Citizenship vs. Nationality | What’s the Difference?

People often confuse the difference between citizenship vs. nationality when describing where they come from and their inherited cultural background. When it comes to immigration matters, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two terms. In this post, we’ll explore not only citizenship vs. nationality but also the difference between nationality vs. ethnicity and the different paths to citizenship in the United States.

Difference between Citizenship vs. Nationality

The terms citizenship and nationality are often used interchangeably, where citizenship refers to the full legal status granting civil rights in a country, whereas nationality defines the legal bond between an individual and a state.

What is citizenship?

Citizenship is your legal status in a specific country. This bond brings people together through shared civil values and commitment to the rights and freedoms protected by the country. You can obtain your citizenship by birth, marriage, or naturalization. Citizenship can fluctuate since you can be a citizen of multiple places simultaneously and can also renounce your citizenship to a country.

What is nationality?

Nationality refers to the relationship you have with your place of birth.  Your nationality cannot be changed, and it shows your belonging to a specific nation/state.

In the United States, people born in the country are citizens. The 14th Amendment, ratified on July 9, 1868, states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” 

The following are considered nationals of the United States:

1. A person born in an outlying possession of the U.S.
2. A person born outside the U.S. with parents who are nationals, and who lived in the U.S. prior to their child’s birth
3. A person with unknown parents found in an outlying possession of the U.S. while under the age of 5 years old, until proven before turning 21 years old
4. A person born outside the U.S. and its outlying possessions with one parent who is a national

U.S. National vs. U.S. Citizen

When it comes to the United States, U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals. However, not all U.S. nationals are U.S. citizens.  U.S. law states that a national is “a person owing permanent allegiance to a state” and having “an outlying possession to the United States.”

The best examples are U.S. nationals from American Samoa and Swains Island (part of American Samoa) and individuals born outside of the United States to two U.S. national parents. Likewise, a person born outside of the U.S. to one U.S. national parent and one alien parent. A U.S. national has an “irrevocable right to reside in the territory of the United States without limitation.” A U.S. national can become a citizen via naturalization. It’s important to note that U.S. nationals can’t vote in a United States election or hold office.

Are you considered a non-citizen U.S. national? You are if you are born in one of the following:

• Puerto Rico between 1898 and 1917.
• Guam between 1898 and 1950
• U.S. Virgin Islands between 1917 and 1927
• The Philippines between 1898 and 1946

Suppose you were born after the date listed above. In that case, you are now automatically considered a full U.S. citizen, with the exception of the Philippines, since it is an independent country and never afforded U.S. citizenship.

Nationality vs. Citizenship Example

Maria is born in Spain and moves to the U.S. when she turns 30 years old. As a green card holder in the U.S., she is still currently a Spanish national. After years of holding her green card, she applies for citizenship through the naturalization process. Once Maria is naturalized, she now becomes a U.S. nationl and U.S. citizen. She is technically a dual citizen holding dual nationalities, one to the U.S. and one to Spain.

Is a Green Card Holder a U.S. National?

A green card holder is not the same as a U.S. national. A green card holder is a foreign national given the ability to work and live in the United States. Another term for a green card holder is a lawful permanent resident (LPR). Congress sets annual limits for each visa category for immigrant visa categories, excluding immediate family members.

Compacts of Free Association Agreement

The Compacts of Free Association between the U.S. and the nations of the previous Trust Territory of the Pacific make it possible for their residents to come to the United States without needing a visa, work without restriction, and stay as long as they want.

The nations that were once part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific are:

• The Republic of Marshall Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Republic of Palau

When they enter the U.S., these individuals will get a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, from a Customs and Border Protection officer. The I-94 will either have a stamp that says CFA/FSM (citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia), CFA/MIS (citizens of the Republic of Marshall Islands), or CFA/PAL (citizens of the Republic of Palau).

Rights of U.S. Nationals

Under the law, U.S. Nationals are afforded rights in the country. They are as follows:

• Permitted to work and live anywhere in the United States
• Eligible to apply for a U.S. passport
• Eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalization through the same process as permanent residents

In addition to these rights, U.S. nationals have their freedom of expression protected, freedom to worship the religion of their choice, freedom to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” and their right to consular protection of the United States while they are abroad.

Can U.S. Nationals become U.S. citizens? 

Yes, U.S. Nationals can become U.S. Citizens after going through the naturalization process. This can be done after having lived continuously in the country for three months.

You will need to submit proof of the physical presence requirement when applying. Skip to the section below to learn the naturalization requirements and how to transition from a U.S. national to a U.S. citizen.

After becoming a citizen, you gain the ability to vote in federal elections, among other rights.

Some states allow non-citizens to vote in local elections. For example, as of December 2021, fourteen local jurisdictions allowed non-citizens to vote in NYC, eleven in Maryland, and some in Vermont. In addition, the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. territories of American Samoa permit non-citizen nationals to vote.

Dual Nationality

Dual Nationality means that a person is a national of two countries at the same time. Dual nationality and dual citizenship are often used interchangeably. A U.S. citizen may choose to naturalize in another foreign country, without any potential risk to their U.S. citizenship. It is important that you obey the laws of both countries that you are a national of, and each respective country has a right to enforce its laws on you as a national.

Ex: A child born to U.S. national parents in Canada, will have dual nationality as a U.S. national and Canadian national. However, this child will only be a Canadian citizen.

What is Nationality vs. Ethnicity?

Ethnicity and nationality are not the same things. A person’s ethnicity refers to someone’s cultural markers, a common social group that shares shared ancestry, religious expression, culture, and/or language. This understanding of ethnicity came about starting in the 1900s. Ethnicity also differs from race because race is based on physical and biological traits like skin color, hair texture, complexion, etc.

Types of Citizenship

There are two categories of citizenship: through birth and naturalization.

According to the Fourteenth Amendment, “all persons born in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens by birth.” There are other ways to gain citizenship through birth, and those include being born :

• To a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribes
• Outside of the United States with citizen parents whom at least one has resided in the United States or one of its outlying possessions
• To one parent who is a U.S. citizen and that citizen parent has lived in the United States for at least one year before your birth
• With one parent who is a  U.S. citizen parent and one who is a  U.S. national, and the citizen parent was physically in the U.S or one of its outlying possessions for at least one year
• To one parent who is a U.S. citizen and one who is an alien, the citizen parent was physically in the United States for at least five years, including at least two years after age 14. Note that time abroad can count as physical time in the United States if the parent was a member of the U.S. armed forces in good standing, employed by the U.S. government or organization abroad, or as a dependent unmarried son or daughter of someone with the two scenarios above.

Other situations may qualify someone for birthright citizenship. For instance, if the mother used Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy Abroad. In those cases, if the child has a biological connection to a U.S. citizen parent, then the child can be considered a citizen at birth.

Naturalization Process – From U.S. National to U.S. Citizen

The second form of citizenship is through the naturalization process. The naturalization process requires several qualifications before getting citizenship.

You may qualify for naturalization if you:

• Have maintained permanent residency within the U.S. and fulfilled all other requirements for eligibility
• Are the spouse of a U.S. citizen who has maintained permanent residency within the U.S. and fulfills all other requirements for eligibility
• Have served or continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces and fulfill all other requirements for eligibility

Additionally, your child may qualify for naturalization if you, the parent, are a U.S. citizen, the child was born in a foreign country, is presently in a foreign country, and fulfills all other requirements for eligibility.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also requires that individuals applying for naturalization be:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Residents who have been physically and continuously present in the United States for at least five years at the time of application
• Of good moral character and merit

If you meet these requirements,  complete an N-400 application, attend an interview, and pass a civics and English test before receiving citizenship. The cost for filing your N-400 is $640, with an additional $85 biometric fee. You can make out the check to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The Citizenship Interview

During the interview, you’ll be asked various questions about your citizenship eligibility. Some of these questions may be about your:

• Where you’ve lived/worked during your time in the U.S.
• Status as an LPR (Legal Permanent Resident)
• Background, marriage, and history
• Moral character
• Relationship with the U.S. and its founding principles
• Decision to take an oath of allegiance to the country

During the interview, a USCIS officer will examine your proficiency in the English language. The officer wants to ensure that you can assimilate into U.S. society.

Learn all about the 100 Citizenship Test Questions and Answers in 2025.

What if I Lost My Naturalization Certificate?

If you lost or damaged your naturalization certificate, you can apply for a new one by filing the N-565 form with USCIS.

If you’re interested in pursuing the naturalization process, you should get help from an experienced citizenship lawyer. They’ll be able to best guide you to transition from permanent resident status to full U.S. citizenship. Take the first step by scheduling a consultation with a VisaNation Law Group attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship and Nationality (FAQ)

What is citizenship?

Citizenship refers to the legal relationship between an individual and a country/nation. It grants an individual specific rights, privileges, and responsibilities within that country.

Is nationality where you are born?

Nationality most often refers to the relationship you have with your country of birth.

What is the difference between nationality and ethnicity?

Nationality refers to the status of belonging to a specific nation, whereas ethnicity refers to a group’s shared cultural, ancestral, or racial heritage and practices.

How to apply for dual citizenship?

To apply for dual citizenship depends on the rules and regulations for both countries. You will need to check if both countries even allow dual citizenship. China is a good example of a country that doesn’t allow dual citizenship.

How much does it cost to get dual citizenship?

If you are pursuing dual citizenship and want to apply for U.S. citizenship, it will cost $760 for a paper filing and $710 for an online filing.  However, this fee will vary depending on the other country, so it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney to confirm these fees.