What is the Difference Between Naturalization And Citizenship?

If any person born outside of the United States and did not acquire the citizenship by birth automatically, a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship demonstrates proof that the person is a United States citizen.

Any person may use a certificate of citizenship or a naturalization certificate, to prove that he/she is a US citizen. But both the documents are not the same.

Citizenship

A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. Likewise, a person born in the U.S. (or one of its territories) to undocumented parents is also considered a citizen, called as anchor baby.

A certificate of citizenship is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to an individual who was born out of the country to US citizen parents or parent. A person who was born outside the country may obtain this certificate and use it to prove that he is a US citizen. He may not be required to appear for the naturalization tests, to get a certificate of citizenship.

Naturalization

A certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues naturalization certificates to foreign nationals who become US citizens through the naturalization process, after the age of 18.

Lawful permanent residents become naturalized by fulfilling certain requirements established in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These requirements include swearing allegiance to the U.S. and giving up prior national allegiance. While a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) has obtained permission to live and work in the U.S., they don’t have the right to vote, or to obtain a passport. They get these rights only after being naturalizaed.

In order for a permanent resident to become naturalized, they must wait up to five years before filing an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400). During the naturalization process, the permanent resident will also submit to an interview with a representative of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and demonstrate an understanding of the English language and knowledge of U.S. history.

Difference between citizenship and naturalization: It is important to keep in mind that naturalization is a process. Unlike a person born to U.S. parents (on or off U.S. soil).
Naturalization is a process for foreign nationals who become US citizens through the naturalization process, after the age of 18. Citizenship is issued to an individual who was born out of the country to US citizen parents or parent and/or adopted by a US citizen parent.

Please read U.S Citizen through Naturalization Process.

Please read Difference Between U.S. Visa, Green Card and U.S. Citizenship.

The information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Before making any decision, consult with the appropriate professionals. Please refer our Disclaimer for details.

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