Congratulations and welcome, new U.S. citizens! You are an important part of America’s history as a nation of immigrants. The naturalization ceremony is complete, and you have your naturalization certificate. What should you do after the ceremony? On this page, new citizens and community organizations will find resources that serve as a guide to the next steps available for new U.S. citizens. Share your story with us on Twitter (@uscis), Instagram (/uscis), or Facebook using @USCIS #NewUSCitizen.
The resources below are for U.S. citizens. Not a U.S. citizen? For information about paths to citizenship, please visit our Citizenship Resource Center.
We also encourage you to readThe Citizen's Almanac, available at uscis.gov/citizenship/, which contains information on the history, people, and events that have shaped our country and the important rights and responsibilities you now have as a U.S. citizen.
Register to vote
Voting in elections is a responsibility that comes with U.S. citizenship. As a new U.S. citizen, you have the right to vote. Before you can vote, you need to register. Go to vote.gov to find out how to register in your state. You can fill out a voter registration form online, by mail, or in person. You can also register when you apply for or renew your driver’s license. Visit vote.gov for official voting information in many languages.
You can also find additional information about voting in the Voter’s Guide to Federal Elections.
Apply for a U.S. passport
In addition to your Certificate of Naturalization, a U.S. passport serves as official proof of citizenship. As a U.S. citizen, you are now eligible for a U.S. passport from the U.S. Department of State.
You will need to submit your original Form N-500, Certificate of Naturalization, AND a photocopy when applying for your U.S. passport. Visit the Department of State's website for more information, passport forms, to find where you can submit your passport application, and to apply for your U.S. passport. You may also apply for a U.S. passport for any child under the age of 18 who automatically acquired citizenship based on your naturalization.
Update your record with the Social Security Administration
Social Security Administration Updates
If you filed on the newest version of the Form N-400 and if you provided consent, we can automatically transmit your information to the Social Security Administration (SAA) so they can update your status to that of a citizen in their systems.SSA may contact you if there are any questions.It may take up to 10 days after the naturalization ceremony before the USCIS systems are able to be updated and transmit to SSA.If you did not provide consent with your naturalization application, you will need to contact SSA to update your records. If you have any questions about your Social Security card, please contact SSA.
It is important that your Social Security record is accurate because you will need your Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and receive other government services. When you are hired for a job, your employer can enter your Social Security Number into a U.S. Department of Homeland Security web-based system, E-Verify, to determine your eligibility to work in the United States. If your record has not been updated, this may impact the information your employer receives about your work eligibility. To find your Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.
Obtain a certificate of citizenship for your child
If you have a child who is a lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 on the day you naturalize, they may have automatically acquired U.S. citizenship. To obtain evidence of your child’s acquired U.S. citizenship status, file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, online. You can find instructions and filing information online at uscis.gov/forms. You can also apply for a U.S. passport for your child from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, see the "I am the child of a U.S. Citizen."
Sponsor family members to come to the U.S.
As a citizen of the United States, you may petition for certain relatives to become lawful permanent residents and obtain what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” To do so, you need to sponsor your relative and be able to prove that you have enough income or assets to support your relative(s) in the United States. For more information, see Family of U.S. Citizens.
Update your record with the agency that issues driver’s licenses in your state
If you have a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued identification card (ID), you can update your record with the agency that issues driver’s licenses in your state, often called a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To update your address or legal name on a DMV-issued ID card, contact the DMV agency in your state. You can search for your state DMV using USA.gov.
Replace Your Certificate of Naturalization
If you lose your Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization, you may replace it by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document, online. You can find instructions and filing fee information online at uscis.gov/forms. You may use your U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship until you receive your replacement certificate.
Protecting Your Right to Work
Federal law states that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your citizenship or immigration status or national origin. Employers cannot treat you differently because of your citizenship or because of your place of birth, native language, accent, or appearance. Employers may not demand more or different documents than necessary when completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or treat you differently when using E-Verify based on your citizenship or immigration status or national origin. Employers cannot retaliate against you if you complain about the treatment above. For more information about your rights, or to file a complaint, call the U.S. Department of Justice’s Immigrant and Employee Rights Section at 1-800-255-7688 or 1-800-237- 2515 (TTY for the hearing impaired). Interpreters are available to help you. You also can visit the Department of Justice’s Immigrant and Employee Rights website for more information.
Start a Business
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the nation’s go-to resource and voice for small businesses. The SBA provides free or low-cost counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. This SBA brochure (PDF, 568.54 KB) outlines SBA’s services, how to find local assistance through its district offices and resource partners, and where to go for more information.
Engage with your community
Americans have a strong tradition of volunteerism and engagement in civic life and institutions. USCIS has a webpage with helpful links to help you find available volunteer opportunities in your community.
Note: Many of the links on this page will take you to another website. We are not responsible for the content on other websites or the information provided by other organizations. Please review the guidance on external websites carefully.
