These are the major frameworks CitizenApproved uses to route research. They are not a claim that U.S. nationality law contains only five possible statutory situations; historical and special provisions can require a deeper analysis.
Birth in the United States and citizenship acquired at birth abroad through U.S.-citizen parentage. Historical birth dates can change the transmission rule.
Citizenship can arise automatically at birth. A later passport, CRBA or certificate is evidence of the status; it is not the event that creates citizenship.
The ordinary naturalization framework for qualifying lawful permanent residents, generally using a five-year statutory period.
Residence, physical presence, good moral character, English/civics unless excepted, attachment and the oath each have their own rules.
A three-year statutory period for qualifying lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens.
The route adds spouse-citizenship and marital-union requirements; marriage itself does not confer citizenship.
Separate statutory routes for qualifying honorable U.S. military service, including service during designated hostilities.
INA 328 and INA 329 are not interchangeable; service length, reserve status, admission and timing rules differ.
Automatic citizenship under INA 320 for qualifying children and an application-based INA 322 process for qualifying children residing abroad.
Custody, residence, immigration status, age and historical effective dates can be decisive. Older claims may be governed by repealed law.
Use pathway triage to identify which statute to investigate without pretending a few clicks determine legal status.
Pathway triageLearn how birth dates, parental naturalization dates and statutory effective dates determine which version of nationality law applies.
Historical-law guide