How to Get a Passport While Living in the USA If You Are Not a U.S. Citizen – Complete Process for Foreign Nationals, Green Card Holders, Refugees, Asylees and Immigrants
A common question among immigrants and foreign nationals living in the United States is: “I live legally in the United States but I am not a U.S. citizen. Ca...
A common question among immigrants and foreign nationals living in the United States is:
“I live legally in the United States but I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I apply for a passport in the USA?”
The answer depends on what is meant by “a passport.”
There are two completely different situations:
- Obtaining a U.S. passport, and
- Obtaining or renewing the passport of your own country while physically present in the United States.
As a general rule, simply living in the United States—even permanently—does not make someone eligible for a U.S. passport. The U.S. Department of State requires evidence of U.S. citizenship for an ordinary U.S. passport application.
A Green Card, employment visa, student visa, asylum status, or another lawful immigration status does not by itself establish U.S. citizenship.
There is an important narrow exception for certain U.S. non-citizen nationals, discussed later in this article.
This guide explains the different options available to a person living in the United States who is not currently a U.S. citizen.
1. First Understand the Most Important Rule
Can a non-U.S. citizen obtain a U.S. passport?
Generally, no.
The U.S. Department of State issues ordinary U.S. passports as evidence of U.S. citizenship/nationality, and first-time applicants must provide acceptable citizenship evidence.
Therefore, being any of the following does not by itself qualify you for a normal U.S. citizen passport:
- Green Card holder
- Lawful Permanent Resident
- H-1B worker
- H-4 dependent
- L-1 or L-2 visa holder
- F-1 international student
- J-1 exchange visitor
- B-1/B-2 visitor
- Employment Authorization Document holder
- Adjustment-of-status applicant
- Refugee
- Asylee
- TPS beneficiary
- Advance Parole holder
- Other nonimmigrant visa holder
Your immigration status and your nationality/citizenship are different legal concepts.
2. What Passport Does a Non-U.S. Citizen Normally Use?
A person who is a citizen of another country normally uses a passport issued by that country.
For example:
| Person living in USA | Normal passport issuer |
|---|---|
| Indian citizen | Government of India |
| Canadian citizen | Government of Canada |
| British citizen | United Kingdom |
| Australian citizen | Government of Australia |
| German citizen | Germany |
| Mexican citizen | Mexico |
| Japanese citizen | Japan |
| French citizen | France |
Living in the United States does not normally transfer responsibility for your passport to the U.S. government.
Foreign governments maintain embassies and consulates in the United States, which provide consular assistance to their nationals.
3. How to Obtain Your Foreign Passport While Living in the USA
If you are not a U.S. citizen and need a passport, the normal procedure is to contact the embassy or consulate of your country of nationality.
The exact procedure is determined by your country's government.
Typical steps are as follows.
Step 1 – Confirm Your Nationality
Determine which country considers you its citizen or national.
This is especially important if you:
- were born in one country but grew up in another;
- have parents of different nationalities;
- hold dual nationality;
- acquired citizenship through marriage or descent;
- previously renounced citizenship;
- have refugee or asylum status.
Do not assume that U.S. permanent residence changes your nationality.
4. Find Your Country's Embassy or Consulate
Most countries maintain an embassy in Washington, D.C., along with consulates or consulates-general in major U.S. cities.
Depending on the country, passport services may be handled by:
- Embassy
- Consulate General
- Regional Consulate
- Honorary Consulate
- Government-authorized application center
- Outsourced visa/passport service provider
Use only the official website of your country's government, embassy, or consulate to determine where you should apply.
Be particularly cautious with websites that appear official but are actually commercial passport-assistance businesses.
5. Determine Which Consulate Has Jurisdiction
Some countries divide the United States into consular jurisdictions.
For example, applicants living in different states may have to submit their applications to different consulates.
Your jurisdiction might depend on your:
- residential address;
- state;
- ZIP code;
- permanent address;
- immigration status.
Do not automatically send your passport to the nearest consulate.
Check the applicable jurisdiction first.
6. Identify the Type of Passport Service Required
You may need one of several services:
First Passport
For someone who has never received a passport from their country.
Passport Renewal
For a passport approaching expiration or already expired.
Passport Reissue
Some governments use the term “reissue” instead of renewal.
Lost Passport Replacement
Required when the original passport cannot be located.
Stolen Passport Replacement
May require a police report and additional identity verification.
Damaged Passport Replacement
Required when the passport has water damage, torn pages, damaged machine-readable information, or other serious physical damage.
Name Change
Common following marriage, divorce, adoption, or legal name change.
Change of Personal Particulars
For corrections involving:
- name;
- date of birth;
- place of birth;
- spouse details;
- address;
- parent information.
Emergency Passport or Emergency Travel Document
Some countries issue temporary travel documents when urgent international travel is necessary.
7. Typical Documents Required for a Foreign Passport Application
Requirements vary significantly by country, but applicants commonly need:
- Current passport
- Expired passport
- Passport application form
- Passport photographs
- Proof of nationality
- Birth certificate
- National identity card
- Proof of U.S. address
- U.S. immigration document
- Green Card, if applicable
- Valid U.S. visa
- Employment Authorization Document, if applicable
- I-94 record, where applicable
- Marriage certificate for name changes
- Divorce decree, if applicable
- Legal name-change order
- Police report for stolen passports
- Lost-passport declaration
- Application fee
- Prepaid return envelope where required
Never assume this list is complete. Requirements are country-specific.
8. Proof of Legal Status in the United States
A foreign embassy or consulate may ask for evidence showing your immigration or residence status in the United States.
Depending on your circumstances, this might include:
- Permanent Resident Card
- U.S. visa
- I-94
- Employment Authorization Document
- I-797 approval notice
- Student documentation
- Other USCIS documentation
The exact requirement depends on the issuing country's passport rules.
9. Passport Photographs
Passport-photo standards are not universal.
Do not assume that a U.S.-style passport photo will automatically meet your country's passport requirements.
Countries can specify different:
- dimensions;
- background;
- head size;
- facial position;
- digital resolution;
- clothing rules;
- eyeglass rules;
- printing standards.
Follow the specifications published by the country issuing your passport.
10. Biometrics and Personal Appearance
Some countries require applicants to personally visit an embassy, consulate, or application center for:
- fingerprints;
- photograph;
- digital signature;
- identity verification;
- document verification;
- interview.
Other countries permit certain renewals by mail.
Never mail your original passport unless the official instructions specifically require it.
11. Passport Fees
Foreign passport fees are determined by the issuing country—not by the U.S. Department of State.
Charges may include:
- passport fee;
- consular fee;
- processing fee;
- application-center fee;
- biometric fee;
- courier fee;
- expedited-processing fee;
- emergency-service fee.
Confirm the accepted payment method before attending an appointment or mailing documents.
12. What If You Are a Green Card Holder?
This is one of the most misunderstood situations.
A Green Card does not make you a U.S. citizen.
Therefore, a Green Card holder generally cannot obtain a regular U.S. citizen passport merely because they are a permanent resident.
For ordinary international travel, a permanent resident generally continues using the passport issued by their country of nationality together with the appropriate evidence for returning to the United States.
USCIS explains that returning travelers generally need appropriate entry documentation, which can include a Permanent Resident Card or an applicable travel document.
13. Does a Green Card Replace a Passport?
No.
A Green Card and passport serve different purposes.
A passport primarily establishes nationality/identity for international travel.
A Green Card establishes lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
Depending on the journey and destination, a permanent resident may need both documents.
14. What If Your Foreign Passport Expires While You Are in the USA?
Contact the embassy or consulate of your country.
Do not attempt to obtain a U.S. passport merely because your foreign passport expired.
You will normally need to apply for:
- renewal;
- reissue;
- replacement passport; or
- emergency travel document
through your own country's authorities.
15. What If Your Foreign Passport Is Lost or Stolen in the USA?
Take action promptly.
Typical steps include:
- Confirm that the passport is actually missing.
- Report a theft to local police where appropriate or required.
- Contact your country's embassy or consulate.
- Report the passport lost/stolen according to your country's procedure.
- Apply for a replacement passport or emergency travel document.
- Provide identity and citizenship documentation.
- Provide your U.S. immigration documents.
- Keep copies of the police report and consular correspondence.
If a passport containing a U.S. visa is lost, remember that replacing the foreign passport and replacing the U.S. visa are separate matters.
16. Refugees and Asylees: Special Situation
Refugees and asylees should be particularly careful about passport issues.
USCIS provides a Refugee Travel Document for qualifying persons. USCIS instructions state that a Refugee Travel Document may be issued to individuals in valid refugee or asylee status and certain permanent residents whose status resulted from refugee or asylee status.
This document is different from a U.S. passport.
A person generally applies using:
Form I-131 – Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
USCIS Form I-131 and Travel Documents
17. Important Warning for Refugees and Asylees
A refugee or asylee should obtain immigration advice before:
- applying for a passport from the country from which they claimed persecution;
- renewing such a passport;
- traveling back to that country;
- requesting protection or government benefits from that country.
The current Form I-131 specifically asks refugee/asylee applicants about obtaining a national passport and returning to the country from which they are a refugee or asylee.
These actions can raise complicated immigration questions depending on the circumstances.
For a significant asylum/refugee case, consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney before acting.
18. What Is a Refugee Travel Document?
A Refugee Travel Document is a U.S.-issued travel document for eligible refugees/asylees and certain qualifying permanent residents.
It is not U.S. citizenship.
It is also not a U.S. citizen passport.
A foreign country decides whether it recognizes the document and whether the traveler needs a visa.
Always verify entry requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate before purchasing tickets.
19. What Is a Reentry Permit?
A Reentry Permit is another travel document available in certain circumstances to lawful permanent residents and conditional permanent residents.
USCIS states that a Reentry Permit allows such residents to apply for admission to the United States after travel abroad during the permit's validity without needing to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
It is commonly relevant when a permanent resident expects to remain outside the United States for an extended period.
However, a Reentry Permit is not a U.S. passport and does not guarantee admission.
20. What Is Advance Parole?
Advance Parole is another immigration travel mechanism.
It can permit certain individuals in the United States to travel and subsequently appear at a U.S. port of entry to request parole.
USCIS specifically warns that an Advance Parole Document does not itself guarantee that the person will be paroled into the United States.
It also does not automatically substitute for a passport where a passport is otherwise required.
This distinction is extremely important.
21. Never Leave the USA Assuming You Can Simply Return
This is one of the most important precautions in this article.
Before international travel, a non-U.S. citizen should verify:
Document 1 – Passport or appropriate travel document
Will your passport/travel document be valid for the entire journey?
Document 2 – Destination-country permission
Do you require a visa or electronic travel authorization?
Document 3 – U.S. return documentation
What documentation authorizes you to return to the United States?
These are separate questions.
A document allowing you to leave the United States does not necessarily guarantee your ability to return.
22. Adjustment-of-Status Applicants Need Special Caution
If you have a pending immigration application—particularly adjustment of status—do not assume you can leave the United States merely because you possess a valid foreign passport.
International departure can have immigration consequences.
USCIS advises people to understand whether leaving the United States could negatively affect their immigration status or pending applications before traveling.
Check the rules applicable to your exact immigration category before departure.
23. Can a Visa Holder Obtain a U.S. Passport?
Generally, no.
For example, possession of:
- H-1B
- H-4
- L-1
- L-2
- F-1
- J-1
- O-1
- B-1
- B-2
does not make the holder a U.S. citizen.
The individual generally continues using the passport of their country of nationality.
24. Can a Green Card Holder Eventually Get a U.S. Passport?
Potentially yes—but only after becoming a U.S. citizen, assuming the person is otherwise eligible for a passport.
The usual sequence for many immigrants is:
Foreign national → Lawful Permanent Resident → Eligible for Naturalization → Naturalization Application → Interview/Test → Approval → Oath of Allegiance → U.S. Citizen → U.S. Passport Application
USCIS confirms that an approved naturalization applicant does not become a U.S. citizen until taking the Oath of Allegiance. After the oath, the person receives a Certificate of Naturalization.
25. Naturalization Is Separate From Passport Application
Obtaining citizenship and obtaining a passport are separate processes handled by different agencies.
Naturalization
Handled primarily by:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Common form:
Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization
U.S. Passport
Handled by:
U.S. Department of State
For many first-time adult passport applicants:
Form DS-11
Therefore:
N-400 does not itself issue a passport.
First you become a citizen. Then you apply for the passport.
26. Passport After Naturalization
Once naturalization is complete and the Oath of Allegiance has been taken, the new citizen can apply for a U.S. passport.
A Certificate of Naturalization is accepted as primary evidence of U.S. citizenship for passport purposes.
A first-time adult applicant generally uses Form DS-11 and applies in person.
The Department of State currently lists the standard adult DS-11 fees as:
| Product | Application Fee | Acceptance Fee |
| Passport Book | $130 | $35 |
| Passport Card | $30 | $35 |
| Book + Card | $160 | $35 |
These fees can change, so verify them before applying.
Official U.S. Passport Application Information
27. Exception: U.S. Non-Citizen Nationals
There is an important exception to the simplified statement that “only U.S. citizens can get U.S. passports.”
Certain individuals are U.S. nationals but not U.S. citizens.
The Department of State explains that this is a relatively small category. It includes certain people connected with U.S. outlying possessions, particularly American Samoa and Swains Island, subject to applicable law.
Eligible U.S. non-citizen nationals may apply for a U.S. passport establishing their status as a national rather than a citizen.
Therefore, the technically correct rule is:
A foreign national who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a qualifying U.S. non-citizen national generally cannot obtain a U.S. passport.
28. Being Born Outside the USA Does Not Automatically Mean You Are Not a U.S. Citizen
Another important point is that some people born outside the United States may already have acquired U.S. citizenship through a parent or parents.
The Department of State recognizes several circumstances under which citizenship may be acquired at birth abroad or derived later.
Therefore, before assuming you are not a citizen, investigate your status if:
- one parent was a U.S. citizen;
- both parents were U.S. citizens;
- a parent naturalized while you were a child;
- you were adopted by U.S. citizen parents;
- you previously lived in the United States as a child with a U.S. citizen parent.
Citizenship law in these situations can depend on birth date, parental citizenship, residence, custody and other factors.
29. Passport vs. Green Card vs. Visa vs. Travel Document
Understanding these documents prevents many travel mistakes.
| Document | Main Purpose |
| Passport | National identity/international travel document |
| U.S. Visa | Permission to seek admission to the United States in a specified classification |
| Green Card | Evidence of lawful permanent resident status |
| Refugee Travel Document | Travel document for qualifying refugees/asylees |
| Reentry Permit | Travel/reentry document for qualifying permanent residents |
| Advance Parole | Authorization to travel and appear at a port of entry to seek parole |
| Certificate of Naturalization | Evidence that a person became a U.S. citizen through naturalization |
| U.S. Passport | International travel document and evidence of U.S. citizenship/nationality |
These documents are not interchangeable.
30. Passport Validity Before International Travel
Many destinations require passports to remain valid beyond the intended travel period.
The U.S. Department of State notes that some destinations require at least six months of passport validity beyond the dates of travel, and airlines may deny boarding when applicable validity requirements are not satisfied.
Foreign nationals should check:
- passport expiration date;
- destination-country validity requirements;
- transit-country requirements;
- visa validity;
- U.S. reentry documentation.
31. Transit Countries Are Often Forgotten
Suppose you travel:
USA → Country A → Country B
Even if Country B permits your entry, Country A may impose separate transit requirements.
Before departure, verify:
- airport transit visa requirements;
- passport validity;
- terminal-transfer rules;
- overnight transit requirements;
- whether immigration clearance is required during transit.
32. Dual Citizens
Dual citizens should carefully determine which passport should be used at each border.
Some countries require their citizens to enter and leave using that country's passport.
If you later become a U.S. citizen while retaining another citizenship, check the laws of both countries because some countries restrict or do not recognize dual nationality.
33. Emergency Travel for Non-Citizens
If you need to travel urgently but do not possess a valid passport, contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately.
Depending on your nationality, it may issue:
- emergency passport;
- temporary passport;
- emergency certificate;
- one-way travel document;
- laissez-passer or equivalent document.
The terminology and rules vary by country.
If your problem concerns permission to return to the United States rather than your national passport, USCIS may be the relevant agency.
USCIS provides emergency procedures for certain qualifying travel-document situations.
34. Lost Green Card While Outside the USA
This is different from losing your passport.
Certain permanent residents who are abroad and have lost, damaged or destroyed required travel documentation may need to investigate Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.
USCIS states that the I-131A process involves payment and filing through the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate procedures.
Do not confuse I-131A with an application for a new foreign passport.
35. Precautions Before Mailing Your Passport
A passport is an extremely important identity document.
Before mailing it:
- verify the official mailing address;
- confirm the consular jurisdiction;
- follow official instructions;
- use tracking where permitted;
- keep photocopies/scans;
- record the passport number;
- record the issue and expiration dates;
- retain courier receipts;
- avoid sending unnecessary originals;
- use secure packaging.
Never mail your passport to an address received only through an unsolicited email, text message or telephone call.
36. Beware of Passport Scams
Foreign nationals are frequent targets of immigration and passport scams.
Warning signs include:
- “Guaranteed U.S. passport without citizenship”
- “Green Card automatically qualifies for passport”
- “Pay us and we will convert your Green Card into a passport”
- “No embassy appointment required”
- “Government insider passport service”
- requests for cryptocurrency or gift-card payment;
- requests to send passport photographs and identity documents through unofficial messaging accounts.
A legitimate private service may assist with paperwork, but it cannot waive nationality or legal eligibility requirements.
37. Protect Your Passport Number
Avoid unnecessarily sharing:
- passport number;
- passport scan;
- visa page;
- Green Card image;
- Social Security number;
- date of birth;
- USCIS A-Number.
These documents contain information useful for identity theft.
Send sensitive documentation only through official or trusted channels.
38. Keep Digital Backup Copies
Before international travel, securely store copies of:
- passport biographical page;
- U.S. visa;
- Green Card;
- I-797;
- travel document;
- travel insurance;
- itinerary;
- emergency contacts.
Do not rely solely on copies stored on the same phone or laptop that you are carrying.
Remember, however, that a digital copy normally does not replace the required original travel document.
39. Check Names Carefully
Your name should be consistent across relevant records wherever possible.
Compare:
- passport;
- airline ticket;
- Green Card;
- visa;
- USCIS records;
- travel document.
Name discrepancies can cause additional verification.
If you have legally changed your name, carry appropriate supporting documentation when necessary.
40. Do Not Book Non-Refundable Travel Too Early
Passport and immigration-document processing can be delayed by:
- identity verification;
- missing documents;
- background checks;
- consular processing;
- printing;
- courier delays;
- public holidays;
- requests for additional evidence.
Where possible, avoid expensive non-refundable travel arrangements until required documentation is secured.
41. What If You Have No Valid National Passport?
Your options depend heavily on your immigration and nationality status.
Possible situations include:
- stateless person;
- refugee;
- asylee;
- person unable to obtain a national passport;
- permanent resident with special circumstances;
- pending immigration applicant.
Do not simply apply for a U.S. passport unless you actually qualify as a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Instead, determine whether an appropriate USCIS travel document or another recognized travel document is available.
42. Quick Decision Guide
Situation A – Foreign citizen temporarily working in USA
Use or renew your home-country passport through your country's authorized consular process.
Situation B – International student in USA
Use your home-country passport and contact your embassy/consulate for renewal.
Situation C – Green Card holder
Normally continue using your national passport. A Green Card does not automatically qualify you for a U.S. passport.
Situation D – Refugee or asylee
Investigate eligibility for a Refugee Travel Document and obtain immigration advice regarding use of your national passport.
Situation E – Adjustment-of-status applicant
Check whether travel authorization is required before leaving the United States.
Situation F – Newly naturalized U.S. citizen
You may apply for a U.S. passport using acceptable citizenship evidence such as your Certificate of Naturalization.
Situation G – U.S. non-citizen national
You may qualify for a U.S. passport documenting U.S. national status, subject to Department of State requirements.
43. Recommended Pre-Travel Checklist
Before leaving the United States, verify all of the following:
- Passport is valid.
- Passport has sufficient remaining validity.
- Destination visa is valid or not required.
- Transit visa is obtained where required.
- Green Card is valid, if applicable.
- U.S. visa/status documentation is appropriate.
- Required travel authorization has been obtained.
- Refugee Travel Document is valid, if applicable.
- Reentry Permit is valid, if applicable.
- Advance Parole is valid where required.
- Airline ticket name matches travel documents.
- Copies of important documents are securely stored.
- Destination-country immigration requirements have been checked.
- U.S. reentry requirements have been checked.
44. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I get a U.S. passport if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Generally no, unless you qualify as a U.S. national, including the limited category of U.S. non-citizen nationals. Ordinary first-time passport applications require evidence of U.S. citizenship/nationality.
Q2. I have a Green Card. Can I apply for a U.S. passport?
A Green Card alone does not qualify you for a U.S. citizen passport.
Q3. Which passport should a Green Card holder use?
Normally, the passport issued by the person's country of nationality, together with the documentation required for returning to the United States.
Q4. Can I renew my foreign passport while living in America?
Usually yes. Contact your country's embassy, consulate, or authorized passport service provider in the United States.
Q5. Does the U.S. government renew foreign passports?
No. Foreign passports are issued and renewed under the authority of the relevant foreign government.
Q6. My passport expired while I am in the USA. What should I do?
Contact the embassy or consulate of your country and follow its renewal/reissue procedure.
Q7. My foreign passport was stolen. What should I do?
Report the incident as appropriate, contact your embassy/consulate, and apply for replacement or emergency documentation.
Q8. Can an H-1B worker obtain a U.S. passport?
Not merely because of H-1B status. The person normally uses the passport of their country of nationality.
Q9. Can an F-1 student obtain a U.S. passport?
Not merely because of F-1 status.
Q10. Can a refugee obtain a U.S. passport?
Refugee status alone does not establish eligibility for a regular U.S. citizen passport. Eligible refugees may instead qualify for a Refugee Travel Document.
Q11. What form is generally used for a Refugee Travel Document?
USCIS Form I-131.
Q12. Is a Refugee Travel Document the same as a passport?
No.
Q13. Is Advance Parole a passport?
No.
Q14. Does Advance Parole guarantee reentry into the USA?
No. USCIS states that Advance Parole does not itself entitle the traveler to be paroled into the United States; the decision is made upon return.
Q15. Is a Reentry Permit a U.S. passport?
No.
Q16. Can I travel only with my Green Card?
Do not assume so. International travel requirements depend on your nationality, destination, airline, itinerary and U.S. immigration status.
Q17. Can I get a U.S. passport immediately after getting my Green Card?
No. Permanent residence and citizenship are different statuses.
Q18. When can a Green Card holder get a U.S. passport?
Generally after becoming eligible for and successfully completing naturalization, taking the Oath of Allegiance, and becoming a U.S. citizen.
Q19. Which document proves citizenship after naturalization?
USCIS issues a Certificate of Naturalization after the naturalization process and oath are completed.
Q20. Can that certificate be used for a passport application?
Yes. A Certificate of Naturalization is accepted as primary citizenship evidence for a U.S. passport application.
Q21. What passport form does a newly naturalized adult normally use?
A first-time adult applicant generally uses Form DS-11 and applies in person.
Q22. Are all people born outside America foreign citizens?
No. Some people born abroad acquire U.S. citizenship through U.S. citizen parent(s), depending on the applicable law and facts.
Q23. Can a U.S. non-citizen national receive a U.S. passport?
Yes, qualifying U.S. non-citizen nationals may apply for a passport documenting that status.
Q24. Should an asylee renew the passport of the country they fled?
This can raise important immigration issues. An asylee should obtain qualified immigration advice before doing so.
Q25. Can I leave America while my Green Card application is pending?
Do not assume that you can. Departure can affect certain pending immigration applications. Check USCIS rules and obtain appropriate legal advice before travel.
45. Final Summary
The most important concept is simple:
Living in the United States does not automatically entitle a person to a U.S. passport.
If you are a citizen of another country and are living in the United States, you will normally obtain, renew, or replace your home-country passport through your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.
A Green Card is evidence of permanent-resident status; it is not a U.S. passport and does not make the holder a U.S. citizen.
Refugees, asylees, permanent residents and certain other immigrants may have access to U.S.-issued travel documents, including Refugee Travel Documents, Reentry Permits or Advance Parole, depending on their status and circumstances. These documents should not be confused with U.S. passports.
A person who later becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization can apply for a U.S. passport after completing the naturalization process and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
The principal exception is the relatively small category of qualifying U.S. non-citizen nationals, who may be eligible for U.S. passports reflecting their national status.
Important Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. U.S. immigration and travel-document rules can change, and individual circumstances can significantly affect eligibility and travel consequences.
Before applying, traveling internationally, renewing a national passport in a sensitive immigration situation, or leaving the United States while an immigration application is pending, verify the current requirements with USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, the relevant foreign embassy/consulate, or a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.
Official resources:
USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. Department of State – Passport Services
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