United States Citizenship & Second Passport Guide

North America

🛂 Passport Rank: #7
✈️ Visa-Free Countries: 189
💰 Tax System: worldwide
🗺️ Pathways: 4

Overview

The United States offers various pathways to residency and citizenship, primarily through family, employment, or humanitarian programs. Naturalization typically requires a Green Card and a period of continuous residency.

Citizenship Pathways

Section 13 Green Card (Diplomat)

Cost: ~$1,440 (I-485 fee)

Timeline: 1.5 years

Presence Required: Not explicitly defined for initial residency; standard naturalization requires 913 days over 5 years

This pathway allows certain foreign diplomats (A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2 nonimmigrants) who failed to maintain their diplomatic status to adjust to permanent residency (Green Card) if their duties were diplomatic, there are compelling reasons they cannot return to their home country, and it's in the national interest. It's a niche pathway with a cap of 50 per year.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Cost: ~$1,440 (I-485 fee), fee waivers available

Timeline: 6.0 years

Presence Required: Must be physically present in the US for 30 months out of 5 years for naturalization

SIJS provides a pathway to a Green Card for children under 21 who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by a parent and for whom a juvenile court has determined it is not in their best interest to return to their home country. It's a humanitarian pathway leading to permanent residency.

Diversity Visa Lottery (Green Card Lottery)

Cost: $1 (registration) + $330 (visa fee) + ~$1,440 (I-485 fee)

Timeline: 6.0 years

Presence Required: Must maintain residency; 913 days over 5 years for naturalization

The Diversity Visa (DV) program makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. It's a lottery-based system, offering a chance at permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Standard Naturalization

Cost: ~$710 (N-400 fee) + ~$1,440 (I-485 fee for initial Green Card)

Timeline: 5.0 years

Presence Required: Physically present in the U.S. for 30 months within the 5-year period before applying

The most common pathway to U.S. citizenship for lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders). Generally requires 5 years of continuous residency (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and physical presence in the U.S., along with demonstrating good moral character and passing civics and English tests.

Step-by-Step Process

Standard Naturalization

  1. : Obtain a Green Card through an eligible pathway (e.g., family, employment, lottery). — Varies by pathway (e.g., 1-10+ years) — Varies by pathway (e.g., $1,440+ I-485 fee)
  2. : Maintain continuous residency and physical presence in the U.S. for 5 years (3 if married to a US citizen). — 5 years (or 3 years) — Living expenses
  3. : File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. — Processing time varies (6-18 months) — $710 (N-400 fee)
  4. : Attend biometrics appointment, interview, and pass English/civics tests. — Within N-400 processing — Included in N-400 fee
  5. : Attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony and receive Certificate of Naturalization. — Shortly after interview — None

Pros & Cons

Advantages

Challenges

Requirements

Tax System

System: worldwide

The US taxes its citizens and Green Card holders on their worldwide income, regardless of where they reside. This includes income from foreign sources, which may require reporting to the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a US passport immediately?
No, you must first obtain permanent residency (Green Card) and then naturalize, which takes several years.
Is the Diversity Visa Lottery guaranteed?
No, it's a lottery system with a low chance of selection, making it highly competitive.
Do I need an attorney for the process?
While not always mandatory, an immigration attorney can significantly help navigate the complex process.

← Explore All Countries    Compare Countries