A. When Do You Need a Lawyer?

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

A. When Do You Need a Lawyer?

The most common reasons that applicants consult or hire an attorney are:

• basic eligibility issues—for example, there is an issue as to whether you have lived in the U.S. for the required time period or have valid lawful permanent resident status
• issues about moral character—for example, you were arrested for a drug offense, a DUI, or another crime
• exceptions to citizenship application rules—for example, you are unsure whether you qualify for an exception to the residency requirements as the former spouse of a deceased member of the U.S. military
• delays—for example, you filed form N-400 on your own, but USCIS has failed to act on your application for over six months
• requests for additional evidence by

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