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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.

Dual Citizenship or Nationality Dual citizenship (or dual nationality) means a person may be a citizen of the United States and of 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: Laws

Policies

Mandatory military service 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: A letter from the vital records office in your birth state with your name and what years they searched for your birth certificate.

A Letter of No Record from the vital records office. You will also need secondary evidence of U.S. citizenship to prove your birth in the United States. 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. If your birth was recorded before your 18th birthday, the Embassy or consulate issued your parent(s) a document that is proof of your U.S. citizenship. This document is known as a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or Form FS-240). Learn how to request copies, amendments, or corrections to a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). If the Embassy or consulate did not issue a CRBA and you are 18 years of age or older, learn how to get a Certificate of Citizenship. This document proves your U.S. citizenship and can be obtained from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Learn more about births of U.S. citizens abroad.

Infographic: Pathway to Citizenship Steps This infographic provides a step-by-step guide on the naturalization process for a person to become a U.S. citizen. View a larger version of the infographic. Show Description of Infographic For an adult immigrant to become a U.S. citizen, he or she must go through the process of naturalization. GENERAL requirements for naturalization call for the immigrant to: Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the Application for Naturalization, Form N-400 Be lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States At the time of the filing the application, have been a permanent resident in the United States for at least for five years OR for at least three years if you meet all eligibility requirements to file as a spouse of a United States citizen Have demonstrated continuous permanent residence Have demonstrated physical presence Have lived within the State or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services District for at least three months prior to filing Have demonstrated good moral character Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution Demonstrate an ability to read, write, speak and understand basic English Demonstrate a basic knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic principles Take an oath of allegiance to the United States Receive a Certificate of Naturalization



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Last Updated: September 11, 2020