Secure Your Future with U.S. Citizenship

Start Your Journey Today

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram! We’re excited to guide you through this powerful video series on achieving U.S. Citizenship. Discover the essential steps to safeguard your future and your family’s by applying for citizenship as soon as you’re eligible.

Achieve U.S. Citizenship with Confidence

Becoming a U.S. Citizen is the ultimate milestone in your immigration journey, fully integrating you into the vibrant fabric of American society. For most, this process begins with a Green Card, as direct paths to citizenship are rare, except in unique cases like certain adoptions where a child may automatically gain citizenship based on age. For the majority, a Green Card is the critical first step toward unlocking the benefits of U.S. Citizenship, governed by specific Congressional rules.

Green Card Pathways: Marriage and Employment

If you secured your Green Card through marriage, you can apply for U.S. Citizenship just three years after issuance. For those with Green Cards through family sponsorship, employment, or self-sponsorship, the opportunity opens after five years. However, meeting these timelines is only the beginning—additional requirements are key to a successful application.

Showcase Good Moral Character

Prove you embody the values of a responsible U.S. Citizen during your time as a Green Card holder. U.S. Immigration prioritizes good moral character, focusing on a clean record free of serious crimes, especially those involving moral turpitude. If you’ve faced legal challenges, aim for at least five years of impeccable conduct before applying and consult a specialized criminal-immigration attorney to strengthen your case. Financial responsibility is equally critical—ensure all taxes are paid or that you’re enrolled in an IRS payment plan, as unpaid taxes can derail your application.

Navigate Absences from the U.S.

Time spent outside the U.S. as a Green Card holder can affect your citizenship eligibility timeline. Rules vary based on the duration of your absence:

• Absences up to six months

• Absences between six and 12 months

• Absences over 12 months

Ready to learn more? Click to watch Part 2, where we dive deeper into how absences impact your path to citizenship!

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

• Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
• Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
• Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted