United States

Last Updated: 2026-03-19

Official Portal: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Embassy Finder: U.S. Embassy & Consulate Locator

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Quick Facts

Category	Details
Residency for citizenship	5 years as a lawful permanent resident (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Language requirement	English (reading, writing, speaking) — exemptions for age/disability
Civics requirement	Pass a civics test (U.S. history and government)
Processing time	8—14.5 months (varies by USCIS field office and category)
Application fee	$760 (N-400 filing fee $710 + $85 biometrics, though biometrics fee was folded into the filing fee as of April 2024; current total is $710)
Dual citizenship	Permitted

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Dual Citizenship

Yes — The United States permits dual citizenship; it neither requires renunciation of foreign nationality upon naturalization nor revokes citizenship for acquiring another nationality, though the oath of allegiance includes a verbal renunciation of foreign allegiances that carries no enforcement mechanism against the other country’s citizenship.

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Acquisition of Nationality

By Birth (Jus Soli)

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Section 301(a) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1401(a)) establish birthright citizenship:

• Any person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is a citizen at birth, regardless of the nationality of the parents.
• This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and incorporated territories.
• Exceptions: Children born to accredited foreign diplomats (ambassadors, ministers, and their staff with full diplomatic immunity) are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States and do not acquire citizenship at birth.
• Persons born in U.S. outlying possessions (American Samoa and Swains Island) are U.S. nationals but not citizens at birth, unless one parent is a U.S. citizen.
• Persons born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. citizens at birth under specific statutory provisions (8 U.S.C. 1402—1407).

By Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

A child born outside the United States may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth if one or both parents are U.S. citizens, provided specific physical presence requirements are met. The rules vary by the parents’ marital status and dates:

Child born in wedlock (INA 301):

Parents’ Citizenship	Physical Presence Requirement (for births on or after Nov. 14, 1986)
Both parents U.S. citizens	At least one parent resided in the U.S. or its outlying possessions at any time prior to the child’s birth (no minimum duration)
One U.S. citizen parent, one U.S. national	The U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. or outlying possessions for a continuous period of at least one year prior to the child’s birth
One U.S. citizen parent, one foreign national	The U.S. citizen parent was physically present in the U.S. or outlying possessions for at least 5 years, of which at least 2 years were after age 14

Child born out of wedlock:

Parent	Requirements (INA 309)
U.S. citizen mother	Mother was physically present in the U.S. or outlying possessions for a continuous period of at least one year prior to the child’s birth
U.S. citizen father	Father must establish paternity (by court order, written acknowledgment under oath, or adjudication by a competent court); father must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 5 years (2 after age 14); father must provide written agreement to financially support the child until age 18; and the child must be legitimated or paternity established before age 18

Important notes on descent:

• U.S. citizenship acquired by descent can be transmitted to subsequent generations, but each generation must independently meet the physical presence requirements.
• A U.S. citizen parent who never lived in the United States cannot transmit citizenship to a child born abroad.
• Military service abroad can count toward physical presence requirements in some cases.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240) should be obtained as evidence of citizenship; it is not what confers citizenship, but it documents it.

By Adoption

• Child Citizenship Act of 2000 (INA 320): A child under 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen parent and admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident automatically acquires citizenship if: (a) at least one parent is a U.S. citizen, (b) the child is under 18, (c) the child resides in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent, and (d) the child is a lawful permanent resident.
• This applies to both intercountry adoptions (Hague Convention and non-Hague) and domestic adoptions of foreign-born children.
• Children adopted abroad under the Hague Convention who are admitted on IR-3 or IH-3 immigrant visas (adopted abroad by both adoptive parents) acquire citizenship automatically upon admission.
• Children admitted on IR-4 or IH-4 visas (to be adopted in the U.S.) acquire citizenship once the adoption is finalized in the U.S. and the above conditions are met.

By Marriage

Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not, by itself, confer U.S. citizenship. However, it creates a reduced pathway to naturalization:

• The foreign spouse must first obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, typically through a family-based immigrant petition (Form I-130) filed by the U.S. citizen spouse.
• After 3 years as an LPR (reduced from the standard 5), the spouse may apply for naturalization under INA 319(a), provided:
  • They have been married to and living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the entire 3-year period.
  • They have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months of the 3-year period.
  • They have resided in the USCIS district or state for at least 3 months prior to filing.
  • They demonstrate good moral character for the 3-year period.
  • They meet English language and civics requirements.

By Naturalization (Residency)

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

General requirements (INA 316):

Requirement	Standard Naturalization
Minimum age	18 years old
LPR status	Must be a lawful permanent resident
Continuous residence	5 years as LPR (3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
Physical presence	30 months of the 5-year period (18 months for the 3-year spouse category)
State residence	3 months in the USCIS district/state where filing
Good moral character	For the statutory period (5 or 3 years)
English language	Read, write, and speak basic English
Civics knowledge	Pass a test on U.S. history and government (100 possible questions, applicant is asked up to 10, must answer 6 correctly)
Attachment to Constitution	Willingness to support and defend the Constitution
Oath of Allegiance	Required at naturalization ceremony

Categories with modified requirements:

Category	Residency Requirement	Physical Presence	Notes
Standard (INA 316)	5 years as LPR	30 months	General pathway
Spouse of U.S. citizen (INA 319(a))	3 years as LPR	18 months	Must remain married and in marital union
Spouse of U.S. citizen employed abroad (INA 319(b))	No minimum LPR period	No minimum	Spouse must be employed by U.S. government, qualifying U.S. organization, or U.S. research institution abroad
U.S. military — peacetime (INA 328)	1 year of honorable service	No minimum	Can file during service or within 6 months of discharge
U.S. military — wartime/designated period (INA 329)	No minimum LPR period; may not even need LPR status	No minimum	Active-duty during designated hostilities; can naturalize even if not an LPR
Children of U.S. citizens (INA 322)	No LPR requirement	Child must be temporarily present in U.S. for interview/ceremony	For children who did not automatically acquire citizenship under INA 320

The N-400 Process:

1. Determine eligibility: Confirm you meet all requirements; you may file up to 90 days before completing the continuous residence requirement.
2. File Form N-400: Submit online (myUSCIS account) or by mail to the appropriate USCIS lockbox. Include supporting documents and fee.
3. Biometrics appointment: USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment (fingerprinting, photo) at an Application Support Center (ASC). As of 2024, biometrics are increasingly reused from prior filings.
4. Interview: Attend an in-person interview at a USCIS field office. An officer tests English ability (reading and writing) and civics knowledge, and reviews the application under oath.
5. Decision: The officer approves, continues (requests additional evidence), or denies the application.
6. Oath ceremony: If approved, attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance. Some offices conduct same-day oath ceremonies; others schedule a separate ceremony. Citizenship is effective on the date the oath is taken.
7. Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550): Issued at the ceremony. This is the primary evidence of citizenship.

English language test exemptions:

Exemption	Requirements
50/20 exemption	Age 50+ and have been an LPR for 20+ years (take civics test in native language)
55/15 exemption	Age 55+ and have been an LPR for 15+ years (take civics test in native language)
65/20 exemption	Age 65+ and have been an LPR for 20+ years (designated/simplified civics test in native language)
Medical disability	File Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) — may waive English and/or civics requirements

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Preferred Pathways

Pathway	Reduced Requirement	Key Benefit
Marriage to U.S. citizen	3 years LPR (instead of 5)	Faster naturalization; 18-month physical presence
U.S. military service (peacetime)	1 year of service	Waiver of most residence/physical presence requirements
U.S. military service (wartime)	Any period of service during hostilities	No LPR status required; expedited processing
Spouse of U.S. citizen employed abroad	No LPR time requirement	Immediate eligibility upon obtaining LPR status
VAWA self-petitioner	3 years LPR	Same as marriage route, but independent of abusive spouse

Where Your Passport Opens Doors

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access: U.S. passport holders can travel to approximately 186 countries and territories without a pre-arranged visa, making it one of the strongest passports globally.
• Key visa-free regions: All of Europe (Schengen area), United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, most of South America, and most Caribbean nations.
• APEC Business Travel Card: U.S. citizens in business may apply for the ABTC, providing expedited processing at APEC member economy airports.
• Treaty Investor (E-2) and Treaty Trader (E-1) visas: While these are for foreign nationals investing in the U.S., American citizens living abroad benefit from reciprocal treaties — over 80 countries have bilateral investment treaties with the U.S.
• Global Entry / TSA PreCheck / NEXUS / SENTRI: U.S. citizens are eligible for trusted traveler programs that expedite border crossings with Canada, Mexico, and international reentry.
• FATCA and tax obligations: U.S. citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. This is a significant consideration and a practical downside of U.S. citizenship for those living abroad.

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Special Clauses & Programs

Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery

• Statutory basis: INA 203(c), administered by the U.S. Department of State.
• Annual allocation: Up to 55,000 immigrant visas per fiscal year (reduced to approximately 50,000 in practice due to NACARA adjustments).
• Eligibility: Nationals of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. The Department of State publishes the list of eligible and ineligible countries annually.
• Requirements: High school education (or equivalent) OR 2 years of qualifying work experience within the past 5 years.
• Registration: Free electronic entry during a designated period (typically early October to early November for visas issued 1—2 years later). No fee to enter.
• Selection: Computer-generated random drawing. Winners are notified through the Entrant Status Check system (not by email or letter).
• Note: The DV Lottery leads to lawful permanent resident status, not directly to citizenship. Winners must then follow the standard naturalization pathway.

VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Pathway

• Abused spouses, children, and parents of U.S. citizens or LPRs may self-petition for immigration status without the abuser’s knowledge or cooperation.
• VAWA self-petitioners who obtain LPR status through this pathway are eligible for the 3-year naturalization track (same as spouses of U.S. citizens), even if the marriage to the abusive citizen has ended.

Special Immigrant Categories

• Special Immigrant Juveniles (SIJ): Foreign-born children in the U.S. who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned may obtain LPR status and later naturalize.
• Iraqi/Afghan translators and interpreters: Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for those who worked with U.S. armed forces.
• Religious workers (INA 101(a)(27)(C)): Ministers and religious workers sponsored by U.S. religious organizations.
• International broadcasters: Employees of the International Broadcasting Bureau.
• NATO civilian employees: Retiring NATO-6 employees.
• Panama Canal Zone employees and their families.

Ancestry and Restitution Programs

• The United States does not have a specific ancestry-based citizenship program (unlike Ireland, Italy, or Germany).
• Exception — persons who lost citizenship involuntarily: Former U.S. citizens who lost nationality under old, more restrictive laws (e.g., women who lost citizenship by marrying a foreign national before 1922 under the Expatriation Act of 1907) may have had their citizenship retroactively restored by subsequent legislation.
• Certain Native American tribes with cross-border territories (U.S.-Canada border) have special provisions under the Jay Treaty (1794) allowing free passage, though this relates to immigration status rather than citizenship per se.

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Investment Pathways

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 program (INA 203(b)(5)) allows foreign investors to obtain lawful permanent residency (and eventually citizenship) through qualifying investments in U.S. commercial enterprises.

Parameter	Standard Investment	Targeted Employment Area (TEA)
Minimum investment	$1,050,000	$800,000
Job creation	Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for qualifying U.S. workers	Same
TEA definition	N/A	Rural area or area with unemployment at 150%+ of national average
Visa allocation	~10,000 visas per fiscal year (including investors, spouses, and minor children)	Approximately 20% set aside for rural TEAs, 10% for high-unemployment TEAs, 2% for infrastructure projects
Investment vehicle	Direct investment in a new commercial enterprise OR investment through a USCIS-designated Regional Center	Same
Conditional LPR	2-year conditional permanent residence initially	Same
Removal of conditions	File Form I-829 within 90 days before the 2-year anniversary; must demonstrate capital was sustained and jobs were created	Same
Path to citizenship	Standard 5-year LPR naturalization track (begins when conditional LPR status is granted)	Same
Filing fees	$3,675 (Form I-526E) + $1,440 (Form I-485 if adjusting status in U.S.)	Same

EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA):

• Reauthorized the Regional Center program (which had lapsed).
• Established integrity and compliance measures for regional centers.
• Created set-aside visa categories for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure TEA investments.
• Set investment amounts to adjust periodically for inflation (every 5 years based on CPI).

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Business & Entrepreneurship

The United States has the world’s largest startup ecosystem, the deepest venture capital market, and unmatched access to talent and customers. The major gap: there is no dedicated startup or entrepreneur visa, forcing foreign founders to navigate complex immigration workarounds.

Company Formation

Most common entity type	LLC (Limited Liability Company) or C-Corp
Formation timeline	1-3 business days (online)
Formation cost	USD $50-500 depending on state
Minimum capital	None
Online registration	Yes — varies by state (Delaware, Wyoming most popular)

Delaware is the default choice for VC-backed startups (C-Corp), thanks to its business-friendly court system (Court of Chancery) and well-established corporate law. Wyoming is popular for LLCs due to zero state income tax and strong privacy protections. Foreign nationals can form and own US companies with no restrictions — you do not need to be a US citizen or resident to incorporate.

C-Corps are required for venture capital funding (investors need preferred shares). LLCs are preferred for bootstrapped businesses and real estate due to pass-through taxation.

Entrepreneur & Startup Visas

The US has no dedicated startup visa — a significant gap for the world’s largest startup ecosystem. Common workarounds:

• O-1A (Extraordinary Ability): For founders who can demonstrate extraordinary ability through awards, publications, high salary, or significant contributions to their field. Processing: 2-6 months (15 days with premium processing)
• E-2 (Treaty Investor): Requires nationality from a treaty country and “substantial” investment (typically USD $100K+). Renewable indefinitely but does not lead to green card
• L-1A (Intracompany Transfer): For founders who establish a company abroad, then transfer to a US office. Requires 1 year of employment abroad
• H-1B (Specialty Occupation): Cap-subject lottery system with 65,000 visas/year plus 20,000 for US master’s degree holders. Employer-sponsored
• EB-1A/EB-2 NIW (Green Card): Direct permanent residence for extraordinary ability or national interest waiver — possible for successful founders
• International Entrepreneur Rule (IER): Parole-based program for founders with substantial US investor backing ($250K+) or government grants ($100K+). Limited use, uncertain future

Tax Overview

Corporate tax rate	21% (flat federal rate)
State corporate tax	0-11.5% depending on state
Sales tax	0-10.25% (no federal sales tax)
Capital gains tax	0-20% federal + 3.8% net investment income tax
Personal income tax (top rate)	37% federal + state (0-13.3%)
Tax treaty network	65+ countries

The Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exclusion is a major incentive: founders and early investors can exclude up to $10M or 10x their investment in capital gains from federal taxes on qualifying C-Corp stock held 5+ years. R&D tax credits allow startups to offset up to $500K/year in payroll taxes (even pre-revenue). Delaware and Wyoming have no state income tax on out-of-state revenue for LLCs.

Banking & Financial Infrastructure

• Major startup banks: Mercury, Brex, Silicon Valley Bank (now part of First Citizens), Chase, and traditional banks
• Stripe is fully available and headquartered in the US
• No foreign exchange controls or capital restrictions
• The US dollar is the world’s reserve currency — simplifies international transactions
• Robust payment infrastructure: ACH, wire transfers, Zelle, Venmo
• Foreign founders can open US business bank accounts with an EIN (Employer Identification Number), though some banks require in-person verification or a US address

Key Programs & Incentives

• Y Combinator (San Francisco) — world’s most prestigious accelerator ($500K investment, 7% equity)
• Techstars — global accelerator network with US-based programs in multiple cities
• 500 Global — early-stage VC and accelerator
• SBIR/STTR Grants — federal non-dilutive funding for R&D ($50K-$1.5M per phase)
• NSF I-Corps — National Science Foundation entrepreneurship training and grants
• Opportunity Zones — capital gains tax deferral/reduction for investments in designated areas
• State-level incentives: Texas Enterprise Fund, California Competes, New York START-UP NY (tax-free zones)
• SBA (Small Business Administration) — government-backed loans, mentorship (SCORE), and disaster relief
• Major VC hubs: Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, Austin, Miami

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Loss of Nationality

Voluntary Renunciation

U.S. citizens may voluntarily relinquish citizenship under INA 349(a). This is a serious, generally irrevocable act.

Methods:

1. Formal renunciation abroad (INA 349(a)(5)): Appear before a U.S. consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and sign an oath of renunciation. This is the most common method.
2. Formal renunciation during wartime (INA 349(a)(6)): Before an officer designated by the Attorney General within the United States, when the U.S. is in a state of war (rarely used).

Process:

• Schedule an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Attend two appointments (typically): a preliminary interview to confirm understanding and voluntariness, and a final appointment to execute the oath.
• Sign DS-4079 (Request for Determination of Possible Loss of United States Nationality), DS-4080 (Oath/Affirmation of Renunciation of Nationality of the United States), and DS-4081 (Statement of Understanding Concerning the Consequences and Ramifications of Renunciation).
• The Department of State issues a Certificate of Loss of Nationality (CLN).
• Processing time: Several months to over a year for the CLN to be approved by the Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Fee:

• $2,350 — the U.S. charges one of the highest renunciation fees in the world (raised from $450 in 2014).

Exit Tax (IRC 877A — “Expatriation Tax”):

• Applies to “covered expatriates” — those who renounce citizenship or terminate long-term LPR status and meet any of these thresholds:
  • Average annual net income tax liability of $201,000+ for the 5 tax years preceding expatriation (2024 threshold, adjusted annually for inflation).
  • Net worth of $2,000,000 or more on the date of expatriation.
  • Failure to certify compliance with all federal tax obligations for the 5 preceding years on IRS Form 8854.
• Covered expatriates are treated as having sold all worldwide assets at fair market value on the day before expatriation (“mark-to-market”). Capital gains above an exclusion amount ($866,000 for 2024, adjusted for inflation) are taxed.
• Deferred compensation items and specified tax-deferred accounts are subject to additional rules.
• Filing requirement: IRS Form 8854 (Initial and Annual Expatriation Statement) must be filed for the year of expatriation and, in some cases, subsequent years.

Involuntary Loss

Under INA 349(a), U.S. citizenship can be lost by performing certain acts voluntarily and with the specific intent to relinquish citizenship. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Afroyim v. Rusk (1967) and Vance v. Terrazas (1980), the government must prove both the voluntary act and the specific intent. In practice, involuntary denationalization is extremely rare. The potentially expatriating acts include:

• Obtaining naturalization in a foreign state (after age 18).
• Taking an oath of allegiance to a foreign state (after age 18).
• Serving in the armed forces of a foreign state engaged in hostilities against the U.S. or serving as a commissioned or non-commissioned officer in a foreign military.
• Employment with a foreign government if the individual also acquires nationality of that country or if an oath of allegiance is required.
• Formal renunciation (described above).
• Committing an act of treason, bearing arms against the U.S., or attempting to overthrow the U.S. government by force (if convicted).

Department of State administrative presumption: Since 1990, the Department of State has applied an administrative presumption that U.S. citizens who perform the first four acts listed above do so without intent to relinquish citizenship. As a result, these acts almost never result in loss of citizenship absent an explicit, affirmative statement of intent.

Recovery / Resumption

• No general statutory right to resume citizenship after voluntary renunciation. Once the Certificate of Loss of Nationality is approved, the loss is treated as irrevocable.
• Limited exceptions:
  • A person who renounced citizenship before age 18 may, within 6 months of turning 18, reclaim citizenship by taking the oath of allegiance to the United States before a U.S. diplomatic or consular officer.
  • If the CLN was issued in error, or if the individual can demonstrate that the expatriating act was not voluntary or was performed without intent to relinquish citizenship, the Department of State may vacate the CLN upon request.
  • Women who lost citizenship under the Expatriation Act of 1907 (by marrying a foreign national) had citizenship restored by subsequent legislation; their descendants may have derivative claims.
• Re-naturalization: A former citizen who has renounced may theoretically re-enter the U.S., obtain LPR status through an available category, and go through the full naturalization process again. However, prior renunciation may affect admissibility and the exercise of discretion.

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Practical Guide

Documents Needed (Checklist)

For Form N-400 (Naturalization):

Photocopy of Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) — both sides

Two passport-style photographs (2” x 2”) — USCIS-compliant

Form N-400, completed and signed

Filing fee ($710) or Fee Waiver Request (Form I-912) if eligible

Evidence of continuous residence and physical presence (tax returns, travel records)

Travel history: dates of all trips outside the U.S. during the statutory period

Tax returns (IRS transcripts or copies) for the past 5 years (or 3 years for spouse category)

If applicable: marriage certificate and proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship

If applicable: divorce decrees, annulment orders, or death certificates for prior marriages

If applicable: court records for any arrests, citations, charges, or convictions (even if dismissed or expunged)

If applicable: Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) signed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist

If applicable: proof of qualifying military service (Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service)

If name change requested: the court will handle this at the oath ceremony in most jurisdictions

For Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA, Form FS-240):

Evidence of U.S. citizen parent’s citizenship (passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate)

Evidence of U.S. citizen parent’s physical presence in the U.S. (school records, employment records, tax returns, affidavits)

Child’s foreign birth certificate

Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)

Evidence of paternity (if parents are unmarried)

Passport-style photograph of the child

Where to Submit

Form / Action	Submission Point
N-400 (Naturalization)	File online at myUSCIS (my.uscis.gov) or mail to the USCIS lockbox address designated for your state of residence (see USCIS filing addresses page)
N-400 (Military)	USCIS Nebraska Service Center (regardless of residence)
I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)	File online at myUSCIS or mail to USCIS lockbox; if filed abroad, submit to the local U.S. embassy or consulate
I-526E (EB-5 Investor Petition)	USCIS Immigrant Investor Program Office
CRBA (FS-240)	U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the child was born
DS-4080 (Renunciation)	U.S. embassy or consulate abroad (by appointment only)
I-829 (Remove Conditions — EB-5)	USCIS Immigrant Investor Program Office

Processing Time

Application	Estimated Processing Time
N-400 (Naturalization)	8—14.5 months (varies significantly by field office; check USCIS processing times tool for your specific office)
I-130 (Spouse of U.S. citizen)	12—23 months
I-130 (Other family categories)	12—36+ months (some family preference categories have multi-year visa backlogs)
I-526E (EB-5)	29—62 months (significant backlog; varies by filing category and country of chargeability)
I-829 (Remove EB-5 Conditions)	28—52 months
CRBA (FS-240)	Varies by embassy; typically 2—10 weeks
Certificate of Loss of Nationality	3—12 months after oath of renunciation

Note: Processing times are estimates and can change. USCIS publishes current processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.

Fees

Form	Fee (USD)	Notes
N-400 (Naturalization)	$710	Biometrics fee included as of April 2024; fee waiver available for low-income applicants (Form I-912)
N-400 (Military)	$0	No fee for qualifying military applicants
I-130 (Family Petition)	$625	Per petition
I-485 (Adjustment of Status)	$1,440	Includes biometrics; for applicants adjusting to LPR status within the U.S.
I-526E (EB-5 Petition)	$3,675	Per petition
I-829 (Remove EB-5 Conditions)	$920	Plus $85 biometrics if applicable
DS-4080 (Renunciation)	$2,350	Payable at the U.S. embassy or consulate
CRBA (FS-240)	$100	Consular fee
U.S. Passport (adult, book)	$130 (renewal) / $165 (new)	Application fee; additional $35 acceptance fee for new passports at acceptance facilities

Fee waivers: Available for N-400 if household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if the applicant receives a means-tested benefit (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, TANF). File Form I-912 with supporting evidence.

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Related Countries

Country	Relationship to U.S. Nationality Law
Canada	Shares the longest undefended border; NEXUS trusted traveler program; similar jus soli birthright citizenship
Mexico	Permits dual citizenship since 1998; large dual-national population; SENTRI trusted traveler program
United Kingdom	Five Eyes partner; Visa Waiver Program (ESTA); British citizens frequently naturalize in the U.S. and retain UK citizenship
Philippines	Former U.S. territory; Philippine citizens born during the territorial period (pre-1946) had complex nationality status; large naturalized population in the U.S.
Israel	Law of Return can interact with U.S. dual citizenship; no conflict under U.S. law
Ireland	Generous jus sanguinis citizenship by descent; commonly held alongside U.S. citizenship; provides EU access
Italy	Jus sanguinis citizenship recognition (no generational limit in some cases); significant dual-national population
Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau	Compact of Free Association (COFA) states; citizens may live and work in the U.S. without a visa but are not U.S. citizens or nationals

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Sources

1. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq. (particularly Sections 301—309, 316, 319, 322, 328, 329, 349)
2. Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution — Citizenship Clause
3. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — uscis.gov — Policy Manual (12 USCIS-PM), forms, fees, and processing times
4. U.S. Department of State — Foreign Affairs Manual (7 FAM 1100, Acquisition and Retention of U.S. Citizenship and Nationality; 7 FAM 1200, Loss and Restoration of U.S. Citizenship)
5. Internal Revenue Code Section 877A — Expatriation tax provisions
6. EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 — Public Law 117-103, Division BB
7. Child Citizenship Act of 2000 — Public Law 106-395 (amending INA 320 and 322)
8. Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967) and Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980) — Supreme Court decisions on involuntary loss of citizenship
9. USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12 — Citizenship and Naturalization
10. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 8 — Immigration and Nationality (8 CFR Parts 316, 319, 322, 328, 329, 341)