What’s the Difference Between a U.S. National and a U.S. Citizen?

Understanding the differences between being a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national is important for anyone born in U.S. territories or those who may qualify through their parents. While the terms may sound similar, there are significant differences between these two statuses that affect your rights and opportunities in the United States.

This guide will explain who qualifies as a U.S. national, how that differs from full U.S. citizenship, and what steps a U.S. national must take to become a naturalized citizen. If you’re unsure whether you’re a U.S. national or a citizen, keep reading to learn more.

Who Is Considered a U.S. National?

A U.S. national is someone who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, but who may not be a full U.S. citizen. Most commonly, people born in American Samoa or Swains Island are U.S. nationals. These are U.S. outlying possessions—not states—so people born there receive nationality rather than automatic citizenship.

In some cases, a person may also be a U.S. national if they were born abroad to parents who are U.S. nationals. For example, if both parents were born in American Samoa and lived in the U.S. before the child’s birth, the child may inherit U.S. national status. The same may apply if only one parent was a U.S. national, depending on specific residency rules.

There are also some older individuals from Guam and the Philippines who may retain U.S. national status based on birth dates and legal status before their independence or change in status. People born in Guam before 1950 or in the Philippines before 1946 might still be considered U.S. nationals, though this is much less common today.

What Rights Do U.S. Nationals Have?

U.S. nationals who are not citizens still have many of the same rights as full U.S. citizens. For example, they can live and work in the United States without restriction, and they are allowed to apply for and travel with a U.S. passport that says “U.S. National.” They are also entitled to protection by U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Unlike people who hold green cards, U.S. nationals cannot be deported from the United States under any circumstances. Their legal status is permanent and does not depend on renewing a visa or following other immigration rules. This gives them greater security than lawful permanent residents.

However, U.S. nationals who are not citizens are not allowed to vote in federal elections or hold certain public offices. These restrictions are the main difference between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national and are important for people who want to fully participate in civic life.

Key Differences Between U.S. Nationals and U.S. Citizens

To better understand the differences between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national, here are the most important distinctions:

• Voting Rights: U.S. citizens can vote in all federal, state, and local elections. U.S. nationals cannot vote in federal elections.
• Public Office: Only U.S. citizens can hold most federal offices, including positions in Congress or the presidency.
• Automatic Citizenship: People born in the 50 U.S. states and most territories (like Puerto Rico and Guam) are automatically citizens. People born in American Samoa are nationals but not citizens unless they go through naturalization.
• Deportation Protection: Neither citizens nor nationals can be deported, unlike green card holders.
• Passport Access: Both U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals can apply for a U.S. passport, but it will indicate their specific status.
• Naturalization: U.S. nationals may apply for naturalization more easily than immigrants or green card holders.

Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen as a National

Becoming a U.S. citizen gives you access to rights and opportunities that U.S. nationals do not have. Some of the most important differences are the ability to vote in federal elections, run for public office, or hold government jobs that require full citizenship. These privileges are reserved for citizens, so U.S. nationals must go through the naturalization process to participate fully in the democratic process.

Citizenship also brings long-term advantages such as sponsoring family members for green cards, qualifying for federal scholarships and grants, and enjoying smoother reentry into the U.S. after international travel. In addition, some state and federal laws may treat nationals and citizens differently when it comes to inheritance and other legal protections. Becoming a citizen helps ensure full legal recognition and can simplify your financial and legal planning in the future.

Why Some U.S. Nationals Choose Not to Naturalize

Some U.S. nationals decide not to apply for citizenship because they already have most of the rights they need. Since they can live, work, and travel freely in the U.S., the extra steps involved in naturalization may not be worth the time, effort, and money. Additionally, some nationals may not feel the need to vote or hold office.

However, it’s important to note that certain government benefits and protections are only available to full U.S. citizens. Although naturalization is optional, it does provide broader access and legal clarity, especially for those who plan to raise families or invest long-term in the United States.

Others may hesitate because of financial concerns, such as the cost of the N-400 application, which is $710 if you file online. But for many, the benefits outweigh the upfront costs and efforts, especially with tools and services that help make the process simpler and more affordable.

Knowing Your Status Matters

Understanding the difference between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national is more than just a technical distinction—it affects your rights, responsibilities, and future options. While both statuses offer fairly significant protections, only citizenship provides full participation in American democracy and access to all federal benefits.

If you’re a U.S. national and plan to build a new life in the United States, naturalization is worth considering. The process is fairly straightforward for nationals, and it opens more doors to additional rights and opportunities.
Get started on the path to naturalization by taking our U.S. citizenship qualification quiz today!