How to Apply for US Citizenship as a British Passport Holder

Dual citizenship with the U.S. is possible in certain circumstances.

Citizens of Great Britain may obtain dual citizenship (also known as dual nationality) through approval by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. Dual citizenship means you would be a full citizen of both countries at the same time and would be able to maintain a British passport as well as a United States passport. The U.S. government does not favor dual citizenship but will recognize it in certain instances.

Instructions

1. Learn the U.S. stance on dual nationality or citizenship. The U.S. does not encourage or promote dual nationality but will recognize it in certain circumstances. U.S. public policy does not favor its citizens also holding dual allegiance to another nation. The U.S. government recognizes that dual nationality can raise significant conflict of law problems and could present limitations on the U.S. government to assist dual citizens abroad. As the U.S. government approves or denies citizenship on a discretionary basis, it is possible for a citizen of the U.K. to be denied dual citizenship.

2. Obtain permanent residency or a "green card." A green card signifies permanent residency status and is awarded to any applicant with gainful employment in the United States. You must keep a green card for a five-year period while maintaining steady employment, not committing any crimes and following the laws of the United States.

3. Apply for naturalization by submitting form N-400. This form costs $595 to file and is approximately 10 pages long. The form begins with a section requiring identification and information about your eligibility. You must be 18 years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for the past five years. You must provide all information about yourself, including marital status, address, criminal history, residence, employment and time spent outside the U.S. in the past five years.

4. Pass the English and civic exams. Applicants for citizenship are required pass an exam designed to test basic English fundamentals and knowledge of U.S. government and history. Each test contains 10 questions, and you must answer six correctly to pass.

5. Allow approximately five months for the entire naturalization process to conclude. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services employees must check your criminal background, employment history and all references. This is a lengthy process, but once complete there is a good chance you, a British citizen, will be granted dual U.S. citizenship.

References

• U.S. State Department; Dual Nationality; Bureau of Consular Affairs; 2011
• U.K. Border Agency; Dual Nationality; 2011
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Path to U.S. Citizenship; 2011
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Form N-400; June 2011
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Naturalization Test; May 2011