A Guide to US Naturalization This Guide is to help people understand the naturalization process. It is for
people 18 years or older who want to become citizens.
US Naturalization FAQs (Part1)
How can I become a U.S. citizen?
You may become a U.S. citizen (1) by birth or (2) through naturalization.
Who is born a U.S. citizen?
Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:
(1) If you were born in the United States:
Including, in most cases, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, you are an American citizen at birth (unless you were born to a foreign diplomat).
Your birth certificate is proof of your citizenship.
(2) If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens:
And at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or
her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.
(3) If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen:
In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if ALL of the following are true:
• One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;
• Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and
• At least 2 of these 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent’s 14th birthday.