Austin Citizenship and Naturalization Lawyer

Working With A Citizenship and Naturalization Attorney in Austin

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most important steps you can take. Citizenship provides the security and rights that come with being a U.S. citizen. It gives eligible citizens the right to vote in federal elections, obtain a U.S. passport, seek certain government positions, and petition for qualifying family members.

Michael G. Murray, P.A., is an immigration law firm in Austin, Texas, serving clients throughout Travis County, as well as nearby communities such as Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville. The firm also helps clients across the U.S. work through naturalization and citizenship cases, from an initial eligibility review through the oath ceremony.

The process is not always simple, and errors can delay or hurt your case. Not every applicant faces the same path. Some people have clean records and straightforward files. Others have more complex issues involving criminal history, extended travel outside the United States, taxes, prior immigration filings, or questions about how permanent residence was obtained.

An experienced Austin citizenship and naturalization lawyer can review your full immigration history, identify potential problems early, and help you move forward with a clear plan.

How Michael G. Murray, P.A., Approaches Your Citizenship Case

Every case starts with a close review. The firm checks your continuous residence record, physical presence in the U.S., and any criminal or immigration history that USCIS may consider. Michael G. Murray, P.A., evaluates each applicant under the applicable naturalization requirements, including those found in 8 U.S.C. § 1427. If a potential problem appears, the firm addresses it before filing whenever possible.

Some clients come in with clean records and a straightforward path to citizenship. Others have more complex situations involving criminal history, lengthy trips abroad, tax issues, prior immigration problems, or other matters that require careful review. The firm handles both and helps determine the appropriate approach based on the applicant’s individual circumstances.

The firm also determines which naturalization provision applies. Most applicants qualify under the standard five-year rule. If you have been a lawful permanent resident for at least three years and have been married to and living in marital union with the same U.S.-citizen spouse during that period, you may qualify under the three-year naturalization rule, provided your spouse has also been a U.S. citizen for those three years.

Applicants under the standard five-year rule generally must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the five years before filing. Applicants qualifying under the three-year marriage-based rule generally must have at least 18 months of physical presence during the applicable three-year period.

Applicants with children under 18 should also determine whether their children may automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when the parent naturalizes. Depending on the circumstances, a child who is a lawful permanent resident and resides in the United States in the legal and physical custody of a U.S.-citizen parent may automatically acquire citizenship before turning 18.

Once your path is clear, the firm prepares your application. That means selecting the appropriate forms, gathering the necessary documents, and making sure the application is complete and consistent. Michael G. Murray, P.A., works to give your naturalization case a strong, well-prepared start.

Why Choose Michael G. Murray, P.A. For Your Austin Naturalization Case

Michael Murray has practiced immigration law for more than 20 years. That experience includes reviewing naturalization applications, identifying potential problems before filing, and guiding clients through the USCIS naturalization process.

Before focusing on immigration law, he spent two years as a criminal defense attorney with the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office. That background can be particularly valuable for naturalization clients. If you have a prior arrest, charge, or conviction, your case may require careful review under the good moral character requirements or other provisions of immigration law. An attorney who understands both immigration and criminal law can assess those issues before USCIS raises them.

The firm is also built around how clients actually need to work with their attorney. Spanish-speaking staff are available, allowing clients to share their full story and understand each step without losing important details in translation. Michael G. Murray, P.A., operates from an office at 2028 E. Ben White Blvd. in Austin, with in-person consultations available. The firm also represents clients nationwide while remaining rooted in Austin.

Every case receives direct attorney attention rather than being passed between a large team. In addition to naturalization, Michael G. Murray, P.A., assists clients with family-based petitions and removal of conditions on permanent residence.

To learn more about Michael Murray’s background and the firm’s approach, visit the firm’s About Us page.

What To Expect In The Austin Naturalization Process

Citizenship and naturalization cases in Austin follow a structured process. Knowing what happens at each stage can help you stay prepared and avoid unnecessary delays.

Eligibility Review

Before any forms are filed, your case should receive a full eligibility review. Most applicants must have held lawful permanent resident status for at least five years, or may qualify after three years under the special rules applicable to certain spouses of U.S. citizens. Other requirements can include continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics requirements, and compliance with applicable tax obligations. Any potential problems should be identified before filing.

Filing Form N-400

Once eligibility is confirmed, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is completed and filed with USCIS. As of 2026, the standard filing fee is $710 if filed online or $760 if filed on paper. Reduced-fee or fee-waiver options may be available to qualifying applicants.

Every answer on the form should be complete and accurate. Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information can cause delays and, in some cases, raise substantive eligibility issues.

Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS accepts your N-400, it will notify you if a biometrics appointment is required. Biometrics may include fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature and are generally collected at a USCIS Application Support Center. USCIS may also be able to reuse biometrics previously collected from an applicant.

The USCIS Interview

A USCIS officer reviews your N-400, asks questions about your application and background, and generally administers the required English and civics examinations unless you qualify for an exemption or waiver. Interview scheduling times vary depending on USCIS workload and the circumstances of the case.

The Oath of Allegiance

If USCIS approves your application, the final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. In some cases, the oath may occur on the same day as the interview; in others, USCIS schedules a later ceremony. After taking the oath, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization and may apply for a U.S. passport.

Start Your Citizenship Case In Austin Today

You have worked hard to reach this point, and now it is time to take the next step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Michael G. Murray, P.A., is ready to help you move forward with your naturalization case, whether your application is straightforward or involves issues that require closer review.

The best way to get started is to schedule a consultation at the Austin office. During that meeting, you can discuss your situation, ask questions, and get a clearer understanding of what comes next.

Come prepared with your green card, any USCIS notices you have received, information concerning your travel history, and any immigration, criminal, or tax records that may be relevant to your case. Your path to U.S. citizenship can start now.