What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
#1
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What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Hi - I am going to be applying for my USC soon, and will be keeping my UK passport (and citizenship). Is there anything I need to do (or not do) as i go through the USC process, or after I become a USC? As mentioned, I would like to keep my UK passport/citizenship
#3
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
After you become a U.S. citizen you need to update your status with Social Security. This is important.
If you want to travel, get a U.S. passport. A passport is also evidence of citizenship so is useful anyway. A passport card also serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship, so get one of these at the same time.
Depending on state, you may need to tell the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you're a U.S. citizen.
If you have children who become U.S. citizens based on your naturalization, you should apply for them to get U.S. passports. It is also strongly recommended to get them U.S. citizenship certificates straight away (using form N-600).
If you want to travel, get a U.S. passport. A passport is also evidence of citizenship so is useful anyway. A passport card also serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship, so get one of these at the same time.
Depending on state, you may need to tell the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you're a U.S. citizen.
If you have children who become U.S. citizens based on your naturalization, you should apply for them to get U.S. passports. It is also strongly recommended to get them U.S. citizenship certificates straight away (using form N-600).
#4
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Keeping your British citizenship is not a problem. Assuming you were born British, it is quite difficult to get rid of it even if you did want to. That said, once you become a USC, DO NOT try to enter the US on your British passport, also you will be obligated to file an annual tax return to the IRS no matter where in the world you live.
Last edited by Pulaski; Mar 8th 2013 at 5:36 pm.
#5
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Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Also try to stay out of trouble with the law. Try to avoid any traffic citations e.g. speeding tickets.
#6
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Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Thanks Jeffery and JAJ. I am very familiar with the US process and all the things you outlined. My question was if I need to do anything regarding my UK passport and citizenship once I become a USC. I would like to keep it of course (dual) but wondering if there are any formalities.
Thanks
Thanks
#7
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Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Fox Lake, IL (from Carrickfergus NI)
Posts: 49,598
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
As mentioned - notify Social Security, get passport and register to vote are the three things that follow naturalisation (though I haven't got my passport yet ).
Other than that, not much really. You can renew your UK passport out here and enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship when traveling there for a visit, provided you always use your US passport to exit and re-enter the US, of course.
Other than that, not much really. You can renew your UK passport out here and enjoy the benefits of dual citizenship when traveling there for a visit, provided you always use your US passport to exit and re-enter the US, of course.
#8
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Cross your fingers during the oath ceremony bit.
#9
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
None whatsoever, the British government doesn't care. It would only become an issue if you were arrested or charged with a crime in the US and tried to obtain consular assistance from the British embassy.
#10
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Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Awesome, that's what I thought. We already file taxes here, live here permanently so no issues complying with the law here.
We do travel to the UK each year, so will be sure to use the right passport in the right place
We do travel to the UK each year, so will be sure to use the right passport in the right place
#11
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Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
The main point about tickets and that was that they all have to be mentioned on the N-400 (no matter how minor), with backup. It's a pain in the arse. I had two 4-year old traffic citations that I had to go to the courthouse and get paperwork for on mine.
#12
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Ahhh, OK, that wasn't clear.
With regard to your UK passport, you need to keep renewing it each time it expires.
I don't know what your obligations are as a UK citizen, but whatever they are keep meeting them after you obtain US citizenship because you will still be a UK citizen.
Regards, JEff
With regard to your UK passport, you need to keep renewing it each time it expires.
I don't know what your obligations are as a UK citizen, but whatever they are keep meeting them after you obtain US citizenship because you will still be a UK citizen.
Regards, JEff
#13
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Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
"Normal" moving violations such as speeding tickets (as opposed to convictions for vehicular manslaughter etc) really aren't an issue at any time.
#14
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
..... I don't know what your obligations are as a UK citizen, but whatever they are keep meeting them ....
#15
Re: What do I need to do when I obtain US citizenship?
Self-imposed need - he did write "I would like to keep my UK passport/citizenship".
Well then, it won't be very difficult for him, will it?
The intent of my post was to point out the obvious. Guess I failed.
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff