Naturalization Ceremony

[quistarrok 51]

Hello - hope all have had a great start of 2024. God bless all. 
 

I have a naturalization ceremony next week. I do not know what to expect. Could one kindly share what it will be about, how long, any issues or things you did not expect?

 

Separately - what is the current wait time for US passport once one applies? I know during covid it was a long wait but not sure about now. 
 

Thank you so much!

[JeanneAdil 6,414]

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-ceremonies

 

Look under 

 

What to Expect at Your Naturalization Ceremony

 

there may be local speakers to welcome u to the US and area 

 

[gstrength 20]

when you walk in, somebody will ask you a few questions (has anything changed since the interview? taken any trips?) they will take your green card and point you to a seat. A welcome and congratulatory video  from the president and maybe you get special speakers to give a speech, oath ceremony where you are going to recite the oath of allegiance then national anthem. After the ceremony there usually are volunteers that are going to give you a voter's registration and passport form. It is a very moving and emotional experience, the culmination of a long road for many.

 

As for the passport check out this link.https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/passport-processing-updates.html#:~:text=As of December 18%2C 2023,which costs an additional %2460.

 

Congratulations.

[gstrength 20]

Also,  I recommend to digitalize your certificate of naturalization immediately, before you apply for a passport, this because you have to send the certificate of naturalization (the original) along with the application, it will be returned (altough separate from the passport) 

[quistarrok 51]

20 hours ago, gstrength said:

Also,  I recommend to digitalize your certificate of naturalization immediately, before you apply for a passport, this because you have to send the certificate of naturalization (the original) along with the application, it will be returned (altough separate from the passport) 

thank you. Would you mean you recommend to scan and save it?

 

thanks again

[quistarrok 51]

20 hours ago, gstrength said:

when you walk in, somebody will ask you a few questions (has anything changed since the interview? taken any trips?) they will take your green card and point you to a seat. A welcome and congratulatory video  from the president and maybe you get special speakers to give a speech, oath ceremony where you are going to recite the oath of allegiance then national anthem. After the ceremony there usually are volunteers that are going to give you a voter's registration and passport form. It is a very moving and emotional experience, the culmination of a long road for many.

 

As for the passport check out this link.https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/passports/passport-processing-updates.html#:~:text=As of December 18%2C 2023,which costs an additional %2460.

 

Congratulations.

Thank you. Much appreciated for the insight. 
 

Would you mean that I can fill out voter registration form and passport application form right there? Would there be any benefit for voter registration (hope it is free)?

 

thank you again

[gstrength 20]

yes, scan it and save it.

you can fill out the forms but, when it comes to voter's registration, it is easier to do it online. As far as the passport goes, your best bet is to fill out the form, get the pictures and go to the post office. but check out the requirements for a first time passport applicant,