The Top 7 Things To Do AFTER Becoming A US Citizen! (2025 Update)

What are the top 7 things you need to do after becoming a US citizen? A possible first step is to get a U.S. passport, which you’ll need if you have plans to travel out of the country. You don’t have your green card anymore, so a passport is the only valid document you can use to re-enter the U.S. In this video I also cover some of the practical benefits of a U.S. passport vs. a certificate of naturalization, and explain the differences between a passport book and a passport card, including their costs and how to apply for them!

Next you might want to consider updating your Social Security card to remove restrictions and maintain your employment eligibility in the U.S. I guide you through the process, showing you how to find your local Social Security Administration office and explaining what documents you need to bring with you.

There is a lot of debate whether you should apply for your US passport first, or update your social security card first. I explain both sides of this issue, and make recommendations depending on what your situation might be.

As a new US citizen, you also need to register to vote… and then exercise that right! Voting is a privilege and responsibility for US citizens, so please take part in it. You not only want to vote in federal elections, but also state and local elections—those are actually where your vote can have a larger impact!

I also talk about sponsoring family members outside the country. Now that you’re a US citizen, your immediate relatives will be able to get a US visa without waiting in line, and you’ll be able to petition for several new family members in the family preference categories.

For those with children under 18, I explain how they automatically acquire U.S. citizenship and the steps to obtain proof, and weigh the options between a certificate of citizenship and a U.S. passport.

Lastly, if you've changed your name during naturalization, I cover the importance of updating your Social Security record, driver's license, and other personal records to reflect your new name!

#uscitizenship
#usimmigration
#uscis

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This video does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and to get proper legal advice and analysis on your case please call for a consultation.

Prior Results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising. Law Firm of Moumita Rahman, PLLC 111 John Street, Suite 1670 New York, NY 10038 [phone]

Este video no constituye asesoramiento legal. Cada caso es diferente, y para obtener el asesoramiento legal y el análisis adecuados de su caso, llame para una consulta.

Los resultados anteriores no garantizan un resultado similar. Publicidad de abogados. Bufete de abogados de Moumita Rahman, PLLC 111 John Street, Suite 1670 Nueva York, NY 10038 [phone]

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[delcinegardener]

I went in for my interview 4 months after I applied for my citienship, got sworn in the same day, applied for my passport a week after and got it 3 weeks after

[USA-CANADA]

The Dept of State and USCIS should get together and allow a Passport Booth next to the Citizenship Ceremony location and should be recommended to the New Citizens to directly apply for one conveniently immediately after the oath. This will surely make it convenient for new citizens and increase revenue for the Dept of State.

[jenn]

This is the most complete, straight forward and clear video, congrats !

[MrZipper]

As to updating your Social Security. We went same day as the oath ceremony. Showed them the naturalization certificate. They made a copy of it. Made my wife swear an oath. And that was it.

[MSalem-gtdy]

This is very informative for newly naturalized US CITIZENS.

[Myloves]

You can use your 10 year green card for international traveling I did many years ago before I become a citizen

[susanmorris]

Thank you for all that information. My oath ceremony is on Monday. you explained everything very clear. Now i know what steps take first. Thank you again.

[Mr.FLOYDs]

I did mine like this:

1-SSN (with name change)
2- Employer of Current Job to Change Name on Payroll
3-US Passport
4- Federal Income Tax Filling and Name Update through IRS
5- TD Bank Name Change Update
6- NJ Driver License State ID
- Doing the State ID also gave you options to register to vote.

7+ Everything else such as Bills, credit cards etc. Bear in mind I have 2 bank accounts. I notified to change only 1 and leave the other under my former name. Should I need to deposit a check within the year of anything such as relief fund, or credit and they somehow sends it with an account on file and has not been updated as of yet. Such event happened when we were in the pandemic of 2020.

[jjjamell]

I sworn in January 4th..2024 I filed for my passport January 10th 2024 .. normal process of $130 ..6 to 8 weeks.. my passport came back February 10th 2024..

[MrCameramanJ]

There's an error on your video. You said about not being able to travel internationally with a passport card. You can actually travel with a passport card to Canada, Mexico, the caribbean, Bermuda, at land boarder crossings or a sea port of entry.

[teddyalbanjeffersonndouban]

I went in on March 9th and waiting for the letter of approval and oath ceremony date. I am planning on getting the passport first. Thank you for the tips ma'am!

[princessafrica]

Very useful post. Thank you for being so supportive

[tochnot]

Wow, your video is very informative. Thank you so much!

[cocs]

my oath ceremony is next week…there’s still so much to do after this! Thank you for explaining all of this!

[queensdigestmagazine]

Thank you for the clear concise and very easy to follow advice that you offer; this is indeed a public service.

[mohamedjaber]

If you're applying for citizenship online, then uscis will update your social security. You have to select the box and give uscis permission to do so.

[RapKrider]

I have been teaching citizenship classes since the 1990's. This detailed information is quite valuable. I do think it might need a bit of update on some of the details. And, a rough outline of this 16 minute video showing time points.

[ivymaymandapat]

the explanation is very clear thanks for sharing.

[zenalegesse]

Thank you for the video it is really helpful 🙏

[sajeev]

Thanks for the information . I have One question, could you please confirm whether the SSN will be updated automatically once you get the citizenship certificate.