Naturalization Program
Helping Tulsa residents take meaningful steps toward U.S. citizenship.
The Naturalization Program is designed to support Tulsa residents on their journey to becoming U.S. citizens. Eastside Rise provides hands-on assistance completing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and reimburses the $710 electronic filing fee once payment is confirmed. We also connect participants to community resources, including citizenship classes.
Our team helps clients gather and organize required documents and fill out their N-400 form accurately based on the information they provide. Eastside Rise staff do not practice law, interpret immigration statutes, or advise clients on legal strategy. When a client's situation requires legal analysis, we connect them with a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative before proceeding.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Eastside Rise is a nonprofit paperwork preparation and application fee reimbursement program. We are NOT a law firm and do NOT provide legal advice or legal representation. Our staff assist clients with completing Form N-400 based on information provided by the client. We do not make legal determinations about eligibility. Clients with complex immigration histories or legal questions will be referred to a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative before any paperwork is prepared.
How the Program Works
Step 1 — Initial Meeting: Meet with the Program Fellow to review the program, confirm Tulsa residency (for fee reimbursement), and go over the documents you will need to gather. Note: Eastside Rise does not make legal determinations of eligibility. If your situation requires legal review, you will be connected to one of our immigration legal partners before paperwork preparation begins.
Step 2— Document Review: Bring your documents to a follow-up meeting. The Program Fellow will review them to ensure your N-400 packet is complete and accurate.
Step 3— N-400 Preparation: Your Form N-400 will be completed together with the Program Fellow based solely on the information and documents you provide. This is a document preparation service, not legal advice.
Step 4— You Submit and Pay: After reviewing the completed form, you submit your N-400 directly to USCIS and pay the $710 electronic filing fee.
Step 5— Fee Reimbursement: Send your proof of payment to the Program Fellow. Reimbursement is processed within 2-3 weeks.
Step 6— Pick Up Your Check: Once reimbursement is processed, you will receive a notification to pick up your check.
“Without the patience and understanding of Eastside Rise, I wouldn’t have known how to apply or afford the fees. I am eager to become a U.S. citizen and be able to vote for the first time.”
Legal Questions? Eastside Rise works closely with trusted immigration legal partners in Tulsa, including licensed immigration attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives.
If your case requires legal advice before or during the application process, we will refer you to one of these partners. We will never prepare paperwork for a client whose eligibility requires legal review without first connecting them with appropriate legal support.
Eligibility
To participate in the Eastside Rise Naturalization Program, you must be a resident of the Tulsa area and meet the federal government requirements to apply for naturalization (listed below). To be eligible for reimbursement, you must be a resident of Tulsa.
Please note: The list below is a general summary of common federal requirements. It is not legal advice. Whether you personally meet these requirements may depend on your individual circumstances. Clients with questions about their eligibility will be referred to a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative.
General federal requirements to apply for naturalization (Form N-400):
Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400.
Hold a valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for the required period (5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), without absences of 6 consecutive months or more.
Have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the required period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years).
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics).
Demonstrate Good Moral Character during the statutory period. If you have any arrests, citations, or other legal history, please disclose this to us so we can connect you with an immigration attorney before any paperwork is prepared.
We help you gather and organize your documents, complete your Form N-400 accurately, and reimburse the $710 USCIS filing fee after you submit and pay. We also connect you to community resources such as citizenship classes and, when needed, immigration legal partners.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for naturalization?
We will review your situation at your initial meeting. However, please be aware that Eastside Rise does not make legal determinations of eligibility. If your situation involves complexity (prior arrests, extended travel abroad, prior immigration issues, etc.), we will refer you to one of our legal partners before moving forward with paperwork preparation.
Is the application fee covered upfront, or is it a reimbursement?
It is a reimbursement. You pay the $710 electronic filing fee directly to USCIS when you submit your N-400. Once you send us proof of payment, reimbursement is processed within 2-3 weeks and you will be notified when your check is ready.
How much English do I need to know?
We will complete a basic English assessment with you. If you need support, we will connect you to free or low-cost ESL classes and other resources in the community.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Please contact the Program Fellow to schedule an appointment. After-hours appointments are available with at least one to two weeks' notice.
Contact Us
Oscar Guillen Arauz | Program Fellow, Eastside Rise oguillen@eastsiderise.org | 918-392-3850
FAQs
Does Eastside Rise provide legal advice?
No. Eastside Rise is a paperwork preparation and application fee reimbursement program. Our staff assist clients in completing Form N-400 accurately based on information the client provides. We do not practice law, provide legal counsel, or make legal determinations about eligibility. If your situation requires legal advice, we will connect you with a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative at no cost to you.
What does Eastside Rise actually help me with?