We encourage and are here to assist as many residents who are eligible to apply for citizenship.  

Immigration laws, regulations, and policies are constantly changing. Anyone interested in applying for citizenship, or any immigration relief, should speak to an attorney. Call our office for a consultation on how the latest updates may affect your eligibility.  

Remote Services 

Our office offers remote and in-person services by appointment. We are conducting legal services and can assist Monday- Friday through our hotline: 213-814-5248 or main line 213-385-7800 x. 136. 

Cost 

CARECEN’s citizenship services include free legal assistance, citizenship classes, and community workshops. To get a free phone consultation contact our hotline at 213-814-5248 Please leave a voice message, if no one answers. 

CARECEN does not charge for consultations, citizenship application preparation, or classes. Take advantage today and protect yourself through citizenship. CARECEN's citizenship legal services are FREE of charge to qualifying applicants!  

LEGAL SERVICES  

• Eligibility Consultations 
• Naturalization form preparation (N-400) 
• Requesting a fee waiver (I-912) 
• Applying for a reduced fee 
• And more! 

Locations

CARECEN is committed to making citizenship services accessible to all. We offer services at many different locations, dates, and times. Find out your nearest location by calling 213-814-5248!   

We are currently offering phone call and video call appointments at our offices in LA and Van Nuys. We also offer appointment-based citizenship services in office.  

WORKSHOPS 

Naturalization workshop dates are subject to changes.

Free Legal Services At LA Libraries

We offer free legal services at Los Angeles Public Libraries. Click HERE for hours and locations. To make an appointment, please call 213-228-7390 or visit http://www.lapl.org/newamericans. 

Free Legal Services At Family Source Centers 

If you live in Los Angeles city and are low-income, you may qualify for comprehensive services that include free legal assistance. Click HERE for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Do I need to pay a filing fee? 

While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) charges to process your application, if you receive public benefits such as Medi-Cal, food stamps, SSI, etc. (or if your household income is low), you may qualify for a fee waiver or a reduced fee. Most of our clients qualify for a complete fee waiver. 

Do I have to take the exam in English?  

If you have been a resident for at least 20 years and are 50+ years old, or have been a resident for at least 15 years and are 55+ years old, you may be allowed to bring an interpreter and to take the test in another language. 

How long does the naturalization process take?  

Application processing times vary and can sometimes take 1 year or more. Estimate time can change depending on USCIS location processing your application.  

What are other benefits of citizenship? 

Only citizens vote in U.S. elections. A US citizen can petition for more family members than a lawful permanent resident can. US citizens can petition parents, married children, and siblings. Citizens also have access to certain public benefits available only to citizens, can travel with fewer restrictions, and have more participation opportunities in the political process. Residency is not always permanent.  Naturalization offers more security. 

What should I bring to my consultation? 

You should bring the following documents: 

• Permanent Resident Card 
• Social Security Card 
• Birth certificate 
• Marriage and Divorce certificates for you and any spouses 
• ID or California License 
• Passports that you have used to travel out of the US in the last 5 years. If your travel dates do not appear in your passport, write the dates on a sheet of paper and bring them to your appointment (this includes trips to Tijuana that were longer than 24 hours). 
• If you have ever been arrested, please bring a final certified court disposition for all arrests or charges, even if the case was dismissed. Any other related documents. 
• Proof of current Public Benefit(s), if any