Citizen guide
Refugees & asylees, now citizens
This page is for you if you first came as a refugee or were granted asylum
You are a U.S. citizen now. Everything else on this site applies to you too. This page adds a few topics that matter especially to people who had to leave home.
We never ask about your story, and nothing you read here is saved or shared.
Topics that may help
Protect your proof of citizenship
Your Certificate of Naturalization and a U.S. passport are your main proof of citizenship. Older papers from your case can also be useful later, for example when a relative applies for something.
- Store your Certificate of Naturalization somewhere safe. If it is lost or damaged, read about Form N-565.
- Apply for a U.S. passport. It is the easiest proof of citizenship to carry.
- If you need copies of your own immigration records, USCIS explains how to request them.
Make your records match
Some people have different spellings of their name, or different birth dates, on different documents. Mismatches can slow down jobs, benefits, bank accounts, and passports.
- Compare your name and date of birth on your naturalization certificate, Social Security record, and state ID.
- Ask each agency how to fix a mismatch. Social Security is often a good first stop.
- For an error on your naturalization certificate, read the official Form N-565 instructions, and consider legal help.
Before you travel to your country of origin
You will travel on your U.S. passport. Your country of origin may still consider you its citizen, which can affect your rights and obligations while you are there. Conditions in some countries can also be dangerous.
- Read the State Department's Travel Advisory for the country.
- Read the State Department's guidance on dual nationality.
- Sign up for STEP to get alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy while you travel.
- If you have questions about travel and your past immigration case, talk to an immigration attorney before you go.
Bringing family members
As a citizen, you can use the family petitions available to U.S. citizens. If you filed a refugee/asylee relative petition (Form I-730) before you became a citizen, becoming a citizen may affect that case.
- Read our Bringing Family guide to learn the main steps.
- If you have a pending Form I-730, ask a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative how your citizenship affects it.
USCIS: Family of U.S. citizens(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)USCIS Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)USCIS: Find legal services(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)Bringing Family to the U.S. guideFind local help from refugee programs
Resettlement agencies and state refugee programs help with jobs, English classes, and community connections. Many federally funded refugee services are time-limited, but local agencies can often point you to other help.
- Find your state's refugee coordinator on the Office of Refugee Resettlement website.
- Contact a local agency and ask which services are open to you now.
Put your skills and education to work
Degrees and professional licenses from another country can often count here after an evaluation or a state licensing process. Free local job centers can help you plan.
- Read the U.S. Department of Education page on foreign qualifications.
- Look up your state's license rules for your profession.
- Find free English or adult education classes near you.
U.S. Department of Education: Recognition of foreign qualifications(opens ed.gov in a new tab)CareerOneStop License Finder(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)CareerOneStop: Find adult education and English classes(opens careeronestop.org in a new tab)Job Search guideCare for your wellbeing
Many people who were forced to leave home carry stress or painful memories, sometimes for years. Talking to someone can help. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Call or text 988 at any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free and confidential.
- Search FindTreatment.gov for mental health services near you, including low-cost options.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Watch for scams aimed at immigrants
Scammers may pretend to be immigration officers and threaten your citizenship or your family's cases to get money. Others pose as "notarios" who are not allowed to give legal advice.
- Never pay anyone who calls demanding money to "protect" your status.
- Get legal help only from a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative.
- Report scams to the FTC.
USCIS: Common scams (including notario fraud)(opens uscis.gov in a new tab)Report fraud to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)(opens reportfraud.ftc.gov in a new tab)Stay Safe guide