How to Become a U.S. Citizen

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U. S. citizenship, whether it's gained by birth, by applying for naturalization, or through U.S. citizen parents, is the highest benefit available under U.S. immigration laws. However, many people don't realize their rights, and many green card holders ruin their chances of becoming U.S. citizens because they don't know what's required. Find out more here.

Who Is Already a U.S. Citizen, Through Parents >>Learn More

U.S. Citizenship by Birth or Through Parents
An overview of who may acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through their parents' citizenship status or naturalization.
How the Foreign-Born Children of American Citizens Can Prove or Obtain U.S. Nationality
You should be able to obtain proof of your acquired or derived U.S. citizenship.

Who Is Eligible for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship

Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship
The eligibility requirements to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Understanding the various rules on how long you must have held a green card before submitting Form N-400.
U.S. Citizenship Rights for U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans
Men and women in uniform can often apply for citizenship early, and gain other rights in honor of their service.
U.S. Immigration Rules for Military Family Members
Whether you've accompanied your military spouse on an overseas posting or are the surviving family member of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, learn what special rights you have regarding U.S. citizenship.
Ciudadania y Naturalizacion
Los requisitos para obtener ciudadania en los Estados Unidos.
When Conditional Residence Counts Toward U.S. Citizenship
If you spent two years as a U.S. conditional resident, find out the circumstances under which you can count these toward the required years of residence you must have before applying to naturalize.
Will Receiving Public Benefits Hurt Your Chances of U.S. Citizenship?
Don't worry that receiving public benefits will hurt your showing of good moral character for U.S. citizenship purposes -- unless fraud was involved.
Crimes That Will Prevent You From Receiving U.S. Citizenship
Some crimes create an automatic bar to approval for naturalization -- others raise serious questions.
Naturalization Eligibility for Men Who Failed to Register With the Selective Service
Failing to register for Selective Service is not a permanent bar to naturalization, but it may delay it.
How Communist or Totalitarian Party Membership Affects Eligibility for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship
How to avoid bars to citizenship based on past party membership.

Preparing to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Keeping Your Green Card After You Get It
Unless you maintain your rights to your U.S. green card, you may lose your eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Tests You Will Need to Pass to Become a U.S. Citizen
How USCIS will test your knowledge of U.S. history and government and your mastery of the English language -- and what exceptions apply.
When Visa or Green Card Holders Must Pay Taxes
You will be asked, as part of the citizenship application process, whether you have always filed U.S. tax returns as required. Get the details on your obligations here.
What will the naturalization examiner see after opening my A-file?
Applying for citizenship necessarily involves a review of your immigration history.

Application Process: How to Become a U.S. Citizen >>LEARN MORE

Application Process for U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization
Overview of the process: submitting Form N-400, preparing for your naturalization interview, and more.
Details of the Naturalization Application Process
Access a series of articles on every step toward becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Obtaining Proof That You're a U.S. Citizen

Filling Out Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Line-by-line instructions for filling out the form with which to request proof of U.S. citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Citizenship
Click here for a series of FAQs on citizenship eligibility and procedures.

Rights and Benefits of U.S. Citizenship >> LEARN MORE

Obtaining Proof of U.S. Citizenship
How to get a passport, certificate of citizenship, or other proof of status.
Can I move abroad after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizens enjoy unlimited rights to live in other countries.