Dual Citizenship in the United States

Dual citizenship, also popularly referred to as dual nationality or second citizenship is an individual’s citizenship status, in which the person is simultaneously seen as a citizen of more than one country under the laws of both respective countries.

In this article we'll explain everything you need to know regarding this topic. Whether you are already a U.S. National, or you wish to become one, this information will be useful if you're planning on acquiring a second nationality.

Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship?

Yes, the USA allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold onto your American passport and pursue second citizenship in another country of your choosing, or, inversely, you can keep your foreign citizenship while applying to the North American nationality.

Do note that some countries do not recognize dual citizenship.

• Which countries do not recognize dual citizenship?

Following is the list of countries that fall into this category:

Advantages of dual citizenship

Among the multiple benefits that one can obtain from applying to a second citizenship, we can find the following:

• • The right to live, work and study in two countries
• • Superior economic opportunities
• • A second passport which protects your personal and financial safety
• • Family security
• • Dual citizenship permits global entry to over 100 destinations
• • The right to vote and hold office
• • Access healthcare as a national and social service program
• • Own property in different locations and under different terms

Obligations of dual citizens in the United States

If you hold dual citizenship, being one of them the American citizenship, you'll need to respond to the following obligations:

• • You must pay U.S. taxes for life.

  You can also read this article to know more about the Income Tax System in the USA.

• • You must disclose any previous encounters with law enforcement.
• • You must serve in the military, if required, by law. All males between the ages of 18 and 26 who have lived in the United States or received a green card — unless they had an immigration status other than “green card holder” — are required to register with the Selective Service System.
• • You must serve on a jury when summoned.

How can I obtain dual citizenship in the United States?

There is no application procedure or form available to file for “dual citizenship” in the United States. Obtaining dual citizenship simply means applying for a second citizenship.

Before you apply for U.S. nationality as your second citizenship status, it’s important to contact the embassy or consulate of your country of origin to find out whether that country allows dual citizenship in the first place. Otherwise, you may lose your citizenship in that country without knowing it.

Once this is done, you will need to make sure you’ve satisfied all naturalization requirements. You can then begin the naturalization process by submitting Form N-400 (officially called “Application for Naturalization”) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

How long does this process take?

You can apply any time after meeting the eligibility requirements for naturalization, which is usually 3–5 years after getting a Green Card.

Filing your citizenship application with USCIS is only the first step of the process. Overall, naturalization can take up to one and a half years, depending on the USCIS field office that receives your application and how soon you start the process.

You can also read more about having a dual citizenship in other countries: