At birth or through naturalization, acquisition, or derivation.
Naturalization: The way to become a US citizen if you were born outside the US. Learn more about eligibility at USCIS
To be eligible, you’ll need to be 18 or older, and fit into one of these categories:
- 5 years as a lawful resident
- 3 years of being married to a US citizen
- Qualified for US military service
Naturalization is the most common way for immigrants to get US citizenship. Every year, about 1 million permanent residents apply to become a US citizen.
Acquisition: The way foreign-born children can automatically get citizenship by being born to parents who are US citizens
Derivation: The way children who are born to naturalized citizens can get US citizenship