Frequently Asked Questions About Clearbox's Citizenship Service
Is Clearbox right for me?
We built Clearbox so immigrants like you don't have to choose between spending thousands of dollars on a lawyer to handle your entire case or doing it all yourself with no legal support at all.
We are designed to support the DIY applicant. You pay only for the legal expertise you need - not for a bundle of services you don't need or a subscription that you'll only use once.
How will using Clearbox help me?
Clearbox will guide you through each step of your U.S. Citizenship application. An experienced immigration lawyer will review your application and supporting documents, and answer any questions you have.
At the end of the process, you will have a complete, accurate U.S. Citizenship application ready to submit to USCIS.
Learn more about the application process in our complete citizenship guide.
Do I need a lawyer to handle my whole case?
You might. We will listen, ask the right questions, and tell our customers who need full legal representation that Clearbox is not the right solution for them, and why.
If you have a complex immigration history, have a case pending in immigration court, or have a pending or previous criminal matter in your history - we may not be right for you. But, we promise to say so!
Who will review my application materials when I purchase a review?
Your review will be handled by a licensed, experienced immigration lawyer. We only partner with lawyers licensed in the United States.
We look for lawyers who have high-volume naturalization practices (this means hundreds of cases).
What does your flat fee include?
Our flat fee gets you a completed, attorney-reviewed N-400 application package - ready to sign and submit to USCIS. It does not include any work we may have to do on your application after it is submitted.
What if my application is rejected?
Our goal is zero rejections for technical reasons. If your application is sent back to you, we will work with you to address the problems and make things right.
What if I get an Request for Evidence (RFE) or my application is denied?
There are many reasons an application can get denied or RFE'd. We'll do our best to work with you to come up with a solution. Depending on the amount of work, this may require an extra fee.
What is your refund policy?
If you purchase one of our services and have a bad experience, send us an email at help@clearboxlegal.com telling us what didn't work for you. If we can't fix it for you, we'll give you a full refund.
How do I know if I'm eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship?
Clearbox can help you if you are a lawful permanent resident (i.e., green card holder) currently living in the U.S. and interested in becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
You can find out if you're eligible by taking our eligibility check.
What is a lawful permanent resident or a green card holder?
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. When you have lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) gives you a permanent resident card (green card).
Is my information secure and confidential with Clearbox?
Yes. We use industry-standard encryption to protect your information. We do not share your data with third parties.
How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship?
The USCIS government filing fee is $760 for paper filing or $710 for online filing. On top of that, many applicants use a service like Clearbox ($299) or hire a traditional immigration attorney ($1,500–$2,500). However, many applicants qualify for fee waivers or reduced fees, which can bring the USCIS fee down to $380 or even $0.
How long does the citizenship application process take?
From filing to oath ceremony, most applications currently take 5–8 months. Processing times vary by USCIS field office. You can check current processing times on the USCIS website. Preparing your application with Clearbox typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on how quickly you gather your documents.
Can I apply for citizenship online?
Yes — USCIS allows online filing of Form N-400 through your USCIS online account. However, if you're requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file by mail. Clearbox prepares your application for either filing method and provides step-by-step instructions for submission.
What are the basic requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship?
To apply for naturalization, you generally need to be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass the English and civics tests. Use our eligibility calculator to check your specific situation.