What's next after U.S. Citizenship?

I

ice_rink

New Member
Hi,

I got my citizenship recently. My origin country is India. I haven't applied for passport/OCI/PIO yet as my work has been going like crazy and unable to concentrate on these things yet.
Before doing this, I want to shorten my name. As per the local law, I need to apply this in the local county court to change name and it takes couple of weeks.

After this, what should be my next actions?

I have the following:

1. Go to SSA and change the name, status.
2. Go to DMV and change the name, status.
3. Apply for U.S. Passport.
4. Apply for Surrender Certificate.
5. Apply for OCI/PIO.
6. Contact all the banks/credit card companies/mortgage company/employer and inform them of name change.

Did I miss anything here? I have already completed the process of 'Voters Registration' right after my oath ceremony.
Can you also please tell me if the above sequence of action is correct?

I can't apply for SC, OCI/PIO without applying for U.S Passport, Right? Usually how much time it takes for each process?
Also, Anyone knows what kind of information you can see in name change certificate? Does it usually contain sensitive information like SSN?

Thanks for all your help.

Sorry if I have asked very basic questions here. I was expecting that I would see some sticky threads with next actions but didn't find any.
 
Why did you not change your name along with naturalization? Now you have to bear the cross of 2 documents all your life - naturalization document + name change certificate? Anyway, what's done is done.

I think your sequence is more or less ok. You can apply passport before you do anything else ... passport is taken as proof of USC in almost everything, and that way you do not need to carry your NC everywhere.

I think you should surrender your Indian passport ASAP ... surrendering it has nothing to do with name change, and everything to do with citizenship change.

I have not seen a name change certificate, but I guess it has to have SSN since that is the common link to identify you.

For processing times, check specific threads as times vary from consulate to consulate.
 
So what if your name is long? You can use your formal name in all official documents and use a shorter name in informal settings. Why go through the arduous paperwork?
 
sanjoseaug20 said:
Why did you not change your name along with naturalization? Now you have to bear the cross of 2 documents all your life - naturalization document + name change certificate? Anyway, what's done is done.

I think your sequence is more or less ok. You can apply passport before you do anything else ... passport is taken as proof of USC in almost everything, and that way you do not need to carry your NC everywhere.

I think you should surrender your Indian passport ASAP ... surrendering it has nothing to do with name change, and everything to do with citizenship change.

I have not seen a name change certificate, but I guess it has to have SSN since that is the common link to identify you.

For processing times, check specific threads as times vary from consulate to consulate.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I wasn't sure about name change before applying my citizenship. I know I should have done it, but my mistake.
Before applying for passport, I want to change the name so that I can get the passport in the new name. Also, looks like I can't surrender my Indian passport until I get my US passport as I need to send photocopies of first few pages of the US passport along with surrender application form.
 
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