Once you become a U.S. citizen, you have access to additional benefits and services. But there are still some actions you’ll need to take in order to take advantage of your new status. Sure, you can wait until you need them. But often these benefits and services take time to obtain. It’s smart to take care of them immediately after becoming a U.S. citizen, before you forget or lose important paperwork.
Table of ContentsThere are several important steps you should take after becoming a U.S. citizen to fully embrace your new status and enjoy the many benefits of American citizenship. This guide outlines these essential actions and highlights the advantages of each.
Once you have your Certificate of Naturalization, consider taking action on these eight items:
Why: When you become a U.S. citizen at your oath ceremony, USCIS officials will provide you with a Certificate of Naturalization. While this is an important document, you won’t be able to use it for travel. It’s also not a very practical document for proving you are a citizen in other situations. A U.S. passport is not just a travel document; it is powerful proof of your American citizenship. It allows you to travel internationally, access consular services abroad, and return to the United States without hassle.
How: To apply for a U.S. passport, you will need your naturalization certificate, a passport photo, and other required documents. You can submit your application at designated post offices, passport agencies, or online. To download passport forms and to find a passport acceptance facility near you, visit https://travel.state.gov.
Benefits: With a U.S. passport, you can travel to more than 180 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival, simplifying your international travel plans. Additionally, should you encounter any issues while abroad, U.S. embassies and consulates offer assistance, such as emergency evacuation, lost passport replacement, and legal aid.
Why: Ensuring that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has your updated citizenship status is crucial for accurate record-keeping, employment eligibility, and accessing benefits.
How: Visit your local Social Security office with your naturalization certificate and complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Individuals applying for naturalization using the new edition of Form N-400 (edition date 04/01/24) will be able to request an SSN or replacement card when submitting Form N-400. If you used this edition, you likely won't need to visit an SSA field office to apply for an SSN or replacement card or to provide documentation as evidence of your new U.S. citizenship status.
Benefits: Accurate Social Security records are essential for retirement benefits, disability insurance, and survivor benefits. Updating your status ensures you receive all the benefits you are entitled to as a citizen and helps prevent potential issues with your Social Security number in the future.
What's more, citizenship status can affect your job search. When you are hired for a job, your employer can enter your SSN into a U.S. Department of Homeland Security web-based system, E-Verify, to determine your eligibility to work in the United States. If you fail to update your record, the inaccurate information could impact the information your employer receives about your work eligibility.
Why: If you have children who are lawful permanent residents under the age of 18 on the day you naturalize, they generally derive citizenship based on your naturalization. However, they are not automatically issued proof of this new status.
How: To obtain evidence of your child’s U.S. citizenship status, file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. If you would like help preparing this form, use CitizenPath's Citizenship Certificate Package.
Benefits: A certificate of citizenship for your children ensures they have proof of their status, which is crucial for obtaining a passport, enrolling in some schools, and applying for jobs and scholarships. Plus, it provides peace of mind knowing their citizenship is officially documented.
