US Naturalization vs Citizenship: What’s the Difference?

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

When my uncle asked if he should “apply for US citizenship or naturalization,” I realized how confusing these terms can be.

I had the same question when I first started my own immigration journey years ago.

After helping several family members through both processes and completing my own path to citizenship, I can clearly explain the difference between these commonly confused terms and which process applies to your situation.

Quick Overview: Naturalization vs Citizenship

Citizenship refers to the status of being a legal member of the United States, while naturalization is the process through which foreign nationals become US citizens.

Natural born citizens (born in the US or to US citizen parents abroad) automatically have citizenship, while permanent residents must go through the naturalization process to become citizens.

The key distinction is that citizenship is the status, while naturalization is the process to achieve that status for those not born with it.

Understanding US Citizenship

Citizenship is the legal status of being an American with all associated rights and responsibilities. There are two main ways to become a US citizen:

1. Citizenship by Birth

You automatically become a US citizen if:

• You were born on US soil (including territories like Puerto Rico and Guam)
• You were born abroad to US citizen parents who meet certain residency requirements
• You were found in the US as a child of unknown parentage

This type of citizenship is called “citizenship by birth” or “birthright citizenship” and requires no application process.

2. Citizenship through Naturalization

This applies to permanent residents (green card holders) who:

• Meet residency requirements (typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a US citizen)
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Pass English language and civics tests
• Take the Oath of Allegiance

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re a permanent resident married to a US citizen who works for certain US organizations abroad, you may qualify for expedited naturalization without meeting the usual physical presence requirements. This special provision helps couples who need to live overseas for work reasons.

The Naturalization Process Explained

Naturalization is the specific legal process permanent residents follow to become citizens. Here’s what it involves:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

• Have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the US
• Show good moral character
• Read, write, and speak basic English
• Understand US government and history

Step 2: File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

• Complete the 20 page application form
• Pay the filing fee ($725 as of 2025, including biometrics)
• Submit supporting documentation
• Provide passport style photos

Step 3: Attend Biometrics Appointment

• Get fingerprinted at a USCIS Application Support Center
• Undergo background checks

Step 4: Complete the Naturalization Interview

• Answer questions about your application
• Take the English test (reading, writing, speaking)
• Take the civics test (10 questions from a list of 100)

Step 5: Receive Decision

• Approved: Proceed to oath ceremony
• Continued: Additional documents needed
• Denied: Receive explanation with appeal options

Step 6: Attend Oath Ceremony

• Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
• Receive Certificate of Naturalization
• Register to vote if desired

Key Differences Between Citizens and Permanent Residents

Understanding these differences helps explain why many green card holders pursue naturalization:

Rights Only Citizens Have

• Voting in federal elections
• Running for federal office
• Serving on juries
• Working in certain government jobs
• Holding a US passport
• Protection from deportation
• Petitioning for more family members with shorter wait times
• Traveling without green card expiration concerns

Things Both Citizens and Permanent Residents Can Do

• Live and work permanently in the US
• Own property
• Attend public schools
• Apply for driver’s licenses
• Receive Social Security benefits (with sufficient work credits)
• Join the armed forces
• Pay taxes

Common Misconceptions About Naturalization and Citizenship

1. “Citizenship and Naturalization are Completely Different Things”

As we’ve seen, naturalization is simply the process for obtaining citizenship if you weren’t born with it. The end result is identical citizenship status.

2. “You Must Renounce Your Indian Citizenship to Become a US Citizen”

US law doesn’t require renunciation, but Indian law does not permit dual citizenship. When you naturalize as a US citizen, you automatically lose Indian citizenship under Indian law, though you can apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.

3. “The Citizenship Test is Extremely Difficult”

The civics test requires answering 6 out of 10 questions correctly from a published list of 100 questions. The English test requires basic reading, writing, and speaking. Many applicants find it easier than expected with preparation.

4. “You Can Be Deported After Becoming a Citizen”

Once you become a US citizen through naturalization, you have the same protections as natural born citizens and cannot be deported except in rare cases of fraud in the naturalization process.

FAQs About US Naturalization and Citizenship

Can I keep my Indian passport after US naturalization?

No, you cannot legally maintain Indian citizenship after becoming a US citizen. India does not recognize dual citizenship. After naturalization, you should surrender your Indian passport at the nearest Indian consulate and can apply for an OCI card, which provides many benefits similar to citizenship except voting rights.

How long does the naturalization process take in 2025?

Currently, the naturalization process takes approximately 8 to 12 months from filing Form N-400 to the oath ceremony. Processing times vary by USCIS field office location. You can check current processing times on the USCIS website.

Can my children become citizens when I naturalize?

Children under 18 who are permanent residents automatically become US citizens when a parent naturalizes if they are living in the US in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent. This is called “derivation of citizenship” and requires no separate application, though you should obtain documentation of their citizenship status.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

If you fail either the English or civics test, USCIS will reschedule your interview for another date (usually within 60 to 90 days). You’ll only need to retake the portion you failed. If you fail a second time, your application will be denied, but you can reapply and pay the fees again when you feel better prepared.

Can I travel internationally during the naturalization process?

Yes, you can travel internationally while your N-400 is pending, but extended trips could disrupt the continuous residence requirement or cause you to miss scheduled appointments. Trips longer than 6 months could raise questions about your residence intentions. Always inform USCIS of travel plans if you have scheduled appointments.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Naturalization Process

Start studying early for the citizenship test. Use the official USCIS study materials or download the official USCIS Civics Test Study Tools app.

Review your entire immigration history before applying. Ensure you’ve maintained continuous residence, disclosed all trips outside the US, and have no inconsistencies with previous immigration applications.

Consider the timing of your application. If you plan to travel extensively or move to a different state soon, it might be better to wait to avoid complications in the process.

Attend a free citizenship workshop. Many community organizations offer assistance with naturalization applications and test preparation.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you can take the civics test in your native language and are only required to study 20 questions instead of the full 100. This “65/20” exception makes citizenship more accessible for elderly immigrants.

Key Takeaways About Naturalization and Citizenship

• Citizenship is the status, naturalization is the process to gain that status
• Natural born citizens have citizenship automatically from birth
• Permanent residents must complete the naturalization process to become citizens
• The process typically takes 8 to 12 months from application to oath ceremony
• US citizenship provides significant additional rights beyond permanent residency
• Preparing thoroughly for the citizenship interview and tests is crucial for success
• Once naturalized, you have the same rights as any natural born citizen
• You will need to surrender your Indian passport after becoming a US citizen

The journey from permanent resident to US citizen is a significant milestone in your American story. While the naturalization process requires patience and preparation, the benefits of citizenship provide security and full participation in American civic life.

I wish you all the best on your citizenship journey!

The day you take your Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization will be a proud moment worth celebrating. ✈️