Skip to main content
This is the USCIS preview website. Visit uscis.gov for the official USCIS site.
USCIS Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government    Here's how you know
Español
Multilingual Resources
Official Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Website

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
 
Sign In  
Access USCIS online services.
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
Sign In
Create Account
Horizontal Menu
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
  • Contact us
  • Multilingual Resources
  • Ask Emma
Main navigation
Skip to main content
  • Citizenship Resource Center
    • Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization
    • New U.S. Citizens
    • Learn About Citizenship
      • Should I Consider U.S. Citizenship?
      • Naturalization Eligibility Tool
      • Citizenship and Naturalization
        • I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years
        • I am Married to a U.S. Citizen
        • I am the Child of a U.S. Citizen
      • 10 Steps to Naturalization
      • The Naturalization Interview and Test
      • Naturalization Ceremonies
      • Commonly Asked Questions
    • Apply for Citizenship
      • Exceptions and Accommodations
      • Free Naturalization Information Sessions
      • Find Help in Your Community
        • Find a Class
    • Naturalization Test and Study Resources
      • Study for the Test (2008 version)
        • Test Yourself! 2008 Civics Practice Test
      • Naturalization Test Redesign Development 2022
      • Citizenship Multilingual Resources
      • Check for Test Updates
      • Civics Test (2020 version)
    • Resources for Educational Programs
      • Educational Products for Educators and Program Administrators
      • Upcoming Teacher Trainings
        • Citizenship Teacher Training Registration
    • Civic Integration
      • Citizenship Ambassadors
      • Fiscal Year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program Awards Announcement
      • Learn About the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
        • Fiscal Year 2022 Citizenship and Integration Grant Program
        • Success Stories from Grant Recipients
      • Settling in the U.S.
      • Support Your Community
      • Outstanding Americans by Choice
    • Outreach Tools
      • Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign
      • Learn About the Civics and Citizenship Toolkit
        • Register for a Civics and Citizenship Toolkit
      • Set Up a Citizenship Corner
      • Libraries
      • Museums
      • Community-Based Organizations
      • Local Governments
      • Employers
    • Naturalization-Related Data and Statistics
      • Naturalization Statistics
      • Naturalization Test Performance
      • Eligible to Naturalize Data
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Citizenship Resource Center
  3. Learn About Citizenship
  4. Citizenship and Naturalization

Citizenship and Naturalization

Picture of a portion of the U.S. Constitution and American flag

Citizenship is a unique bond that unites people around civic ideals and a belief in the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. 

Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions an immigrant can make. Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to obtain citizenship. 

  • Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
  • Acquisition of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizenship parents either at birth or after birth, but before the age of 18.

Explore the links below to help you determine what applies to you. Depending on your situation, there may be other requirements that you must fulfill. 

  • I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years
  • I am Married to a U.S. Citizen
  • I am Serving in the U.S. Military 
  • I am the Child of a U.S. Citizen

Also, visit our Citizenship for Military Family Members page.

For more information, see the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Additional Resources

  • Thinking About Applying for Naturalization? (PDF, 627.04 KB)
  • 10 Steps to Naturalization (PDF, 790.4 KB)
  • Filing Fees
  • Naturalization Fact Sheet
  • Dual Nationality
Last Reviewed/Updated:
07/05/2020
Was this page helpful?
0 / 2000
To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.
Return to top
  • Topics
  • Forms
  • Newsroom
  • Citizenship
  • Green Card
  • Laws
  • Tools
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn
Email
Contact USCIS
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal

USCIS.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Important links
  • About USCIS
  • Accessibility
  • Budget and Performance
  • DHS Components
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • No FEAR Act Data
  • Privacy and Legal Disclaimers
  • Site Map
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • The White House
  • USA.gov
Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov