US citizenship offers rights like voting, international travel on a US passport, and access to federal benefits. In 2026, the primary pathways to citizenship remain naturalization, birthright, acquisition, and derivation. This guide details each pathway, eligibility requirements, and application processes, using government-verified resources.
Pathway 1: Naturalization
Naturalization is the most common route for permanent residents (green card holders) to become US citizens. It is a structured process that requires patience, preparation, and adherence to eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a green card for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Demonstrate continuous residence in the US for 5 years (3 years for spouses of citizens), with at least 30 months physically present.
- Show good moral character (no major criminal convictions).
- Pass English language and civics tests (exceptions for age or disability).
- Reside in the state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before applying.
Application Process
- Complete Form N-400: File the Application for Naturalization through the USCIS official website.
- Submit Documents: Provide green card, ID, proof of residence, and tax records.
- Pay Fees: The filing fee is $725 (including biometrics) in 2026; fee waivers are available for low-income applicants.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photos at a USCIS Application Support Center.
- Complete Interview: Pass the civics and English tests and verify application details.
- Take Oath of Allegiance: Attend a citizenship ceremony to finalize the process.
Processing takes 8–12 months depending on the workload of local USCIS offices. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, as backlogs can extend wait times.
Pathway 2: Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship, or jus soli, grants automatic citizenship to individuals born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ status.
Eligibility Requirements
- Born in the United States or its territories (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam).
- Includes children of non-citizens, regardless of parents’ immigration status.
- Exceptions: Children of foreign diplomats with full immunity are not eligible.
Process
- Obtain a US birth certificate from the state or territory of birth.
- Apply for a US passport through the US Department of State to confirm citizenship.
- No formal application is needed, as citizenship is automatic.
This pathway remains one of the clearest and most straightforward ways of securing citizenship, with no residency or additional application required.
Pathway 3: Acquisition of Citizenship
Acquisition applies to individuals born abroad to US citizen parents, granting citizenship at birth under specific conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
- At least one parent must be a US citizen at the time of birth.
- The citizen parent must have lived in the US for 5 years (2 years after age 14) before the child’s birth.
- For children born out of wedlock, additional rules apply (e.g., legitimation or proof of paternity).
Process
- Apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Available at US embassies or consulates.
- Submit Form DS-2029, along with parents’ marriage certificate, proof of parent’s US residency, and the child’s birth certificate.
- Processing: Typically takes 4–8 weeks. A US passport can be issued at the same time.
This ensures that children of Americans born overseas can immediately access citizenship rights without first relocating to the US.
Pathway 4: Derivation of Citizenship
Derivation grants citizenship to children of naturalized US citizens while under 18, often automatically if requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements
- Child must be under 18 and a lawful permanent resident.
- At least one parent must become a naturalized US citizen.
- The child must reside in the US in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent.
- Applies automatically if conditions are met; no separate application is needed for children born abroad who meet criteria.
Process
- Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship: Use Form N-600 to confirm official status.
- Submit Documents: Child’s green card, parent’s naturalization certificate, and proof of custody.
- Fee: $1,170 filing fee applies. Processing takes 6–12 months.
- Alternative Proof: A US passport can also serve as evidence of citizenship.
This pathway is critical for families where children immigrate with parents who later naturalize.
Key Considerations for All Pathways
- Dual Citizenship: The US allows dual citizenship, but some countries may not. Applicants must check home country rules.
- Military Service: Expedited naturalization is available for those serving in the US military, requiring only 1 year of service.
- Tax Obligations: US citizens must file taxes on worldwide income, even if living abroad.
- Legal Advice: For complex situations (criminal history, disputed parentage), consult an immigration attorney.
You can confirm all requirements and updates directly from USCIS.gov.
Tips for Success
- Prepare Documents Early: Collect birth certificates, green cards, passports, and tax records in advance.
- Study for Tests: Use USCIS study materials for the civics and English exams.
- Track Applications: Monitor progress through the USCIS online portal.
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm requirements for your specific pathway to avoid delays.
- Budget for Fees: Plan for naturalization and certificate costs, though fee waivers and reductions exist.
Statistics on US Citizenship
Naturalization Applications
In 2025, USCIS processed over 900,000 naturalization applications, with an 88% approval rate (USCIS, 2025).
Processing Times
- Form N-400: 8–12 months
- Form N-600: 6–12 months
- CRBA: 4–8 weeks (US Department of State, 2025)
Citizenship by Birth
Approximately 4 million babies born annually in the US gain automatic citizenship (US Census Bureau, 2025).
Fee Waivers
Over 15% of naturalization applicants qualified for fee waivers in 2025 (USCIS, 2025).
