Four ways to obtain U.S. citizenship in 2025

For many people, U.S. citizenship is a dream. But it is far from a simple process, and the route can differ significantly from one case to the next. Here are the main ways to obtain a United States passport.

Through naturalization

A foreign national must live in the United States for five years to become eligible for citizenship. The clock starts from the moment the green card is issued.

Through marriage

The spouse of a U.S. citizen may apply for citizenship after three years of married life together in the country. To relocate, you first need a CR-1 or IR-1 visa.

By birth

A child born on U.S. soil automatically acquires the right to citizenship, regardless of the parents' nationality. The Supreme Court struck down the 2025 executive order restricting this rule on 30 June 2026, and a new order issued in August 2026 is also being challenged in court.

Through military service

Foreign nationals who serve honourably in the U.S. armed forces for more than a year and hold a green card may apply for citizenship.

The advantages of U.S. citizenship

• Visa-free access to about 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom.
• The ability to live and work in one of the world's most powerful nations.
• The option of holding dual citizenship.
• Access to high-quality healthcare.
• Access to high-quality education.
• The ability to pass citizenship on to your descendants.

One of the most rewarding citizenships by investment - Paraguay

Strategically located and open to the world, Paraguay is a land of opportunity. Its citizenship-by-investment programme offers foreign nationals and their families a rare chance to obtain permanent residency for an investment from 70,000 US dollars, then a passport no earlier than three years of living in the country as a permanent resident, and enjoy all its benefits: visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Singapore; eligibility for the U.S. E-2 visa; tax optimisation (a 10% rate); and life in a country with a high standard of living and a favourable climate.

Naturalisation requirements in 2026

An absence of more than 6 months in a row may break continuous residence, and more than a year almost always does. You can file 90 days before the period ends.

The new civics test

For applications filed from 20 October 2025 a new version of the test applies: 128 questions on history, government and citizens' rights. At the interview the officer asks up to 20 questions, and you need 12 correct to pass. If you fail the first time, a second attempt comes 60-90 days later. Reading, writing and spoken English are tested separately.

What it costs

• Citizenship application - $710 online or $760 on paper, biometrics included.
• Reduced fee - $380 for low-income applicants.
• First US passport - at the State Department rate.
• Document translations into English - from $30 per page.
• Our support - quoted after a consultation.

Documents for the application

• Green card and passport.
• Travel history for 5 years with exit and entry dates.
• US tax returns and transcripts for the whole period.
• For the marriage route - the marriage certificate and proof of the spouse's citizenship, plus evidence of living together.
• Court and police records if there were any arrests or fines.
• Divorce and child support documents, if any.

Mistakes in travel history and unfiled tax returns are common reasons for extra requests and refusals.

How to get the green card that starts the clock

• By investment - a green card for an investment from $800,000. From 30 November 2026 investor petition fees roughly double.
• National interest - a green card without an employer for professionals with advanced degrees.
• Extraordinary ability - a green card for recognition in your field.
• Through marriage to a US citizen - a spouse visa, then a green card and citizenship after 3 years.
• By lottery - about 55,000 green cards a year for nationals of countries with low US immigration.

Taxes and dual citizenship

The US allows dual citizenship and does not require giving up your previous passport. But a US citizen pays tax on worldwide income wherever they live and reports foreign accounts over $10,000. Renouncing costs $2,350 and may trigger an exit tax for large estates. Russian citizens must notify the Russian Interior Ministry of a green card and of US citizenship within 60 days. More in US taxes.

What changed in 2025-2026

• From 20 October 2025 - a new, harder civics test.
• The agency checks good moral character more strictly: not only the absence of violations, but also contribution to society, tax compliance and child support.
• The 2025 order restricting birthright citizenship was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on 30 June 2026, and a new order is being challenged.
• From 30 November 2026 investor fees rise, and investment thresholds will be adjusted for inflation from 1 January 2027.

How we help

1. We choose the route to a green card and calculate the time to citizenship.
2. We track your trips so continuous residence is not broken.
3. We prepare the application, documents and you for the civics test.

We fix our fee in writing after a consultation.

All routes, timelines and the total in dollars are in our guide how to get US citizenship in 2026.

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