After Naturalization | 4 Must Dos After Oath Ceremony (Plus Pandemic Tips!) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

After becoming a U.S. citizen, it is important to apply for a passport, update your social security record, register to vote, and consider sponsoring family members.

Key Insights

• 😶‍🌫️ It is important to make a copy of your naturalization certificate and keep it in the cloud for easy access.
• 🛂 Applying for a U.S. passport should be done immediately after becoming a citizen due to passport processing backlogs.
• 🚕 Updating your social security record is crucial for accurate wage recordings and to avoid delays in benefits and tax refunds.
• 🧑‍💼 Checking with your local social security office is recommended to understand the process for updating your record.
• 🗯️ Registering to vote is an important step for new U.S. citizens to exercise their rights.
• 👶 Filing for a certificate of citizenship for children can provide additional proof of their U.S. citizenship.
• 👪 Consideration can be given to sponsoring immediate family members, but the process can take time.

Transcript

Congratulations on becoming a U.S.  citizen. Now that you are a U.S. citizen,   there are a few things you need to do after  naturalization. Be sure to watch the whole   video so that you don't miss anything. There are  a few processes that are slightly different right   now because of the pandemic, and I'm going to  share how to navigate that in t... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How long does it currently take to get a U.S. passport after becoming a citizen?

Processing times for U.S. passports have been significantly delayed due to the pandemic, with routine processing taking up to 16 weeks and expedited processing taking up to 12 weeks. It varies depending on the location.

Q: Can I update my social security record in person?

In-person appointments for updating social security records are limited and for emergency purposes only. It is recommended to contact your local social security office to inquire about the specific process, as it may differ depending on your location.

Q: How can I register to vote after becoming a U.S. citizen?

Visit the vote.gov website, select your state, and follow the instructions to register to vote. The process usually involves filling out an online form and receiving a confirmation in the mail.

Q: What family members can I sponsor as a new U.S. citizen?

Immediate family members, such as a spouse, minor or unmarried children, and parents, can be sponsored. Adult or married children and siblings can also be sponsored, but there may be longer wait times depending on the category and country of origin. Extended family members cannot be sponsored.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apply for a U.S. passport right away as it is required for entry and exit into the United States and there are currently long processing times.

• Update your social security record to ensure correct wage recording and to avoid delays in tax refunds, especially if you changed your name during naturalization.

• Register to vote in your state to exercise your new right as a U.S. citizen.

• Consider sponsoring immediate family members, such as a spouse, minor children, unmarried adult children, and parents.