--------- U.S. Passport: Citizen vs. National Status Explained (2025)

Jul 16, 2025

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The U.S. passport is one of the world’s most powerful travel documents, opening doors to over 180 countries. But did you know not everyone who holds a U.S. passport is a U.S. citizen? Some are classified as U.S. nationals—a distinction that can affect your rights, benefits, and even your global mobility. In this 2025 expert guide, we break down the critical differences between U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals, how each status affects your passport, and what it means for your life, travel, and legal standing.

Overview

Confusion about the terms “U.S. citizen” and “U.S. national” is common—even among Americans themselves. This article explains who qualifies as a citizen or a national, how each group obtains a U.S. passport, and the real-world differences in rights and responsibilities. You’ll find actionable advice for applicants, up-to-date legal definitions, and a robust FAQ section to help you make informed decisions. GovAssist’s team is here to guide you through every step of the U.S. passport process, whether you’re applying for the first time or clarifying your status.

What Is a U.S. Citizen?

A U.S. citizen is someone who, under U.S. law, has full rights and responsibilities as a member of the United States. Citizenship can be acquired by birth in the U.S., through U.S. citizen parents, or by naturalization. Citizens enjoy the broadest range of rights, including voting in federal elections, holding a U.S. passport with all associated privileges, and accessing full government protection abroad.

Key facts about U.S. citizens:

Can vote in federal, state, and local elections
Eligible to run for public office (with some exceptions, e.g., President must be natural-born)
Can apply for any type of U.S. passport (regular, official, diplomatic)
Entitled to all constitutional rights and protections
May petition for relatives to immigrate to the U.S.
Cannot be deported (except in rare cases of fraud or renunciation)

What Is a U.S. National?

A U.S. national is someone who owes permanent allegiance to the United States but is not necessarily a U.S. citizen. All U.S. citizens are nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are citizens. The most common group of non-citizen nationals are people born in certain U.S. territories, primarily American Samoa and Swains Island.

Key facts about U.S. nationals (non-citizen):

Owe permanent allegiance to the U.S.
Can apply for a U.S. passport (with “national not citizen” notation)
Can live and work anywhere in the U.S. without restriction
Receive U.S. government protection abroad
Cannot vote in federal elections or run for most public offices
May become citizens through naturalization (with streamlined process)

Who are non-citizen nationals?

Most are born in American Samoa or Swains Island.
Children born abroad to non-citizen national parents may also acquire this status in specific circumstances.

Legal Definitions: Citizen vs. National

The legal distinctions are defined in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA):

U.S. Citizen:
Any person born in the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Northern Mariana Islands; or born abroad to at least one U.S. citizen parent (with conditions); or naturalized.
U.S. National:
Any U.S. citizen, plus persons born in American Samoa or Swains Island (and in rare cases, their children).

Important:
Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands confer automatic U.S. citizenship at birth. Only American Samoa and Swains Island confer non-citizen national status.

How Does Status Affect Passport Eligibility?

U.S. Citizens

Eligible for a standard U.S. passport book and/or card
No special notations—passport is identical to any other U.S. citizen’s
Full rights to travel, live, and work worldwide (subject to visa requirements abroad)

U.S. Nationals (Non-Citizen)

Eligible for a U.S. passport annotated with “THE BEARER IS A UNITED STATES NATIONAL AND NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN”
Passport allows international travel and re-entry to the U.S.
May face additional scrutiny or restrictions in some countries due to the annotation
Not eligible for certain U.S. government jobs or security clearances

Rights and Limitations: U.S. Citizen vs. National

Rights of U.S. Citizens

Vote in all U.S. elections
Hold a U.S. passport with full privileges
Run for federal office (with some exceptions)
Serve on a jury
Access all federal benefits and protections
Sponsor family members for immigration
Full constitutional protections

Rights of U.S. Nationals (Non-Citizen)

Live and work in the U.S. indefinitely
Apply for a U.S. passport (with annotation)
Receive consular protection abroad
Eligible for some federal benefits
May serve in the U.S. military (with some limitations)

Limitations for Non-Citizen Nationals

Cannot vote in federal or most state elections
Ineligible for certain government jobs and security clearances
Cannot serve on federal juries
Cannot petition for relatives to immigrate as citizens can
Must naturalize to gain full citizenship rights

Applying for a U.S. Passport: Citizens vs. Nationals

For U.S. Citizens

Complete Form DS-11 (first-time applicants) or DS-82 (renewals)
Provide proof of citizenship: U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Submit photo ID (driver’s license, state ID)
Passport photo (meeting official requirements)
Pay the required fee
Submit application at a passport acceptance facility or by mail (renewals)

For U.S. Nationals (Non-Citizen)

Complete Form DS-11
Provide proof of non-citizen national status:
- Birth certificate from American Samoa or Swains Island
- Statement or documentation from U.S. Department of State (if applicable)
Passport photo
Pay the required fee
Submit application at a passport acceptance facility

Note:
The resulting passport will be clearly annotated as belonging to a U.S. national, not a citizen.

Real-World Scenarios: Why Status Matters

Scenario 1:
A child is born in California to non-citizen parents. The child is a U.S. citizen with full rights and a standard passport.

Scenario 2:
A person is born in American Samoa. They are a U.S. national (not a citizen), eligible for a U.S. passport with an annotation, but cannot vote or run for office until they naturalize.

Scenario 3:
A U.S. national from American Samoa moves to California. They can live and work anywhere in the U.S. without restriction but must apply for naturalization to become a citizen and gain voting rights.

How to Become a U.S. Citizen as a U.S. National

Non-citizen nationals (primarily from American Samoa or Swains Island) may apply for naturalization to become full U.S. citizens. The process is similar to that for lawful permanent residents, but with some streamlined requirements.

Steps:

File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Meet residency and physical presence requirements (often easier for nationals)
Demonstrate good moral character and knowledge of English/U.S. civics
Complete an interview and pass a civics test
Take the Oath of Allegiance

Benefits of naturalization:

Full citizenship rights, including voting and office-holding
Standard, unannotated U.S. passport
Ability to sponsor relatives for immigration

Key Differences Summarized

All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are citizens.
Non-citizen nationals are primarily those born in American Samoa and Swains Island.
U.S. citizens enjoy full rights, including voting and holding office; non-citizen nationals do not.
Both can get U.S. passports, but non-citizen nationals’ passports are annotated accordingly.
Non-citizen nationals can naturalize for full citizenship rights.

Passport Travel and Entry Rights: What to Know

Both U.S. citizens and non-citizen nationals can use their U.S. passports for international travel and re-entry to the United States. However, the passport annotation (“national not citizen”) can sometimes cause confusion or extra scrutiny by foreign authorities unfamiliar with U.S. law.

Travel tips for non-citizen nationals:

Carry additional proof of status when traveling abroad.
Be prepared to explain your status at foreign borders or embassies.
Contact the U.S. State Department or GovAssist for travel assistance if needed.

Common Questions About U.S. Citizen vs. National Status

What’s the difference between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national?

A U.S. citizen has full constitutional rights, including voting and holding office. A U.S. national owes permanent allegiance to the U.S. but lacks some citizen rights, such as voting. All citizens are nationals, but not all nationals are citizens.

Who are considered non-citizen nationals?

Most non-citizen nationals are people born in American Samoa or Swains Island. They can live and work in the U.S. but cannot vote or hold certain government jobs without naturalizing.

Can non-citizen nationals get a U.S. passport?

Yes, but their passport is annotated with “THE BEARER IS A UNITED STATES NATIONAL AND NOT A UNITED STATES CITIZEN.” This may affect travel to some countries.

How can a non-citizen national become a U.S. citizen?

Non-citizen nationals can apply for naturalization using Form N-400. The process is similar to that for lawful permanent residents but may be streamlined for nationals.

Do non-citizen nationals have the same travel rights as citizens?

They can travel and re-enter the U.S. with their passport, but some foreign authorities may question the annotation. Carry extra documentation when traveling abroad.

Are people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands citizens or nationals?

They are U.S. citizens at birth and have the same rights as those born in the 50 states.

Can non-citizen nationals vote in U.S. elections?

No. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal or most state elections.

Can non-citizen nationals serve in the U.S. military?

Yes, but some positions may require full citizenship or security clearances.

Are there any disadvantages to being a non-citizen national?

Yes, including lack of voting rights, certain job restrictions, and potential travel complications. Naturalization is recommended for those seeking full rights.

Where can I get help with U.S. passport or citizenship questions?

GovAssist offers expert guidance for all U.S. passport, citizenship, and immigration questions. Contact GovAssist for personalized support.

Final Thoughts: Understanding Your U.S. Status in 2025

Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen national, your passport is a gateway to opportunity, security, and global mobility. Understanding the difference between these statuses is crucial for travel, work, and civic participation. If you’re unsure about your status or want to pursue naturalization, GovAssist is here to help you navigate every step with confidence and clarity.