New U.S. Citizens

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. 

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.

You will need to visit a Social Security office so they can update your Social Security record. Wait at least 10 days after your ceremony before doing so and be prepared to show them your Certificate of Naturalization or your U.S. passport. 

It is important that your Social Security record is accurate because you will need your Social Security number (SSN) 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 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 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.

You can also use the Social Security Administration website to

1. register for an account, 
2. request a replacement of your Social Security card, 
3. update your legal name, and 
4. learn about available benefits. 

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 “How Do I” Customer Guides at uscis.gov/howdoi and select “U.S. Citizens.” Download the guide called “How Do I Get Proof of My U.S. Citizenship?”

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 the “How Do I” Customer Guides at uscis.gov/howdoi and select “U.S. Citizens.” Download the guide called “How Do I Help My Relative Become a U.S. Permanent Resident?”

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.

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.

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.