Become a U.S. Citizen With Your Application Done Right
After everything it took to get here, citizenship should feel like a celebration, not a source of stress. Albany citizenship and naturalization attorney Ray Wood guides your N-400 from eligibility to the citizenship interview and the oath, so a preventable mistake doesn't set you back.
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Trusted by families taking the final step toward U.S. citizenship.
The Last Step Should Be the Easiest. But It Trips People Up
You've waited years for this. Yet the N-400 asks detailed questions about your history, travel, and time as a permanent resident, and an inaccurate answer, a missed eligibility rule, or an unprepared interview can delay or even derail your citizenship.
Knowing whether you qualify under the 3-year or 5-year rule, and how trips abroad affect you, isn't always obvious.
Ray confirms your eligibility, prepares a clean N-400, and gets you ready for the interview and the English and civics tests, so you walk in confident and walk out on your way to the oath.
Where Citizenship Cases Go Wrong
- 01Applying before you're eligible
The 3- vs 5-year rule and the continuous-residence and physical-presence requirements trip many applicants up.
- 02Trips abroad that break continuity
Long absences can reset your clock. We check your travel before you file, not after.
- 03Past issues that need disclosing carefully
Old arrests or citations, tax problems, or past immigration answers need to be handled the right way on the form.
- 04Unprepared for the interview & test
We make sure you know what to expect and walk in ready, not nervous.
How We Help You Become a Citizen
A practice devoted exclusively to immigration law, so we know this process inside out.
Naturalization (N-400)
We prepare and file a complete, accurate N-400, the application that turns your green card into U.S. citizenship.
Eligibility Review
3-year or 5-year rule? Continuous residence? We confirm you're eligible before you file, so you don't apply too early.
Interview & Civics Test Prep
We get you ready for the citizenship interview and the English and civics tests, so the big day feels routine.
Early Filing (90-Day Rule)
USCIS accepts the N-400 up to 90 days before you reach the 3- or 5-year mark. We calculate your earliest filing date so you don't wait longer than you need to, or file too soon.
Complex Histories
Old citations, tax questions, or long trips abroad? We help you disclose accurately and present your case the right way.
N-400 Denied? Next Steps
If your naturalization was denied, you may be able to request a hearing on Form N-336 or reapply. The N-336 window is 30 days, so reach out quickly.
A Process That Feels Clear, Not Confusing
You are never left guessing what comes next.
Speak With Ray
Tell us your situation. Ray confirms your eligibility and explains your options honestly, no pressure, no jargon. You'll hear back the same day.
We Prepare It the Right Way
We prepare an accurate N-400 and get you ready for the interview and civics test, at a flat fee you know up front.
Your Oath & Citizenship
We support you through the interview to the oath ceremony, the moment you've worked toward.
What Our Clients Say
5-star reviews from families Ray has helped.
"Ray Wood and his team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise throughout the green card process. They made the entire process seamless for us, promptly addressing all our inquiries regardless of the time of day and consistently keeping us informed. We deeply appreciate Ray Wood's invaluable assistance and highly recommend his services."
Natesh Ramdharry · Google Review
"You will not find lawyers that aren't just competent here, but you will also find kind folks that are phenomenal human beings. I cannot thank the team enough. They genuinely do care."
Harjup Singh · Google Review
"Ray walked me through the whole immigration process from the beginning until the end, became a citizen yesterday! He is extremely knowledgeable and has a way of explaining things in a very clear and calm way."
Naturalization Client
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Families Choose Ray
A small, focused practice, where you work directly with your attorney, not a call center.
Flat Fees, No Surprises
You'll know your full cost up front, a flat fee, not an hourly bill that climbs. On most matters that even includes the USCIS filing fees.
You Speak to the Attorney
No being passed between departments. You deal directly with Ray, and you get a same-day call back.
A Focused Practice
Family immigration filings with USCIS and the consulates, and nothing else: green cards, waivers, naturalization, removal of conditions, consular processing. We know this niche cold.
We'll Tell You Honestly Where You Stand
If we can help, we'll tell you exactly how. And if we're not the right fit for your case, we'll tell you that too, and point you in the right direction. No pressure, no false promises.
It's the reason so many people, including some we couldn't take on, leave us 5-star reviews. We treat every person who calls with care, because behind every case is a family.
An Immigration Lawyer Who Knows Your Case
Ray Wood
Immigration Attorney · Albany, NY
Ray has practiced immigration law for 15 years, in a practice devoted exclusively to immigration. His background includes 11 years of military service: three years on active duty with the U.S. Army and eight with the Army National Guard. Clients know him for clear communication and responsive, hands-on care from the first call to the final approval notice.
Ready to Take the Final Step?
Let's make sure your citizenship application is done right. Speak with Ray and you'll hear back the same day.
What we focus on
- Naturalization (N-400) & citizenship
- Eligibility review & interview/civics prep
- Marriage & family-based green cards (I-130)
- Adjustment of status (I-485) & consular processing
- Removal of conditions (I-751) & I-290B motions
What we don't handle
- Immigration Court / removal & deportation defense
- Work & employment visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
- Asylum cases
Not sure if your case fits? Reach out anyway, we'll tell you honestly, and point you in the right direction if it's not for us.
Common Questions About Citizenship & Naturalization
Do I need a citizenship attorney to file Form N-400?
When am I eligible to apply?
Do trips abroad affect my application?
Can I apply while my I-751 is still pending?
What does it cost?
Can you help if I live outside the Albany area?
Do you handle cases in Immigration Court?
Speak With Ray About Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Your first consultation is free.
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Tell us about your situation and we'll confirm your eligibility and options, clearly, honestly, and with no obligation. You'll hear back the same day.
Call
518-741-8868Office
2022 Western Avenue, Suite 2W, Albany, NY 12203
Serving
Albany, Schenectady, the Capital Region, Vermont & all 50 states (remote consultations)
Email Ray about Your Case
Your first consultation is free.
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Tell us about your situation and we'll help you understand your options, clearly, honestly, and with no obligation. You'll hear back the same day.