Quick Overview: Naturalized vs Derived Citizenship
- Naturalized citizenship is obtained by applying to USCIS after meeting eligibility requirements, such as holding a green card for a certain number of years and passing an interview and test.
- Derived citizenship is acquired automatically by law, usually by a child, when a parent becomes a U.S. citizen and legal conditions are met.
- Both naturalized citizens and derived citizens have the same rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
- The main difference is how citizenship is acquired—by application versus automatically—and how it is documented.
- Naturalized citizens receive a Certificate of Naturalization, while derived citizens may need a Certificate of Citizenship or a U.S. passport as proof.
Introduction: Naturalized vs Derived Citizenship
There are different ways to become a U.S. citizen, and two of the most common paths for immigrants and their families are naturalized citizenship and derived citizenship. While both lead to full U.S. citizenship with the same rights and benefits, the process for each is very different.
Naturalized citizenship requires a person to apply for citizenship on their own, usually after becoming a lawful permanent resident. Derived citizenship, on the other hand, happens automatically for certain children when a parent becomes a U.S. citizen and the child meets specific legal requirements.
Understanding the difference between naturalized vs derived citizenship is important, especially when determining eligibility, required forms, and proof of citizenship. This guide explains both paths in simple terms to help immigrants and families clearly understand which type of citizenship applies to them.
What Is U.S. Citizenship?
U.S. citizenship gives a person full legal rights in the United States. Citizens can vote, apply for a U.S. passport, work without restrictions, and sponsor family members for immigration benefits. [Check the complete benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen from our guide]
There are several ways to become a U.S. citizen:
- By birth in the United States
- By being born abroad to U.S. citizen parents
- Through naturalization
- Through derived citizenship
This article focuses on naturalized citizenship vs derived citizenship, which are the two most common paths for immigrants and their children.
What Is Naturalized Citizenship?
Naturalized citizenship means you apply for U.S. citizenship on your own after meeting eligibility requirements. This process is handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Most people who naturalize are lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Who Can Apply for Naturalization
You may be eligible for naturalized citizenship if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have been a green card holder for:
- 5 years, or
- 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
- Have lived continuously in the U.S.
- Have good moral character
- Can read, write, and speak basic English (with some exceptions)
- Can pass a U.S. civics test
Naturalization Process (Step by Step)
- File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
- Attend a biometrics appointment. [Learn more about how to prepare for the biometrics appointment from our comprehensive guide.]
- Complete a naturalization interview. [Check and prepare for your step-by-step citizenship interview preparation from our detailed guide.]
- Pass the English and civics tests. [Learn more about the citizenship test and sample questions asked during the interview from our guide.]
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
After the oath ceremony, you officially become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Proof of Naturalized Citizenship
USCIS issues a Certificate of Naturalization. This document proves your U.S. citizenship and should be kept safe.
Rights of Naturalized Citizens
Naturalized citizens have almost the same rights as U.S.-born citizens, including:
- Voting in elections
- Applying for a U.S. passport
- Sponsoring family members
The only major exception is that naturalized citizens cannot become U.S. President or Vice President.
What Is Derived Citizenship?
Derived citizenship means a child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen through a parent, without applying for naturalization.
This usually happens when a parent becomes a U.S. citizen and the child meets certain legal requirements.
Who Qualifies for Derived Citizenship
A child may derive U.S. citizenship if all of the following are true:
- The child is under 18 years old
- The child is a lawful permanent resident
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen
- The child lives in the U.S.
- The child is in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
If these conditions are met, citizenship is automatic by law.
Do You Need to Apply for Derived Citizenship?
No application is required to become a citizen. However, to prove citizenship, you may apply for:
- A U.S. passport, or
- A Certificate of Citizenship using Form N-600
Special Situations
Derived citizenship rules may differ for:
- Adopted children
- Children born outside the U.S.
- Children whose parents naturalized before or after age 18
The law that applies depends on when the child was born and when the parent became a citizen.
Naturalized vs Derived Citizenship: Key Differences
| Feature | Naturalized Citizenship | Derived Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| How citizenship is gained | By applying | Automatically by law |
| Application required | Yes (Form N-400) | No |
| Age requirement | Must be 18 or older | Must be under 18 |
| Depends on parents | No | Yes |
| Certificate issued | Certificate of Naturalization | Certificate of Citizenship |
| Example | Green card holder applies | Child becomes citizen when parent naturalizes |
This comparison clearly shows that naturalization is an active process, while derived citizenship happens automatically.
How to Prove U.S. Citizenship
Proving U.S. citizenship is important for many legal purposes, including applying for a U.S. passport, getting government benefits, starting a job, or sponsoring family members for immigration.
The documents used to prove U.S. citizenship depend on how you became a citizen.
Proof for Naturalized Citizens
If you became a U.S. citizen through naturalization, your primary proof of citizenship is a Certificate of Naturalization issued by USCIS after you take the Oath of Allegiance. This certificate shows that you became a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
Naturalized citizens may also use a valid U.S. passport as proof of citizenship. If your Certificate of Naturalization is lost or damaged, it can be replaced by filing Form N-565. [Check how to obtain a copy of a naturalization certificate from our guide.]
Proof for Derived Citizens
If you became a U.S. citizen through derived citizenship, proof may include a U.S. passport or a Certificate of Citizenship. Because derived citizenship happens automatically by law, USCIS does not always issue a certificate unless you apply for one.
To obtain official proof, you may file Form N-600 (Application for Certificate of Citizenship). This document confirms that you became a U.S. citizen through your parent.
Supporting documents may include:
- Your permanent resident card (green card)
- Your birth certificate
- Your parent’s proof of U.S. citizenship
- Evidence of legal and physical custody
When Proof of Citizenship Is Required
You may be asked to prove U.S. citizenship when:
- Applying for or renewing a U.S. passport
- Applying for certain government benefits
- Sponsoring relatives for immigration
- Verifying employment eligibility
Keeping your citizenship documents safe and accessible can help avoid delays or complications.
Understanding Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Understanding your eligibility for U.S. citizenship depends on how you qualify under immigration law and when key events occurred, such as your age and your parent’s citizenship status.
You may be eligible for naturalized citizenship if you are a lawful permanent resident who meets USCIS requirements, including age, length of residence, physical presence, and good moral character. In this case, you must apply for citizenship using Form N-400 and complete the naturalization process.
You may be eligible for derived citizenship if you were under 18 years old when at least one of your parents became a U.S. citizen and you met all legal requirements at that time. Derived citizenship happens automatically by law, but proof may still be required through a U.S. passport or Form N-600.
Because eligibility rules can vary based on age, timing, family relationships, and immigration history, reviewing your specific situation carefully is important. If there is uncertainty, especially in cases involving adoption or birth outside the United States, professional guidance may be helpful.
Common Questions About Naturalized and Derived Citizenship
Do naturalized and derived citizens have the same rights?
Yes. Both have the same legal rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens.
If my parent naturalized after I turned 18, can I derive citizenship?
Usually, no. If you were 18 or older, you typically must apply for naturalization yourself.
Can derived citizenship be denied?
Derived citizenship cannot be denied if legal requirements are met. However, proof may be delayed if documents are missing or incorrect.
Is derived citizenship retroactive?
Sometimes. The rules depend on immigration laws in effect at the time your parent became a citizen.
Conclusion: Naturalized vs Derived Citizenship
Both naturalized citizenship and derived citizenship lead to full U.S. citizenship, but the path is different.
- Naturalization requires an application and interview
- Derived citizenship happens automatically through a parent
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right next step, avoid mistakes, and secure proper proof of citizenship for yourself or your child. Start filling out your citizenship application today.
