Under current law, the vast majority of people born in the United States and its territories are born as U.S. citizens. But that isn’t true for everyone. Today, individuals born in American Samoa and Swains Island are generally U.S. nationals. Over the course of U.S. history (and depending on the law at that time), some individuals born in U.S. possessions were born U.S. nationals. So what does it mean to be a U.S. national vs U.S. citizen? Nationals do not have the same rights, duties and benefits as U.S. citizens.
However, U.S. nationals who wish to become citizens have a fairly straight forward path. After establishing residence in a U.S. state, U.S. nationals may generally file an application to naturalize as a citizen.
U.S. National vs U.S. Citizen, Explained
All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are U.S. citizens. As previously explained, individuals whose birth was in an outlying possession of the United States acquire U.S. nationality but do not automatically become American citizens. Presently, the only recognized U.S. outlying possessions are American Samoa and Swains Island. Persons born outside of these possessions but born to one or more non-citizen national parent are also born U.S. nationals (as long as a residency requirement is met).
Historically, persons born in other possessions of the United States during specific periods of time were born as U.S. nationals. This is true in four current or former U.S. overseas possessions:
- Guam from 1898 to 1950, when citizenship granted by an Act of Congress through the Guam Organic Act of 1950;
- The Philippines from 1898 to 1935 when immigration rights of national status was rescinded as part of the Philippine Independence Act, with full independence in 1946;
- Puerto Rico from 1898 to 1917 when citizenship was granted through the Jones–Shafroth Act of 1917; and
- The U.S. Virgin Islands from 1917 to 1927 when citizenship was granted by an act of Congress in 1927.
Today, the residents of U.S. territories that include Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands automatically acquire U.S. citizenship at birth.
How to Prove U.S. Nationality
Generally, individuals from American Samoa and Swains Island can provide a birth certificate as evidence of U.S. nationality at birth. However, many people don’t realize that nationals may also obtain a U.S. passport.
The U.S. Department of State evaluated the feasibility of producing a certificate of non-citizen national status. Because this is such a small group of people, the U.S. Department of State determined it was cost-prohibitive to produce a document with the necessary security features. Since the law says U.S. nationals may apply for a certificate, the Department of State decided to create a special version of the passport. Thus, U.S. nationals may apply for a U.S. passport that delineates and certifies their status as a national but not a citizen of the United States.
For U.S. nationals that want to become U.S. citizens, there is a fairly easy path.
Benefits for U.S. Nationals Who Naturalize
U.S. nationals are allowed to live and work in the United States without restrictions. They are given U.S. passports with a special endorsement stating that the holder is a U.S. national vs U.S. citizen.
Although U.S. nationals are protected by and swear allegiance to the United States, they are not granted the same rights and benefits as full citizens. Non-citizen nationals cannot vote for the election of federal politicians such as a congressman or president.
Therefore, becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to some new benefits:
- U.S. passport without restrictions
- Voting in all federal elections
How U.S. Nationals Become American Citizens
People who were not born as U.S. citizens can obtain citizenship through naturalization. Non-citizen U.S. nationals may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request this benefit.
In most cases, non-citizen U.S. nationals apply under the same rules as lawful permanent residents. However, they typically already meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements before applying.
U.S. nationals do not need to become permanent residents first. They may file Form N-400 after establishing residency in a U.S. state or territory, which includes the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To become a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen U.S. national must meet the following requirements:
1. Be at least 18 years old
To apply under this eligibility category, you must be 18 years of age or older.
2. Be a person of good moral character
Applicants must show good moral character during the past five years. This means obeying the law, paying taxes, and demonstrating honesty and integrity.
3. Demonstrate attachment to the U.S. Constitution
Applicants must agree to uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be willing to support the nation’s democratic form of government.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics
Applicants must show an ability to read, write, and speak basic English and pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government. Some older applicants may qualify for exemptions. Learn How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test & Interview →
5. Meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements
U.S. nationals typically already meet these requirements due to their existing ties to U.S. territories, but they must maintain residence and physical presence until naturalization.
6. Take the Oath of Allegiance
To complete the process, applicants attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the United States and its Constitution.
For a more detailed explanation of each of these requirements, visit our page on the citizenship requirements →
The terms nationality and citizenship get used interchangeably, but they can be very different in meaning. Now, you know what it means to be a U.S. national vs U.S. citizen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nationality and Citizenship
CitizenPath Helps U.S. Nationals Become Citizens
CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application or petition. We provide support for the Naturalization Application Package (Form N-400), Immigrant Visa Petition Package (Form I-130), and several other immigration services.
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