Citizenship and Naturalization

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