Individuals born outside of the U.S. may obtain U.S. citizenship through several avenues. Each pathway to U.S. citizenship has unique requirements, application forms, and processes. Understanding these options can help determine individuals their eligibility to obtain U.S. citizenship:

1. 1. Naturalization is the most common path to U.S. citizenship for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet specific criteria. To qualify, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, hold a green card for a certain period: typically, five years, or three years if applicant is married to a U.S. citizen, have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., demonstrate good moral character and pass an English and U.S. civics exam.
   2. Citizenship through parents (Acquisition and Derivation)
      1. Acquisition of Citizenship – children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may automatically acquire citizenship at birth. Specific conditions regarding the parent’s citizenship status, residency and martial status may affect edibility.

Derivation of Citizenship – children who are lawful permanent residents may derive citizenship if one or both parents become naturalized citizens before the child turns 18 years of age. To qualify, the child must live in the U.S. under the legal and physical custody of the naturalized parent(s).

Citizenship Through Miliary Service – foreign nationals serving in the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for expedited naturalization if they meet certain conditions. In some cases, spouses and children of U.S. service members may also have expedited pathways to citizenship.

Citizenship for adopted children – children adopted by U.S. citizens may automatically acquire citizenship if the adoption meets specific criteria as provided in the Child Citizenship Act.