# Difference Between Us Citizen and Us National Author: Nex Virox Team (Editorial Team) Reviewed by: Varshal Nirbhavane Published: 2026-09-09 Last updated: 2026-09-09 Canonical: https://nexvirox.com/difference-between/difference-between-us-citizen-and-us-national/ **Quick answer:** The main difference between Us Citizen and Us National is that all US citizens are US nationals, but not all US nationals are US citizens. Us Citizen is a person born or naturalized in the United States who owes full allegiance and enjoys full rights, while Us National is a person who owes permanent allegiance to the US but lacks full citizenship rights, such as voting or holding elected office.

Difference Between Us Citizen and Us National: Comparison Table

Aspect	Us Citizen	Us National
Definition	Person born in the US or naturalized through legal process.	Person owing permanent allegiance to the US, including citizens and non-citizen nationals.
Primary Source	Citizenship derives from the 14th Amendment and Immigration and Nationality Act.	National status derives from the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(a)(22).
Birthright Scope	Birth in any of the 50 states or US territories grants full citizenship.	Birth in American Samoa or Swains Island grants non-citizen national status only.
Naturalization Path	Eligible for naturalization after meeting residency, good moral character, and civics requirements.	Non-citizen nationals may apply for naturalization after three months of residency.
Voting Rights	Citizens may vote in all federal, state, and local elections.	Non-citizen nationals cannot vote in federal elections; state rules vary.
Passport Type	Citizens receive a standard US passport with full protection abroad.	Non-citizen nationals receive a US passport with the endorsement "non-citizen national."
Overseas Protection	Full diplomatic protection and consular assistance from US embassies worldwide.	Entitled to US diplomatic protection, though passport endorsement may limit some services.
Federal Employment	Eligible for all federal jobs, including those requiring security clearances.	Eligible for most federal jobs but may be excluded from positions requiring citizenship.
Jury Service	Citizens are required to serve on federal and state juries when summoned.	Non-citizen nationals are not eligible for federal jury service; state rules vary.
Political Office	Citizens may run for any elected office, including President and Congress.	Non-citizen nationals cannot hold federal elective office; state rules vary.
Dual Allegiance	Citizens may hold dual citizenship with another country without losing US status.	Non-citizen nationals may acquire another nationality without losing US national status.
Renunciation Process	Citizens may renounce citizenship voluntarily at a US embassy abroad.	Non-citizen nationals may renounce national status through a formal administrative process.
Tax Obligations	Citizens pay US taxes on worldwide income regardless of residence.	Non-citizen nationals pay US taxes on worldwide income, similar to citizens.
Consular Access	Citizens receive full consular services, including emergency assistance and document services.	Non-citizen nationals receive consular services but may face delays in certain countries.
Immigration Sponsorship	Citizens may sponsor relatives for green cards with higher priority categories.	Non-citizen nationals may sponsor relatives but with lower priority than citizens.
Entry to US	Citizens cannot be denied entry to the United States under any circumstance.	Non-citizen nationals may be subject to admissibility review at ports of entry.
Deportation Risk	Citizens cannot be deported from the United States under any circumstance.	Non-citizen nationals may be deportable if they commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws.
Children's Status	Children born abroad to citizen parents generally acquire citizenship at birth.	Children born abroad to non-citizen national parents acquire national status, not citizenship.
Residency Requirement	Citizens have no residency requirement to maintain citizenship status.	Non-citizen nationals may lose status if they reside outside US territory for extended periods.
Military Service	Citizens may serve in all branches of the US military without restriction.	Non-citizen nationals may enlist but are ineligible for certain officer or classified roles.
Social Security	Citizens receive full Social Security benefits based on work history.	Non-citizen nationals receive the same Social Security benefits as citizens.
Medicare Eligibility	Citizens qualify for Medicare at age 65 with sufficient work credits.	Non-citizen nationals qualify for Medicare under identical conditions to citizens.
Federal Financial Aid	Citizens qualify for federal student aid, including Pell Grants and loans.	Non-citizen nationals qualify for federal student aid under the same rules as citizens.
Territorial Voting	Citizens in territories vote in primaries but not general presidential elections.	Non-citizen nationals in American Samoa cannot vote in any federal election.
Passport Validity	Citizen passports are valid for 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors.	Non-citizen national passports follow the same validity periods as citizen passports.
Oath Requirement	Naturalized citizens must take an oath of allegiance to the United States.	Non-citizen nationals do not take an oath unless they choose to naturalize.
Loss of Status	Citizenship can only be lost through voluntary renunciation or fraud.	National status can be lost through voluntary renunciation or extended foreign residence.
Representation	Citizens have full voting representation in Congress and the Electoral College.	Non-citizen nationals have no voting representation in Congress or the Electoral College.
Best-Fit Scenario	Choose citizenship for full political participation, voting, and elective office eligibility.	Choose national status for American Samoans who prefer local governance and tax exemptions.

What Is Us Citizen?

A US citizen is a person who owes permanent allegiance to the United States and receives full legal rights and protections under its Constitution. Citizenship grants the right to vote, hold federal office, and obtain a US passport, and it cannot be revoked involuntarily except under narrow circumstances.

Definition of Us Citizen

A US citizen is an individual recognized under the Immigration and Nationality Act as either born in the United States, born abroad to US citizen parents, or naturalized through a legal process. This status confers irrevocable permanent residency, diplomatic protection abroad, and eligibility for all federal benefits and jury service.

Key Characteristics of Us Citizen

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Birthright status	Anyone born within US territory or its outlying possessions automatically acquires citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, regardless of parental nationality.
Voting rights	Citizens aged 18 or older may vote in federal, state, and local elections, a privilege denied to non-citizen residents in most jurisdictions.
Passport access	Citizens can apply for a US passport, enabling visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to over 180 countries worldwide.
Federal employment	Most federal government jobs, including law enforcement and intelligence roles, require US citizenship as a baseline eligibility condition.
Permanent protection	Citizens cannot be deported from the United States, even if convicted of crimes that would trigger removal for lawful permanent residents.
Jury duty obligation	Citizens are randomly selected for federal and state jury service, a civic duty that non-citizens cannot perform.
Family sponsorship	Citizens can petition for immediate relatives, including spouses, parents, and unmarried children, without annual visa caps.
Political office	Only citizens can run for federal office; the presidency requires natural-born citizenship, while Congress requires seven or nine years of citizenship.
Social Security access	Citizens retain full Social Security and Medicare eligibility even after extended periods living abroad, unlike non-citizens who may lose benefits.
Renunciation process	Citizenship is relinquished only through a formal renunciation procedure at a US embassy, requiring an in-person interview and payment of a fee.

Common Examples of Us Citizen

Birthright citizen — A child born in New York City to foreign tourists automatically becomes a US citizen at birth under the Fourteenth Amendment.
Naturalized citizen — A green card holder who passes the civics and English tests after five years of permanent residence gains full citizenship rights.
Derived citizen — A child born abroad to two US citizen parents acquires citizenship at birth, provided at least one parent resided in the US.
Acquired citizen — A child born abroad to one US citizen parent and one foreign parent obtains citizenship if the citizen parent met physical presence requirements.
Former US national — A person born in American Samoa who later naturalizes as a citizen through the standard application process becomes a full US citizen.
Section 322 citizen — A child adopted by US citizen parents and residing in the US acquires citizenship through the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
Military naturalization — A non-citizen serving honorably in the US Armed Forces can naturalize without meeting the usual residency or age requirements.
Spouse of citizen — A foreign national married to a US citizen for three years can naturalize under reduced residency requirements of three years instead of five.
Former citizen restored — A person who renounced citizenship and later re-established residency can reapply for citizenship under the standard naturalization process.
Insular area citizen — A person born in Guam or Puerto Rico after 1899 is a US citizen, though Puerto Rico residents cannot vote in presidential elections.

Advantages and Limitations of Us Citizen

Advantages	Limitations
Voting rights in all federal elections, including presidential primaries and congressional races, shape national policy direction.	Worldwide income taxation requires filing US tax returns even when living abroad permanently, unlike most other developed nations.
Unrestricted entry and exit from the United States without visa requirements or immigration officer questioning at ports of entry.	Renouncing citizenship costs $2,350 and may trigger an exit tax on unrealized capital gains for high-net-worth individuals.
Access to federal student aid, including Pell Grants and subsidized loans, which are unavailable to undocumented or temporary residents.	Mandatory jury service can disrupt work schedules, though employers must provide unpaid leave and courts pay nominal daily fees.
Protection from deportation even after felony convictions, whereas lawful permanent residents face removal for most serious crimes.	Dual citizenship obligations may create conflicting military conscription duties or tax liabilities with the other country of nationality.
Ability to sponsor parents, siblings, and adult children for green cards, though sibling sponsorship has decades-long backlogs.	Federal employment requiring security clearances may still be denied based on foreign connections, despite citizenship status.
Eligibility for federal benefits like Supplemental Security Income and food assistance without the five-year waiting period applied to immigrants.	Citizenship cannot be passed to children born abroad if the citizen parent fails to meet physical presence requirements before the child's birth.
Passport allows visa-free travel to 186 countries, including the entire European Union, Japan, and Australia without prior authorization.	Living abroad for extended periods does not terminate citizenship but may complicate voting access and require embassy registration.
Full constitutional protections, including Fourth Amendment search safeguards and Fifth Amendment due process, apply equally to all citizens.	Naturalized citizens can have citizenship revoked if they committed fraud during the application process, such as hiding criminal history.
Right to run for any public office, including the presidency, which requires natural-born status and 14 years of US residency.	Citizens are subject to federal laws while traveling abroad, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which can prosecute overseas conduct.
Immediate eligibility for federal law enforcement roles like FBI agents or Border Patrol officers, which require citizenship at appointment.	State-level voting restrictions, such as felon disenfranchisement laws, can strip voting rights despite federal citizenship status.

What Is Us National?

A US national is a person who owes permanent allegiance to the United States but does not have full US citizenship. This status exists primarily for residents of American Samoa and Swains Island, granting them US passport protections without voting or federal-office rights.

Definition of Us National

Under US law (8 U.S.C. § 1408), a US national is an individual who is not a citizen but owes permanent allegiance to the United States. This includes all US citizens, plus non-citizen nationals born in or having ties to American Samoa or Swains Island.

Key Characteristics of Us National

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Passport issuance	US nationals receive a US passport with the endorsement "NATIONAL OF THE UNITED STATES" rather than "CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES."
No voting rights	US nationals cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections, nor can they run for federal office.
No jury duty	US nationals are not required to serve on federal juries, unlike US citizens.
Permanent allegiance	They owe permanent allegiance to the US, which means they cannot be deported and have a right to reside in the US.
No naturalization requirement	US nationals are not automatically citizens but can choose to naturalize as citizens after meeting residency requirements.
Limited birthright scope	Only persons born in American Samoa or Swains Island acquire this status at birth; no other US territories confer it.
Children's status	Children born to US nationals abroad may acquire US nationality at birth, but not automatic citizenship.
No representation	US nationals have no voting representative in Congress, though they can serve in non-elected federal positions.
Tax obligations	US nationals are subject to US federal income tax on worldwide income, similar to citizens.
Renunciation option	US nationals can renounce their status, but doing so requires leaving the US and may have immigration consequences.

Common Examples of Us National

American Samoan born resident – A person born in American Samoa automatically becomes a US national, not a citizen, under federal law.
Swains Island native – Individuals born on Swains Island, administered by American Samoa, hold US national status.
Child of US national parents abroad – A child born in a foreign country to two US national parents acquires US nationality at birth.
Former citizen who renounced – A US citizen who formally renounces citizenship but retains US nationality is rare but legally possible.
American Samoan residing in US – A US national from American Samoa who moves to California retains national status but cannot vote there.
US national serving in military – US nationals can enlist in the US armed forces, though they cannot become officers without citizenship.
US national federal employee – A US national can work for federal agencies like the US Postal Service or the FBI in non-citizen roles.
US national with green card – A US national can later obtain lawful permanent residency and then naturalize as a citizen.
US national in US territories – US nationals living in Guam or Puerto Rico still retain their national status, not local citizenship.
US national dual holder – A US national may also hold citizenship in another country, but US law does not recognize dual nationality for voting.

Advantages and Limitations of Us National

Advantages	Limitations
US nationals can live and work in any US state or territory without a visa or green card.	US nationals cannot vote in any US election, including local school boards or referendums.
US nationals receive a US passport allowing visa-free travel to over 170 countries.	US nationals cannot hold elected office, from city council to the presidency.
US nationals are protected from deportation and can re-enter the US freely after travel abroad.	US nationals cannot sponsor family members for green cards as easily as citizens can.
US nationals can serve in the US military and access veterans' benefits after service.	US nationals have no voting representative in Congress, leaving them without political voice.
US nationals can naturalize as citizens after 3 months of residency, a faster path than green card holders.	US nationals are ineligible for certain federal jobs that explicitly require citizenship, like the State Department.
US nationals are exempt from selective service registration if they are female, unlike male citizens.	US nationals cannot obtain a US passport with "citizen" status, which some foreign countries may question.
US nationals can pass their status to children born abroad, ensuring family continuity.	US nationals cannot vote in primary elections, even in their local American Samoan government.
US nationals have access to US federal courts and constitutional protections while in the US.	US nationals may face higher tuition rates at state universities because they are not considered in-state residents.
US nationals can own property and run businesses in the US without special permits.	US nationals cannot serve on federal juries, but they also cannot be called for state juries in most states.
US nationals are not subject to the global income tax on foreign-earned income if they live abroad and meet exclusion criteria.	US nationals have no path to automatic citizenship through birth in the US territories, unlike birth in the 50 states.

Similarities Between Us Citizen and Us National

Shared Aspect	How Us Citizen and Us National Are Alike
Legal Status	Both a US citizen and a US national owe permanent allegiance to the United States government.
Passport Issuance	Both a US citizen and a US national can apply for and receive a US passport for international travel.
Federal Protection	Both a US citizen and a US national receive full diplomatic protection from US embassies abroad.
Constitutional Rights	Both a US citizen and a US national enjoy most constitutional rights, including free speech and due process.
Tax Obligations	Both a US citizen and a US national must file US federal income taxes on worldwide income.
Immigration Pathway	Both a US citizen and a US national can sponsor certain family members for US immigration visas.
Federal Employment	Both a US citizen and a US national are eligible for most federal government jobs without special waivers.
Social Security	Both a US citizen and a US national can receive Social Security benefits based on their work history.
Medicare Access	Both a US citizen and a US national qualify for Medicare hospital insurance after age 65 with sufficient work credits.
Voting Rights	Both a US citizen and a US national can vote in federal elections for President and Congress.
Jury Service	Both a US citizen and a US national are subject to federal jury duty summons in US district courts.
Selective Service	Both a US citizen and a US national male must register with Selective Service at age 18.
Travel Freedom	Both a US citizen and a US national can re-enter the United States without a visa or entry permit.
Residency Rights	Both a US citizen and a US national have the absolute right to live permanently anywhere in the United States.
Property Ownership	Both a US citizen and a US national can own real estate, land, and personal property in all US states.
Business Rights	Both a US citizen and a US national can start, operate, and own any type of business in the US.
Education Access	Both a US citizen and a US national pay in-state tuition at public universities in their state of residence.
Financial Aid	Both a US citizen and a US national qualify for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Federal Benefits	Both a US citizen and a US national can access most federal public benefits like SNAP and housing assistance.
Labor Rights	Both a US citizen and a US national are protected by federal minimum wage, overtime, and safety laws.
Civil Liberties	Both a US citizen and a US national retain First Amendment rights to religion, speech, press, and assembly.
Criminal Justice	Both a US citizen and a US national receive equal protection under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments.
Naturalization Eligibility	Both a US citizen and a US national can become naturalized citizens after meeting residency and character requirements.
Dual Nationality	Both a US citizen and a US national may hold citizenship or nationality in another country simultaneously.
Consular Services	Both a US citizen and a US national receive passport renewals, notarizations, and emergency assistance from consulates.
Federal Grants	Both a US citizen and a US national can apply for federal small business, research, and arts grants.
Public Office	Both a US citizen and a US national can hold most state and local elected offices, except President and Vice President.
Legal Standing	Both a US citizen and a US national can sue in federal court and access the full US judicial system.
Permanent Allegiance	Both a US citizen and a US national owe permanent, irrevocable allegiance to the United States, unlike green card holders.

Us Citizen or Us National: Which Should You Choose?

Choose based on your birth location, not preference. The decisive variable is whether you were born in a U.S. state or territory. Birth in a state makes you a citizen; birth in a territory like American Samoa makes you a national.

When to Use Us Citizen

Choose Us Citizen when you were born in a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or to citizen parents abroad. Use this status to vote in federal elections, run for office, and hold a U.S. passport without restrictions.

When to Use Us National

Choose Us National when you were born in a U.S. territory, such as American Samoa or Swains Island. This status grants a U.S. passport but no voting rights or representation. Use it for travel and work, not for political participation.

Common Misconceptions About Us Citizen and Us National

Common Myth	The Reality
"A U.S. national is the same thing as a U.S. citizen."	All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are citizens; birth in American Samoa confers national status only.
"U.S. nationals automatically get a U.S. passport."	U.S. nationals can obtain a U.S. passport, but the passport bears the endorsement "NATIONAL BUT NOT A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES."
"U.S. nationals can vote in federal elections."	U.S. nationals cannot vote in federal elections; only U.S. citizens possess that constitutional right.
"Children born to U.S. nationals abroad are always citizens."	Children born abroad to non-citizen U.S. nationals acquire U.S. nationality, not citizenship, and must naturalize later.
"U.S. nationals are subject to the same deportation rules as citizens."	U.S. nationals, like citizens, are not deportable; immigration law treats nationals as non-deportable persons.
"A U.S. national can run for President of the United States."	The Constitution requires the President to be a natural-born citizen; a non-citizen national is constitutionally ineligible.
"U.S. nationals pay the same federal taxes as citizens."	Non-citizen U.S. nationals pay U.S. income tax only on income sourced from within the United States, not worldwide income.
"U.S. nationals can sponsor relatives for green cards."	U.S. nationals cannot file family-based immigrant petitions; only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can sponsor relatives.
"Living in American Samoa makes you a U.S. citizen."	Birth in American Samoa makes you a U.S. national, not a citizen, because the territory is unincorporated.
"U.S. nationals can freely live and work in all 50 states."	U.S. nationals may reside and work in any U.S. state without a visa, but they lack full citizenship privileges.
"U.S. nationals receive the same consular protection as citizens."	U.S. nationals receive consular assistance abroad, but their passport's national-only status may limit certain diplomatic interventions.
"U.S. nationals can naturalize by simply taking an oath."	Non-citizen U.S. nationals must apply for naturalization, pass civics and English tests, and meet residency requirements.
"U.S. nationals are considered aliens under immigration law."	U.S. nationals are not aliens; the Immigration and Nationality Act defines a national as a person owing permanent allegiance to the U.S.
"U.S. nationals can serve on a federal jury."	Federal jury service requires U.S. citizenship; non-citizen nationals are disqualified from federal jury pools.
"U.S. nationals get a Social Security card with no restrictions."	U.S. nationals receive a Social Security card marked "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT" only if they lack work authorization; most get standard cards.
"U.S. nationals can pass citizenship to their U.S.-born children."	Birth on U.S. soil grants citizenship to the child regardless of the parent's national-only status, but the parent remains a national.
"U.S. nationals are exempt from the Selective Service System."	Non-citizen U.S. nationals aged 18-25 must register for the draft, just like citizens and most male immigrants.
"U.S. nationals can hold any federal government job."	Most federal civil service jobs require U.S. citizenship; national-only status disqualifies you from many security-cleared positions.
"U.S. nationals can apply for a U.S. passport with the same form as citizens."	U.S. nationals use Form DS-11 but must submit additional evidence of nationality, such as a Certificate of Identity from American Samoa.
"U.S. nationals lose their status if they live abroad permanently."	U.S. nationality is generally permanent; it can only be lost by voluntarily renouncing it before a U.S. consular officer.
"U.S. nationals can claim U.S. citizenship through the naturalization of a parent."	If a parent naturalizes as a citizen, a national child under 18 may derive citizenship automatically, but the child must have lawful admission.
"U.S. nationals have the same right to enter the U.S. as citizens."	U.S. nationals have the right to enter and reside in the U.S., but they are not entitled to the same automatic entry rights as citizens.
"U.S. nationals can be issued a Certificate of Citizenship."	Non-citizen nationals receive a Certificate of Nationality, not a Certificate of Citizenship, from USCIS.
"U.S. nationals can pass nationality to children born abroad indefinitely."	A national parent must have resided in a U.S. territory for at least one year before the child's birth to transmit nationality.
"U.S. nationals are counted as citizens in the U.S. census."	The census counts all U.S. residents, including nationals, but the apportionment of House seats uses total population, not citizenship.
"U.S. nationals can apply for a green card through the diversity visa lottery."	U.S. nationals are not eligible for the diversity visa lottery because they are not natives of a qualifying country.
"U.S. nationals can be drafted into the military but cannot volunteer."	U.S. nationals may volunteer for military service, and they are subject to the draft just like citizens.
"U.S. nationals automatically become citizens when they turn 18."	Turning 18 does not confer citizenship; a national must affirmatively naturalize or derive citizenship through a parent's naturalization.
"U.S. nationals can use a U.S. passport to prove citizenship for employment."	For Form I-9, the national-only passport establishes work authorization but does not prove U.S. citizenship for federal hiring.
"U.S. nationals have the same right to bear arms as citizens."	Second Amendment rights apply to U.S. nationals as persons in the U.S., but federal firearm laws may restrict non-citizens in certain contexts.

Conclusion

Difference Between US Citizen and US National comes down to birthright versus acquired status. Citizens enjoy full voting and passport rights; nationals owe allegiance but lack those privileges. Choose citizenship for complete political participation. Choose national status for those born in US territories who retain American identity without full constitutional protections.

## FAQ ### What is the difference between a US citizen and a US national? A US citizen is a person born in the US or naturalized, with full rights including voting and federal office. A US national owes allegiance but lacks full citizenship rights, primarily those born in American Samoa or Swains Island. ### Are US citizens and US nationals the same legal status? No, they are not the same legal status. US citizens have full constitutional protections and voting rights, while US nationals are subject to US jurisdiction but do not vote in federal elections or hold elected federal office. ### Which status is better for travel: US citizen or US national? US citizenship is better for travel because citizens hold a US passport with broader visa-free access. US nationals also get a US passport, but their travel benefits are identical, so the practical difference is minimal for international mobility. ### What are the costs to become a US citizen versus a US national? Becoming a US citizen costs $725 for the naturalization application fee, plus legal and translation fees. US national status is not a separate application; it is acquired by birth in specific territories, so there is no direct cost. ### Are there safety risks in claiming US national status instead of citizenship? Yes, claiming US national status carries risks like limited consular protection and no voting rights. US citizens receive full diplomatic protection and can vote, while nationals may face legal ambiguities in certain jurisdictions regarding their rights. ### Can a US national live and work freely in all 50 US states? Yes, a US national can live and work freely in all 50 states and US territories. However, they cannot vote in federal elections, and some state-specific benefits like in-state tuition may require residency proof, not just national status. ### What is a common beginner mistake about US citizen versus US national? A common mistake is assuming all people born in US territories are citizens. Only births in the 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico (post-1917) grant citizenship; births in American Samoa grant national status, not citizenship. ### Can a US national and a US citizen use the same passport for international travel? Yes, both use the same US passport book, but the passport page may indicate "US National" for nationals. Citizens have "US Citizen" printed, and both passports allow entry to the US, but citizens have more automatic re-entry rights. ### What is a real-world use case where US national status matters over citizenship? A real-world use case is a person born in American Samoa who wants to serve in the US military. They can enlist as a US national, but they cannot vote or run for office, which limits their civic participation compared to citizens. ### Can a US national switch to US citizenship, and how? Yes, a US national can switch to citizenship through naturalization. They must meet residency, good moral character, and English/civics test requirements, then file Form N-400 with a $725 fee, similar to other lawful permanent residents.