Dual Citizenship
If you’re like many people, you’ve heard of dual citizenship – the act of being a citizen of two countries.
The United States allows its citizens to maintain citizenship in another country, which entitles people who have dual citizenship to all the benefits (and requires them to meet the same responsibilities) that both countries require.
So if you’re wondering “how can I obtain dual citizenship?” This guide explains.
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship in the United States
The United States doesn’t require a person to choose one nationality over another. U.S. citizens are permitted to naturalize in a foreign state without risking their U.S. citizenship. (And, if you choose, you may relinquish your U.S. citizenship with no penalty. However, renouncing your U.S. citizenship is permanent. You would have to naturalize as a U.S. citizen if you wanted your citizenship back.)
Dual nationals – people who have dual citizenship – owe their allegiance to both the U.S. and their other country. They’re also required to obey the laws of both countries, and to use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States (even if they have a passport from another country).
Note: Not all countries permit dual citizenship, though the United States does. That means the other country may require you to give up your citizenship. For example, China and India both require you to give up citizenship in those countries upon receiving citizenship in another country; if that’s the case with your home country, you will not be a dual citizen. You’ll only be a citizen of the United States.
You don’t have to follow any special procedures if you want to hold on to your original citizenship from another country as you become a United States citizen. You simply follow the same path every other naturalized citizen takes.
How to Apply For Dual Citizenship
Learning how to apply for dual citizenship through naturalization is a fairly straightforward process. You must petition the U.S. government after establishing lawful permanent residency in the U.S., which usually only takes place after you’re in the country on a valid visa. You must meet all eligibility requirements, which include being able to read, write and speak basic English and having been present in the U.S. for a certain period of time.
If you meet all eligibility requirements, here’s how to apply for dual citizenship by becoming a naturalized citizen:
- Have your Austin immigration attorney submit Form N-400 on your behalf
- Attend a biometrics appointment with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Complete your citizenship interview and the citizenship test
- Wait for your decision from USCIS
- Take your Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Here’s a closer look at each.
Form N-400 for U.S. Citizenship
Your attorney can fill out and file Form N-400 for you. This form is the official application for naturalization. You’ll also need to give your attorney documentation that supports your petition, such as a copy of your U.S. green card, your marriage certificate (if you’re married) and two passport-style photographs. You may also need other types of documentation, but your attorney will let you know what to provide so you don’t have to guess.
Attending Your Biometrics Appointment
You’ll most likely have to show up at a USCIS office for a biometrics appointment. At your biometrics appointment, a USCIS official will take your fingerprints, collect your signature and may ask you for photographs.
Usually, these appointments only take about 30 minutes to complete (not counting the time you wait for your appointment in the waiting area). This is an essential part of the citizenship process; the U.S. government needs to collect this data on you in order to process your citizenship petition.
You don’t have to study for anything for your biometrics appointment. You simply need to show up in the right place at the right time. You’ll receive a notice in the mail from USCIS that gives you instructions on where to be and when.
Completing Your Citizenship Interview and Passing the U.S. Citizenship Test
Nearly everyone who attains U.S. citizenship has to go through a citizenship interview. Like the biometrics appointment, you’ll receive a notice from USCIS on when and where to appear. But unlike the biometrics appointment, you should prepare for the interview.
Your interview will be conducted by a USCIS official who’s “checking up” on the information you provided in your naturalization application. The official in charge of your interview may ask you questions about the information you already included, or they may ask you to provide new information. If you’re applying for citizenship based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, the official may also ask you several questions about your marital relationship to ensure that you aren’t engaged in a fraudulent marriage (one that only exists so that you could obtain an immigration benefit).
You’ll also take your citizenship test during this interview. Part of the test is your ability to speak in English, which your interviewer will evaluate the whole time. You’ll also be asked to read and write in English. Finally, your interviewer will ask you up to ten questions from this list. You must answer at least six of the ten questions correctly; otherwise, you fail the citizenship test.
Waiting for Your Decision From USCIS
Sometimes a USCIS official makes a decision on the same day of the immigration interview. However, in some cases – especially if USCIS needs more information – it may take longer.
Taking Your Oath of Allegiance to the United States
If your petition is approved and you can become a U.S. citizen, you’ll have to swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. Generally, this takes place as a ceremony with other people present. When you swear your oath of allegiance, you’ll receive a certificate and be an official U.S. citizen.
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship: Countries That Permit Dual Citizenship
As of this writing, the countries that permit dual citizenship are outlined in the table below. There are some countries that allow dual citizenship with limitations, so if your country isn’t on this list, it’s a good idea to consult with an Austin immigration attorney for advice.
| Armenia | Australia | Barbados | Belgium |
| Bangladesh | Canada | Czech Republic | Cyprus |
| Denmark | Egypt | France | Finland |
| Germany | Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Iraq | Israel | Italy | Kenya |
| Lebanon | Malta | Mexico | Pakistan |
| Philippines | Poland | Portugal | Serbia |
| Sierra Leone | Slovenia | South Africa | South Korea |
| Spain | Sri Lanka | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Syria | Thailand | Tonga | Turkey |
| United Kingdom | United States |
Countries Where Dual Citizenship is Not Allowed
Many countries don’t allow dual citizenship. Those countries (as of this writing) are outlined in the following table.
| Andorra | Austria | Azerbaijan | Burma |
| Bahrain | Botswana | Brunei | Chile |
| China | Ecuador | Estonia | Fiji |
| India | Indonesia | Iran | Japan |
| Kazakhstan | Kiribati | Kuwait | Latvia |
| Lithuania | Malaysia | Mauritius | Myanmar |
| Nepal | Netherlands | North Korea | Norway |
| Papua New Guinea | Peru | Romania | Singapore |
| Solomon Islands | United Arab Emirates | Venezuela | Zimbabwe |
How to Obtain Citizenship Without Losing Your First Citizenship
Not every country treats dual citizenship the same way. While the U.S. allows you to keep your original nationality, some countries automatically revoke it once you naturalize elsewhere. Before you begin the U.S. naturalization process, check your country’s stance on dual nationality. For example, nations like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines permit it, while countries like India or China do not. If your country allows it, you can move through the U.S. citizenship process without giving up your original passport. If not, you’ll have to decide whether U.S. citizenship is worth the trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a green card, and who can get one?
A green card is a card issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, that proves a person is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. A green card authorizes the person named on it to live and work anywhere in the U.S. Only people who are eligible for admission into the United States and have followed the appropriate channels can apply for lawful permanent residency.
How to Obtain Dual Citizenship If I’m Already a Green Card Holder?
If you already have a green card, you’re one step closer to holding dual citizenship. A green card makes you a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, and that status allows you to apply for naturalization after meeting certain requirements. Typically, this means living in the U.S. for at least five years (or three if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrating continuous residence, and proving good moral character. Once you complete the naturalization process, you’ll hold U.S. citizenship in addition to your original nationality — provided your home country allows dual citizenship.
How to Apply for Dual Citizenship if You’re Married to a U.S. Citizen
Marriage to a U.S. citizen provides a faster path to naturalization. Instead of the usual five-year residency requirement, you may apply after three years as a green card holder if you’ve been living with your spouse in a bona fide marriage. The process involves filing Form N-400, attending biometrics, passing the interview and citizenship test, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. Once you become a U.S. citizen, you’ll hold dual citizenship as long as your country of origin recognizes it. This pathway is especially common for immigrants who build families in the U.S. and want to retain strong ties to their home country.
What is the citizenship test?
In order to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, you must take and pass the citizenship test. The official administering the test will ask you 20 of 128 possible civics-related questions, and you must answer at least 12 of them correctly. You will also be evaluated on your ability to speak, read and write in English. If you don’t pass the test, you can be retested on the portion of the test you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from your initial interview.
Do You Need to Talk to an Austin Immigration Attorney About Dual Citizenship?
If you’re considering dual citizenship, you may benefit from talking to an Austin immigration attorney. You can call our office right now to schedule your consultation – we’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you begin moving forward.
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