Understanding the Difference: United States citizen, non-citizen national, and Lawful Permanent Resident.

At the Office of Citizenship Assistance (OCA), we often receive questions about the distinctions between various statuses related to U.S. citizenship, residency. and allegiance, including U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, and Permanent Resident. Each status entails unique rights, responsibilities, and potential pathways to citizenship. Please refer to official U.S. government sources to clarify these distinctions. Here is a general overview, with additional information available through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Department of State, and links included below.

Citizenship Status	U.S. Citizen	Non-citizen National	Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
Definition	A person born in the US or certain territories of the US, including Puerto Rico, the Canal Zone or Republic of Panama, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and a person born in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on or after November 4, 1986; a person born outside of the US if one or both parents are US citizens at the time of the person’s birth; a person who has become a citizen through naturalization.	A person born in American Samoa or Swains Island to parents who are not US citizens prior to the person’s birth; a person born outside of the US to parents who are noncitizen nationals prior to the person’s birth.	A person lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the US who has not become a US citizen through naturalization.
Can I vote?	Eligible to vote in US federal, state of Alaska, and local elections. For more details, see the Alaska Division of Elections website to review all qualifications.	Not eligible to vote in US federal, state of Alaska, or local elections.	Not eligible to vote in US federal, state of Alaska, or local elections.
Can I run for an Elected Office?	Eligible to run for federal and state elected positions.	Not eligible to run for federal or state elected positions.	Not eligible to run for federal or state elected positions.
Can I obtain an Alaska driver’s license or state identification card?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Can I obtain a Real ID?	Yes, see list of documents needed to establish identity and legal status, social security number, and residential address.	Yes, see list of documents needed to establish identity and legal status, social security number, and residential address.	Yes, see list of documents needed to establish identity and legal status, social security number, and residential address.
Can I obtain a U.S. Passport?	Yes, see U.S. Department of State website to learn about the application process.	Yes, but the U.S. passport will indicate “U.S. national” status. See the U.S. Department of State website to learn about the application process.	No, must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
What is my path to Citizenship?	Not applicable; already a citizen.	May apply and become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.	May apply and become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.