The IRC's Immigration Program can help you to petition to bring your family members to the U.S., apply for American citizenship, green cards, work authorization, travel documents, and more. The IRC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services.
Oakland: (510) 852-8915
Sacramento: (916) 473-5950
San Jose: (408) 277-0255
Turlock: (209) 667-2378 x1
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Who We Are
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is an international non-profit organization founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. IRC is at work in more than 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities and each year our programs serve 23 million people worldwide. The American Institute of Philanthropy CharityWatch gives the IRC an A+ rating and Charity Navigator awarded the IRC its highest rating.
Our comprehensive immigration services are available in 23 U.S. cities and are provided by qualified staff accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice. We can provide eligibility consultations, full case management services, and legal representation.
Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Are you ready to become an American citizen? The IRC can help all eligible legal permanent resident to apply for naturalization. You do not have to be a refugee or asylee client to take advantage of our services. Call us today to make a private appointment or register online for one of our citizenship workshops. Your case will be expertly managed by a Department of Justice accredited representative who will complete and file your naturalization application, serve as your legal representative with USCIS, alert you to updates in your case, and provide you trusted advice throughout the entire process.
Learn more about...
Documents & Information Needed to Apply
What to do After You Become a Citizen
Benefits of Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to many new opportunities. Start your naturalization application today so you can have access to all the privileges and protections that come along with being an American citizen including:
- Voting and running for office
- Security against deportation
- Bringing more family to the U.S.
- Increased job opportunities
- Traveling with a U.S. passport
- No more paperwork and fees
- Access to public benefits
Ready to apply? Start your application online on Citizenshipworks or register to attend a Citizenship Workshop. At workshops, IRC will prepare your N-400 application, fill out your fee waiver or reduced fee form (I-912 or I-942, as applicable), and provide you study materials for the naturalization test. At most workshops, legal service fees are waived!
Eligibility for Naturalization
In general, individuals may be eligible for citizenship if they:
- Are at least 18 years old;
- Have had lawful permanent resident status (“Green Card”) for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen;
- Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the last five years;
- Have continusouly resided in the U.S.;
- Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you're applying;
- Are able to pass the English proficiency and American civics test (See exceptions);
- Demonstrate good moral character;
- Are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Depending on your situation, there may be different requirements that may apply. Not sure if you are eligible? Get a consultation at one of our weekly walk-in immigration clinics.
Naturalization Through Military Service
The naturalization requirements may be diminished or waived for qualifiying U.S. military service members and certain veterans. Qualifying service is generally in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and certain components of the National Guard and the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. Spouses and children of military members may also be eligible for expedited or overseas naturalization. Get detailed guidance on naturalization through military service on the USCIS website or contact your local IRC office to receive an eligibility screening.
Citizenship Workshops
Take the hassle and worry out of applying for citizenship: let IRC's experienced staff handle all the paperwork, forms, and follow-up. Registration is required.
- Every 1st Wednesday of the month, 3:30–6:30pm | Alum Rock Library, 3090 Alum Rock Ave, San José, 95127 Register online
- Every 1st Thursday of the month, 4–8pm | IRC Sacramento 2020 Hurley Way, #420, Sacramento, 95825 Kevin.Woldhagen [at] rescue.org (subject: Citizenship%20Workshop%20Registration, body: Name%3A%0APhone%20Number%3A%0AMessage%3A) (Register by email)
- Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 9am–2pm | Monument Crisis Center, 1990 Market Street, Concord 94520 Register online
- Every 3rd Monday of the month, 5–7:30pm | Santa Clara Central Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara 95051 Register online
- Every 4th Tuesday of the month, 4–7pm | Assyrian American Civic Club, 2618 N Golden State Blvd, Turlock 95382 Register online
What You Need to Apply
Below is a list of documents and information that you will need in order to complete your N-400 application. To help, IRC has made a citizenship application worksheet that you can fill in and print.
- Your Legal Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card")
- Your Social Security Card (or a copy)
- Your Driver's license or State-issued ID
- List of all trips you took outside of the U.S. since you became a permanent resident
- List of all your addresses for the last 5 years (with dates of move in and out)
- List of all your employers or schools for the last 5 years (with addresses and dates of starting and ending)
- List of all your children (including adopted, missing, deceased, and step children) with current addresses, Alien numbers (if applicable), dates of birth, and countries of birth
- List of all your marriages and your current spouse's prior marriages (if applicable), including names of spouses, dates of marriage, and dates of termination of marriage
- Information about your parents, if they are U.S. citizens
- If you've ever been arrested, been to court, had a conviction, had immigration problems, or traffic violations, bring a list of incidents and obtain your Certified Court Dispositions (or DMV records for traffic offenses)
- Payment to USCIS: check, cashier's check, or money order for $725 payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Credit card payment is also accepted. However, if you receive public assistance such as SSI, Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh (SNAP/ "Food stamps"), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), CalWORKs, Healthy Families (SCHIP) or your household earns is very low income, you qualify to request a full fee waiver or reduced fee. Learn about fee waivers.
- For Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee requests, bring a "Verification of Benefits" or "Notice of Action" letter from the county Department of Human Services or bring proof of low income (recent tax returns and pay stubs for all working members of the household).
Fee Waiver & Reduced Fee Requests
The USCIS application fee for naturalization is currently $725. However, if you receive public assistance such as SSI, Medi-Cal, Cal-Fresh (SNAP/ "Food stamps"), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), WIC, CalWORKs, Healthy Families (SCHIP) or your household earns at or less than 150% of HHS Poverty Guidelines, you qualify to request a full fee waiver. If your household income is between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty level guidelines, you qualify to request a reduced application fee. To request a full fee waiver or reduced fee, you must show supporting documents like a Verification of Benefits Letter or Notice of Action or your most recent tax returns. To get help determining your eligibility for a Fee Waiver or Reduced Fee, register for a citizenship workshop.
USCIS Fee Waiver Request Form (I-912)
USCIS Reduced Fee Request Form (I-942)
USCIS Forms
Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)
Document Checklist for Form N-400
Fee Waiver Request Form (I-912)
Reduced Fee Request Form (I-942)
Medical Certification for Disability Exemptions (N-648)
Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (N-426)
English and Civics Exceptions
You are exempt from the English language requirement if you are age 50 or older and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 20 years (“50/20” exception), or if you are age 55 or older and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (“55/15” exception). If you are age 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may also be given special consideration regarding the civics test.
You may also qualify for an exception from the English language or civics requirements if you have a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment. To request an exception on these grounds, you must submit the Form N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.
Naturalization Test Preparation
Many libraries and community organizations offer free U.S. civics classes, mock interview evenings, and ESL classes to help you prepare for the citizenship interview.
Citizenship & ESL Classes in SF / Clases de Civica e Ingles en SF
Citizenship & ESL Classes in San Jose / Clases de Civica e Ingles en San Jose
Free Online Citizenship Test Class
Flashcards for Writing Vocabulary Test
Flashcards for Reading Vocabulary Test
U.S. Civics Questions for the Naturalization Test
Preguntas de educación cívica del Examen de Naturalización
Mga Katanungan sa Sibika (Kasaysayan at Pamahalaan) para sa Iksamen para sa Naturalisasyon
Các Câu Hỏi về Công Dân (Lịch Sử và Tổ Chức Công Quyền) cho Trắc Nghiệm Nhập Tịch
After You Become a Citizen
Now that you're a citizen, make sure that you apply for your U.S. passport, register to vote, update your Social Security record, obtain a certificate of citizenship for your children, and learn how to sponsor your family members to join you in the U.S.
Rights & Responsibilites of U.S. Citizens
Sponsor a Relative to Come to the U.S.
Community Partnerships
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) partners with many schools, libraries, labor unions, and other community organizations across Northern California to provide accessible immigration services. Request a free training or educational event about immigrant rights, naturalization, family petitioning, and other immigration processes by emailing Kayla Ladd at Kayla.Ladd [at] Rescue.org or calling (408) 277-0255 extension 202.
The IRC is a nationwide partner of the New Americans Campaign (NAC), a diverse nonpartisan national network of respected immigration organizations, legal services providers, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, foundations and community leaders. The Campaign transforms the way aspiring citizens navigate the path to becoming new Americans. In Santa Clara County, the NAC collaborative members include: Asian Law Alliance; Center for Employment Training (CET); International Rescue Committee (IRC); International Institute of the Bay Area; and Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN). In the East Bay, the NAC collaborative includes API Legal Outreach; Catholic Charities of the East Bay; East Bay Sanctuary Covenant; Filipino Advocates for Justice; International Rescue Committee; Jewish Family and Community Services East Bay; and Korean Community Center East Bay.
The IRC in San Jose is also a member of SBLISN (South Bay Legal Immigration Services Network) which includes: Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), Asian Law Alliance, Catholic Charities of SCC, Center for Employment Training, International Rescue Committee, Step Forward Foundation, Pangea Legal Services, and Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto.
Weekly Walk-in Immigration Clinic
Get a legal consultation at our weekly walk-in immigration clinics. No appointment necessary! Service is first come, first serve.
Oakland: Every Monday from 1-4pm at 440 Grand Ave #500, Oakland, CA 94610. $30 Consultation Fee.
San Jose: Every Tuesday from from 10am-12pm & 1:30-4:30pm at 1210 S. Bascom Ave., Suite #227, San Jose, CA 95128. $30 Consultation Fee.
Sacramento: Every Wednesday from 1-3pm at 2020 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. $25 Consultation Fee.
Turlock: Every Wednesday from 9am-12pm at 2925 Niagra St, Turlock, CA 95382. $25 Consultation Fee.
Apply for a Green Card
The IRC helps individuals to apply for legal permanent residency (green cards) through the adjustment of status process. To detemine if you or a family member are eligible to apply for an adjustment of status, come to IRC Open Hours.
Petition for Family Members
U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) may bring their eligible family members to live in the United States by filing an immigrant visa petition on behalf of their qualifying relative. Among other requirements, petitioners must show that the relationship with their family member satisfies immigration law and that they are able to financially support their relative in the United States. To receive an eligibility consultation and detailed guidance on sponsoring your family member, come to IRC Open Hours.
Which family members can I bring to live in the United States?
U.S. citizens may petition to bring children, spouses, parents, and siblings. Legal Permanent Resident may only petition to bring spouses and unmarried children.
How long will the process take?
Processing times vary based on a number of factors, including the beneficiary's legal/family relationship to the petitioner, status of the petitioner (U.S. Citizen vs. Legal Permanent Resident), and the beneficiary's country of origin.
Volunteer Opportunities
In Northern California, the International Rescue Committee helps refugees, asylees and immigrants to become permanent residents, apply for citizenship, and petition on behalf of family members, and volunteers are needed in all locations to support immigration caseworkers and ensure the effective management of our offices. To learn more about how you can help IRC provide high quality, low cost immigration services while gaining experience with casework, client follow-up, database management, and community outreach and education, click on your local office below:
Contact Us
To get in touch with an IRC immigration caseworker, call your local IRC office or reach out directly to a caseworker listed below.
IRC in San Jose (408) 277-0255
1210 S. Bascom Ave., Suite #227, San Jose, CA 95128
440 Grand Ave #500, Oakland, CA 94610
2925 Niagra St, Turlock, CA 95382
IRC in Sacramento (916) 473-5950
2020 Hurley Way, Sacramento, CA 95825
Vivien Jacob
Immigration Manager for Northern California
(209) 667-2378 ext 209
Vivien.Jacob [at] Rescue.org
Ketaki Srivastava
DOJ Accredited Representative in San Jose
(408) 277-0255 Ext. 203
Ketaki.Srivastava [at] Rescue.org
Emmir Escorcia
*Se habla español
DOJ Accredited Representative in San Jose
(408) 277-0255 Ext. 208
Emmir.Escorcia [at] Rescue.org
Manal Ali
DOJ Accredited Representative in Oakland
(510) 852-8914
Manal.Ali [at] Rescue.org
Grecia Sandoval
*Se habla español
Immigration Caseworker in Oakland
(510) 852-8915
Grecia.Sandoval [at] Rescue.org
Monica Contreras
*Se habla español
DOJ Accredited Representative in Turlock
(209) 667-2378 ext 1
Monica.Contreras [at] Rescue.org
Assadullah Hanif
*Speaks Farsi/Dari & Pashtu
من فارسی/دری صحبت میکنم
زه پشتو خبری کولای شم
DOJ Accredited Representative in Sacramento
(916) 473-5950
Assadullah.Hanif [at] rescue.org
Kevin Woldhagen
*Speaks Spanish, Arabic, & German
Se habla espanol
يتكلم بالغة العربية
Spricht Deutsch
Immigration Caseworker in Sacramento
(916) 473-5950
Kevin.Woldhagen [at] rescue.org
Kayla Ladd
Community Outreach Coordinator for Northern California
(408) 277-0255 ext 202
Kayla.Ladd [at] Rescue.org
News and Features
USCIS fee increase
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service increased the fees required for many immigrant applications and petitions, including the application for U.S. citizenship on Dec 23, 2016. Read the article.
Stay connected
Keep up-to-date with IRC's work both locally and internationally by connecting with us on social media.
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Other Resources
- USCIS Website
- San Jose Public Library Events
- Palo Alto City Library Events
- Santa Clara County Library Events
- ImmigrantInfo.org: A collaborative project, sponsored by the Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations and the South Bay Consortium for Adult Education (SBCAE) to support successful integration of immigrants and refugees into the community. The website contains a searchable database of current ESL and citizenship classes, public events, and government as well as non-profit educational resources in Santa Clara County.
- Have friends or family living outside of Northern California? Visit the general IRC Immigration Website to find an immigration specialist in another U.S. city!
- The International Rescue Committee is a member of the New Americans Campaign, a nonpartisan, innovative and unprecedented effort led by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center that brings together a coalition of funders, leading national immigration and service organizations, and over 100 local service providers to help aspiring Americans reach their dream of citizenship. Visit the NAC events site to find nationwide citizenship and immigration workshops near you!
- Foothill Community Health Center is a non-profit 501© Federally Qualified Health Center serving all individuals regardless of ability to pay or legal status. They provide primary Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health and Optometry services at their 12 Community Clinic locations. Open seven days a week with extended hours of operation. Call 408-729-9700 for appointments or more information.