A U.S. national is a person who owes permanent allegiance to the United States, but is not necessarily a U.S. citizen. All U.S. citizens are also considered U.S. nationals, but not all U.S. nationals are citizens. U.S. nationals can be born in or have ties with an outlying possession of the United States, such as American Samoa or Swains Island. Additionally, individuals born abroad to two U.S. national parents or one alien parent and one U.S. national parent can also be considered U.S. nationals, but there is a residency requirement for the parents prior to birth in order to transmit U.S. nationality.

U.S. nationals have some restrictions and fewer benefits than U.S. citizens. For example, U.S. nationals cannot vote in federal elections or hold a federal office. However, they are allowed to work and reside anywhere in the U.S. without restrictions, and are eligible to apply for a U.S. passport just like U.S. citizens. U.S. nationals can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of permanent residency in the U.S..