Citizenship Requirements
If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth.
To become a citizen at birth, you must:
- Have been born in the United States or certain territories or outlying possessions of the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;
- OR had a parent or parents who were citizens at the time of your birth (if you were born abroad) and meet other requirements
To become a citizen after birth, you must:
- Apply for “derived” or “acquired” citizenship through parents, or
- Apply for naturalization and take the Naturalization Test
For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance and the Citizenship Resource Center.
The Naturalization Test
Most naturalization applicants are required to take a test on:
- English
- Civics (U.S. history and government)
- Take the Naturalization Test
TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Download the Worksheet (PDF) to track your progress on the site.
Helpful Links
How to Use this Site
This site can empower your citizenship.
- Explore, LEARN AND DISCUSS issues important to citizens.
- Test yourself with QUIZZES that are designed to educate and guide you through the site.
- PRINT OUT the “Tracking Your Progress Sheet”.
- VOLUNTEER to improve and expand this site.
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