Orlando Citizenship Attorneys

Helping You Gain Citizenship in the U.S.

When your path to U.S. citizenship depends on getting it right the first time, choose the Orlando citizenship lawyers who have been turning immigration dreams into reality for over four decades. At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we're not just citizenship lawyers—we're your partners in achieving the American Dream.

Discover how we can help you become a U.S. citizen by calling (407) 630-8455 to speak with a Board-Certified Immigration Specialist.

Why Orlando Families Choose Our Citizenship Services

Board-Certified Immigration Specialists Right Here in Orlando

As one of the few firms with Board-Certified Immigration Specialists, our Orlando citizenship attorney team brings unparalleled expertise to your case. Led by shareholders Richard Maney and Christian Zeller—both Certified Immigration & Nationality Law Specialists by The State Bar of Florida Board of Legal Specialization and holders of the highest AV® Rating from Martindale Hubbell®—we've successfully handled complex citizenship applications Orlando residents trust us with, including cases approved in as little as 2 weeks.

More Than Just Citizenship Applications—We're Community Partners

What sets our citizenship services Orlando apart? We offer:

• Free weekly citizenship classes at our Orlando office
• Multilingual support in Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai
• Personal attention where you're treated like family, not just another case
• Proven track record with thousands of successful citizenship applications

Our leadership team's commitment to client-centric services has helped create a firm culture where innovation and client success are paramount. They actively contribute to legal discussions and initiatives aimed at improving immigration frameworks, demonstrating their dedication to continual legal improvement and advocacy for immigrant communities.

"When my husband and I felt hopeless, this establishment gave us hope." - Travi C.

U.S. Citizenship in Orlando

There are numerous restrictions in place that make citizenship a challenging goal for many immigrants and foreign nationals. With the legal assistance of our attorneys, you can navigate those obstacles and avoid unnecessary delays between you and citizenship. It all begins with understanding and matching the citizenship requirements set in the United States.

Am I Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?

Our experienced Orlando citizenship lawyers help you understand the requirements:

Basic Qualifications:

• Green Card holder for 5+ years (or 3+ years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Age 18 or older (with exceptions for adopted children)
• Basic English proficiency (age-based exemptions available)
• Good moral character
• Pass the naturalization test

Special Considerations:

• Criminal history? Certain convictions may affect eligibility—our citizenship lawyers Orlando can evaluate your specific situation
• English concerns? We offer free English classes and can determine if you qualify for exemptions
• Complex cases? Our Board-Certified specialists have handled the most challenging citizenship applications Orlando has seen

The Citizenship Process: What Our Orlando Clients Experience

Step 1: Expert Evaluation

Your Orlando citizenship attorney will review your eligibility, identify potential challenges, and create a personalized strategy for success.

Step 2: Meticulous Application Preparation

We handle Form N-400 and all supporting documentation with the attention to detail that has made us Central Florida's trusted citizenship services provider.

Step 3: Test Preparation Support

Take advantage of our free weekly citizenship classes at our Orlando office. Our classes help you:

• Master the English test (reading, writing, speaking)
• Prepare for the civics test (6 out of 10 questions correct from a pool of 100)
• Build confidence for your interview

Step 4: Interview and Beyond

We prepare you thoroughly for your USCIS interview and can accompany you for support. If issues arise, our experienced citizenship lawyers are ready to handle appeals or additional proceedings.

Timeline: Most citizenship applications take 8-12 months, though we've achieved approvals in much shorter timeframes.

Common Citizenship Challenges—And How We Solve Them

"The Paperwork Is Overwhelming"

Our Solution: With over 100 years of combined experience, our Orlando citizenship attorneys know exactly how to navigate USCIS requirements. We handle every detail so you don't have to worry about costly mistakes.

Client Review: "The process for our waiver went smooth…always there when we called and responded promptly to our emails. They were very professional and kept things simple. We got approved only after 2 weeks of submitting the waiver." - Cierra P.

"I'm Worried About the English Test"

Our Solution: We offer free English classes and can determine if you qualify for age-based exemptions. Our Orlando citizenship lawyers ensure you're fully prepared.

Available Exemptions:

• Age 50+ with 20 years as a green card holder
• Age 55+ with 15 years as a green card holder
• Medical disabilities may qualify for additional accommodations

"I Don't Know If My Criminal Record Disqualifies Me"

Our Solution: Our citizenship lawyers Orlando specialize in complex cases. We'll evaluate your specific situation and develop the strongest possible application strategy.

"I Can't Afford Mistakes"

Our Solution: Our Board-Certified Immigration Specialists have a proven track record of successful citizenship applications Orlando residents depend on. We get it right the first time.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

The steps to becoming a U.S. citizen can be difficult, it’s no secret. But most people who go through it and obtain citizenship will tell you that it is well worth the trouble because of all the advantages that come automatically once a citizen.

Political Rights:

• Vote in federal, state, and local elections
• Run for public office (except President/Vice President)
• Serve on juries

Family Benefits:

• Sponsor family members for immigration
• Children under 18 automatically become citizens
• Travel freely with a U.S. passport

Career & Financial Advantages:

• Apply for federal government jobs
• Access to federal benefits and programs
• Protection from deportation—ever

Personal Security:

• Permanent right to live in the United States
• Freedom to travel internationally
• Peace of mind for you and your family

Citizenship Applications Orlando: Your Questions Answered

How do I apply for U.S. citizenship?

You apply by filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with supporting documents and a filing fee. You’ll then attend a biometrics appointment, interview, and citizenship test.

How Much Does the Citizenship Process Cost?

Current USCIS fees are $710 filing fee. We provide transparent legal fee quotes with no hidden costs. Many clients find our free citizenship classes help them save money on test preparation.

What is the citizenship test like?

The citizenship test includes two parts:

• English test (reading, writing, speaking)
• Civics test (you’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100; you must answer at least 6 correctly)

What if I Fail the Citizenship Test?

You get a second chance. Our Orlando citizenship lawyers will help you prepare even more thoroughly. Many clients who attend our free citizenship classes pass on their first attempt.

Can I Keep My Original Citizenship?

The U.S. allows dual citizenship, but not all countries do. You should check with your home country’s laws to see if it permits dual nationality. Our Orlando citizenship attorneys can help you understand the implications.

What Happens to My Children?

Children under 18 who are permanent residents and living with you automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize under the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Typically 8-12 months from application to oath ceremony. Our efficient citizenship services have achieved much faster results in many cases.

What if My Application Is Denied?

Our citizenship team can file appeals or help you reapply with a stronger case. We don't give up on your American Dream.

Can I apply for citizenship if I’ve been arrested or convicted of a crime?

Possibly. Certain criminal convictions may make you ineligible for citizenship, especially if they indicate a lack of good moral character. It’s recommended to speak with an immigration attorney if you have a criminal record.

Do I have to speak English to become a citizen?

Generally, yes. However, there are exemptions:

• If you are 50+ years old and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for 20 years
• If you are 55+ years old and have lived in the U.S. for 15 years

You may take the civics test in your native language in these cases.

What responsibilities come with U.S. citizenship?

Citizens must:

• Obey the law
• Pay taxes
• Serve on a jury when called
• Defend the U.S. if required
• Participate in the democratic process (e.g., voting)

Citizenship is Possible – Find Out How

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we don't just practice immigration law—we champion the American Dream. Our Orlando citizenship attorneys combine decades of experience with genuine compassion, ensuring your journey to citizenship is as smooth and successful as possible. We are rooting for you! We are all here to guide and support you when you decide it is time to start the citizenship process. Even if you aren’t quite sure you want to begin, we encourage you to reach out to our firm by dialing and allowing us to answer some questions about citizenship that might be weighing on your mind.

"I am very grateful for all the time and effort Maney & Gordon attorneys and legal assistants put into my citizenship case. Everyone that was involved was professional, courteous, caring, hard-working and sincere. I always felt they cared very much about myself - I truly recommend them! The service I received and the overall experience was more than satisfactory…" - Ana M.

Call (407) 630-8455 or fill out an online contact form at any time.