

  • Age 18 years or older
  • Permanent residence for five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen
  • With certain exceptions, the ability to read, write, and speak basic English

Steps to Complete for Citizenship Through Naturalization

File the appropriate form

  • At this time it is recommended that you review U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Manual M-476, A Guide to Naturalization or M-599, Naturalization Information for Military Personnel, as appropriate for your situation.
  • You must then file the right form for your situation and be photographed and fingerprinted as part of the application process.

Review educational materials

  • USCIS offers materials to help you prepare for the English and U.S. history and government tests that you must pass to achieve citizenship.

Attend an interview and take tests

  • Before taking the tests, you can expect to answer some questions about your application and background.
  • After you take both English and Civics tests, the results are reviewed, and you receive a case status.

Take the oath

  • Upon successful completion of the process, you can look forward to the ceremony in which you take the oath and become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

What Happens if My Application is Denied?

If you believe your application is wrongly denied, the USCIS offers methods for reviewing your application—and you can also ask the United States District Court to perform an additional review. Although it is possible to handle your own appeal, it makes sense to consider retaining an experienced immigration attorney from the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A.. We have helped many clients in Clearwater, St. Petersburg & Tampa effectively navigate the appeals process.

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Why Choose K. Dean Kantaras, P.A.?

  • Several Decades of Experience on Your Side
  • Top Rating for Ethics & Skill of AV Preeminent®
  • Board Certified Specialist in Family Law
  • Selection for Florida Super Lawyers® - Top 5%

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Superior to his opposing counsel"
    Dean was so far superior to his opposing counsel that it was apparent that he was the superior legal mind.
    - D.
    "Great service"
    The firm of KDK is very outstanding. Dean is an exemplary attorney. I am impressed with his knowledge, intelligence, honesty and sincerity.
    - Errol Morrison
    "My sincere thanks"
    My sincere thanks for Dean, Doukissa, Karen, Azhar, Iris and all other legal team members for the professional case work completed and personal compassion demonstrated on my behalf.
    - R.R.
    "Immigration lawyer Brittany Mohamed is very personable, helpful, and knowledgeable!"
    Immigration lawyer Brittany Mohamed is very personable, helpful, and knowledgeable! We had our case approved with her help.
    - Vanessa
    "Patience is a virtue."
    Good afternoon, I want to say that the staff at Dean’s office have been exceptional. I worked closely with Iris, Nicole, Patrice, Danielle, and Joe. They all helped me through the process. Dean is a very intelligent attorney and finally got the Judge to see it our way, because of the law and a lot of hard work. Thank you all for your effort.
    - John Judge
    "Dean and his team have been a blessing in this difficult process."
    Dean and his team have been a blessing in this difficult process. although I'm not to the end just yet, I have faith he and the whole team will help me get across the finish line. I would highly recommend him. Worth every penny!
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    "They definitely help make things a little easier in a very difficult time."
    Excellent law firm. From the admin personnel, to the paralegals, and all the attorneys. They work together as a team to fight for you. Would highly recommend them to anyone going through family court especially if it is contested. They definitely help make things a little easier in a very difficult time.
    - Isaac G.