Becoming a US citizen comes with new rights and responsibilities. After completing the naturalisation process, immigrants can take several steps to make use of their new status and update their official records.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has highlighted eight things new citizens can do after becoming Americans.
1. Apply for a US passport
New citizens can apply for a US passport through the US Department of State. The passport can be used as proof of US citizenship, along with the Certificate of Naturalisation.
2. Update Social Security records
New citizens should contact the Social Security Administration to update their records and ensure their citizenship status is correctly reflected.
3. Sponsor eligible family members
Naturalised citizens can petition for certain family members to obtain lawful permanent residence, also known as a Green Card.
However, the applicant must meet the required sponsorship and financial conditions.
4. Get citizenship documents for children
Some children may automatically become US citizens when their parent becomes a naturalised citizen.
Parents whose children qualify can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship to officially document the child’s citizenship.
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5. Register to vote
US citizens can register to vote through the appropriate state or federal channels.
USCIS lists voting as both a right and a responsibility of US citizenship.
6. Replace a lost Certificate of Naturalisation
Citizens who lose or damage their Certificate of Naturalisation can apply for a replacement.
They can do this by filing Form N-565 with USCIS.
7. Update driver’s licence records
New citizens who have changed their name or address can update their driver’s licence or state identification records.
This can be done through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in their state.
8. Explore business opportunities
New US citizens can explore business support offered by the US Small Business Administration.
The opportunities include business counselling, access to funding and government contracting programmes.
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