How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Learn the steps for becoming a U.S. citizen including how to apply, sample test questions and what is the naturalization process. Also, find information on dual citizenship, how to get proof of your U.S. citizenship if you were born abroad or replace your lost or stolen citizenship certificate.
U.S. Citizenship through Naturalization
Becoming a citizen through naturalization is a process in which a non-U.S. citizen voluntarily becomes an American citizen. U.S. citizens:
Review this visual overview about the general naturalization process.
To become a U.S. citizen, you must:
Meet certain eligibility requirements. To see if you’re eligible, click on the link that is most similar to your situation. Some requirements may include being:
At least 18 years old when you apply
Able to read, write, and speak basic English
Of good moral character
Go through the 10-step naturalization process which includes:
Helpful Resources For Citizenship
Take the U.S. Naturalization Test
One of the requirements in the naturalization process is taking the U.S. Naturalization Test. The Naturalization Test has two components: a civics test and an English test.
Find study resources for the test.
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization
Certificates of Citizenship and Naturalization are proof of your U.S. citizenship.
Get a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization
Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship if:
Foreign nationals receive a Certificate of Naturalization when they become American citizens. Get certified copies of a Certificate of Naturalization.
Replace Your Citizenship or Naturalization Certificates
Replace your Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization if it was lost or stolen using form N-565.
If you have further questions, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Dual Citizenship or Nationality
Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and another country at the same time. U.S. law does not require a person to choose one citizenship or another.
If you're a citizen of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate for information about its:
For information on dual nationality from the point of view of another country, contact that country's embassy or consulate.
If you have dual citizenship and plan to travel to or from the United States, you must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States.
Information about giving up or losing your U.S. citizenship is also available.
A licensed attorney skilled in citizenship matters can assist you with questions about your situation. A local bar association can often provide a good referral.
Establish Citizenship Without a Birth Certificate
If you were born in the U.S. and there is no birth certificate on file, you will need several different documents to prove your citizenship:
If you were born outside the United States and your U.S. parent(s) did not register your birth at the U.S. Embassy or consulate, you may apply for a U.S. passport, but you will need:
- Your foreign birth record showing your parents' names
- Evidence of your parent(s) U.S. citizenship
- Your parents' marriage certificate
If you were born outside the U.S. and your U.S. parent(s) registered your birth with a U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will be able to help you get a copy of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240).
U.S. Citizenship for People Born Abroad or in U.S. Territories
You are a U.S. citizen if:
- You have a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state.
- You were born in a U.S. territory and have a birth certificate issued by that territory. If you don't have a birth certificate from your birth territory, you may be able to verify your citizenship status using other documents.
- You were born outside of the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, and your parent(s) recorded your birth with the U.S. Embassy or consulate in that country.
Learn more about births of U.S. citizens abroad.
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Last Updated: May 24, 2022