The information below provides general guidance about how a person may acquire or lose U.S. citizenship. Please scroll down for additional information.

Acquisition of Citizenship

U.S. citizenship may be acquired either at birth or through naturalization subsequent to birth.  Persons born outside of the U.S. may acquire U.S. citizenship under certain circumstances.

• Important Information for U.S. Citizens Considering the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Abroad
• Information for Parents on U.S. Citizenship and DNA Testing
• N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions
  
• N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
• Naturalization
• Acquisition of U.S. Citizenship at Birth by a Child Born Abroad
• Child Citizenship Act of 2000 - Frequently Asked Questions

Loss of Citizenship and Nationality

A U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization INA 301 (8 U.S.C. 1401), INA 310 (8 U.S.C. 1421) or a U.S. noncitizen national INA 308 (8 U.S.C. 1408), INA 101(29) (8 U.S.C. 1101(29)) may relinquish U.S. nationality by performing a potentially expatriating act as defined in INA 349 (8 U.S.C. 1481), or predecessor statute, but only if the act is performed (1) voluntarily and (2) with the intention of relinquishing U.S. citizenship.  The U.S. Supreme Court has spoken (Afroyim v. Rusk, 387 U.S. 253 (1967) and Vance v. Terrazas, 444 U.S. 252 (1980)):  a person cannot lose U.S. nationality unless he or she voluntarily relinquishes that status. 

• Renunciation of U.S. Nationality
• Renunciation of U.S. Nationality by Persons Claiming a Right of Residence in the U.S.
• Possible Loss of U.S. Nationality and Dual Nationality
• Possible Loss of U.S. Nationality and Foreign Military Service
• Possible Loss of U.S. Nationality and Seeking Public Office in a Foreign State
• Administrative Review of Loss of Nationality Determination

Other Citizenship and Nationality Links

• Certificates of Non Citizen Nationality
• Dual Nationality