Naturalization FAQ
Q: How can I become a United States citizen?
A: A person may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.
Q: Who is born a United States citizen?
A: Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:
(A) By being born in the United States. If you were born in the United States (including, in most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), you are an American citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat). Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.
(B) Through birth abroad to TWO United States citizens. In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:
- Both your parents were U.S. citizens when you were born; and
- At least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in their life.
(C) Through birth abroad to ONE United States citizen. In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:
- One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;
- Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and
- At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.
Q: How do I become a naturalized citizen?
A: If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the normal naturalization process. People who are 18 years and older use the "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400) to become naturalized. Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to document their naturalization. Adopted children who acquired citizenship from parent(s) use the "Application for a Certificate of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child" (Form N-643) to document their naturalization.
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Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
