Your Citizenship. Your Future. We Fight For It.
Your Citizenship.
Your Future.
We Fight For It.
Compassionate, strategic naturalization representation for permanent residents ready to become U.S. citizens across San Francisco, Oakland & San Jose.
AILA Member Firm
Serving All of Bay Area
Results-Driven
Bilingual Support
START YOUR CONSULTATION
Legal Consultation
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Tell us about your situation and we’ll outline your options.
Confidential & protected by attorney-client privilege
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Every immigration path,
handled with precision
From green cards to deportation defense — we bring legal clarity and strategic guidance to the most complex immigration situations.
01
Green Card & Adjustment of Status
I-485 filings, USCIS interviews, and permanent residency for those already in the U.S.
02
DACA & Humanitarian Relief
Timely renewals and expanded protections for Dreamers and vulnerable individuals.
03
Removal & Deportation Defense
Aggressive representation in immigration court to fight removal orders.
04
Family-Based Immigration
Spouse visas, fiancé petitions, and consular processing to reunite families.
05
U Visas & VAWA Petitions
Confidential legal support for crime victims and survivors of domestic violence.
06
Asylum & Waivers
Protection from persecution and waivers for grounds of inadmissibility.
YOUR ATTORNEY
Dylan Hackett
Lead Attorney & Managing Partner
Dylan Hackett is the managing partner of Golden Gate Immigration Law. As a former Deputy District Attorney at the San Mateo District Attorney’s Office, he brings prosecutorial experience and strategic precision to every immigration case. His international background — including leading a business in Nicaragua — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges immigrants and families face navigating the U.S. legal system. Our team provides full bilingual support so every client is heard and understood.
California Bar
Former Deputy D.A. · San Mateo County
USCIS & Immigration Court
Managing Partner
Se habla Español
(415) 622-8792
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm
San Francisco Bay Area, California
MARRIAGE-BASED GREEN CARD
Two ways to become
a U.S. citizen
Most permanent residents become citizens through naturalization. Others acquire citizenship automatically through a U.S. citizen parent. Attorney Dylan Hackett helps you identify the right path and guides you through every step.
01
Naturalization (Form N-400)
The most common path. Lawful permanent residents apply to become citizens after meeting residency, language, and civics requirements.
- 5 years as LPR (3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
- English language & civics test preparation
- Interview at San Francisco USCIS Field Office
02
Citizenship Through Parents
Some individuals acquire U.S. citizenship automatically at birth or automatically after birth through a U.S. citizen parent, without going through naturalization.
- Citizenship at birth abroad (INA § 301 / § 309)
- Automatic acquisition through parent (Child Citizenship Act)
- U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship application
Common Questions
How long does naturalization take in the Bay Area?
Processing at the San Francisco USCIS Field Office typically takes 12–18 months from filing to the oath ceremony. Timelines vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. For official processing times, visit USCIS.gov
Can I apply if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense. Certain convictions can bar naturalization or trigger removal proceedings. An attorney must review your record before you file — applying with an undisclosed or disqualifying conviction can have serious consequences.
Do I need to speak English to become a citizen?
Generally yes, but there are exceptions. Applicants over 50 with 20+ years as an LPR, or over 55 with 15+ years, may qualify for an exemption. Those with qualifying disabilities may also request a medical exception using Form N-648.
Will I lose my original citizenship?
The U.S. allows dual citizenship in many cases. Whether you can keep your original citizenship depends on your home country’s laws. An attorney can help you understand the implications before you take the oath of allegiance.
AREAS OF PRACTICE
From first contact
to clear strategy
01
Eligibility review
We confirm you meet the residency, continuous presence, and good moral character requirements before filing.
02
File Form N-400
We prepare and file your naturalization application with all supporting documents to minimize delays.
03
Interview prep
We prepare you for the USCIS naturalization interview, English test, and civics examination.
04
Oath ceremony
After approval, you attend the oath of allegiance ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
DON’T WAIT — IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGES FAST
Your situation deserves
a real legal strategy
A consultation could change everything.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Just clarity on your path forward.
Or call directly: (415) 622-8792 · Mon–Fri 8am–6pm · Hablamos Español