A person in California who has had their Application for Naturalization accepted will complete the process of becoming a U.S. citizen by going through a naturalization ceremony. At the naturalization ceremony, the individual will take the Oath of Allegiance before being handed their Certificate of Naturalization.
Some applicants for citizenship will be able to take the Oath of Allegiance and become official U.S. citizens on the same day that they have their interview. Others will receive notice of when and where their naturalization ceremony will take place by mail. It is important to attend a scheduled naturalization ceremony because missing the ceremony more than once could result in a naturalization application being denied.
An individual officially becomes a U.S. citizen once they have taken the Oath of Allegiance. After they are handed the Certificate of Naturalization, the new U.S. citizen should ensure that there are no errors on the document by checking it over carefully. Although the Certificate of Naturalization is proof of citizenship, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recommends that new citizens apply for a U.S. passport as soon as possible. A new citizen may also want to register to vote and update their Social Security record.
A person who is applying for naturalization might have more success with their application if they have legal counsel. An immigration lawyer may be able to help ensure that the individual’s application is completed correctly and they are well prepared for each step of the naturalization process. If an individual has had a prior application denied, a lawyer may be able to help them appeal the decision.