First Steps Toward an Immigrant Visa: Upgrading a Petition

If You Were an LPR and Are Now a U.S. Citizen: Upgrading a Petition

If you filed a petition for your spouse and/or minor children when you were a lawful permanent resident (LPR), and you are now a U.S. citizen, you must upgrade the petition from family second preference (F2) to immediate relative (IR). You can do this by sending proof of your U.S. citizenship to the National Visa Center (NVC). You should send:

·                          A copy of the biodata page of your U.S. passport; or

·                          A copy of your certificate of naturalization

Important Notice: If you upgrade a family second preference (F2) petition for your spouse and you did not file separate petitions for your minor children when you were a LPR, you must do so now. A child is not included in an immediate relative (IR) petition. (This is different from the family second preference (F2) petition, which includes minor children in their parent's F2 petition.)

Children born abroad after you became a U.S. citizen may qualify for U.S. citizenship. They should apply for U.S. passports. The consular officer will determine whether your child is a U.S. citizen and can have a passport. If the consular officer determines your child is not a U.S. citizen, the child must apply for an immigrant visa if he/she wants to live in the U.S.

First Steps as a U.S. Citizen: Part III

Protecting Your Right to Work

Federal law states that employers cannot discriminate against you because of your citizenship or immigration status or national origin. Employers cannot treat you differently because of your citizenship or because of your place of birth, native language, accent, or appearance. Employers may not demand more or different documents than necessary when completing Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, or treat you differently when using E-Verify based on your citizenship or immigration status or national origin. Employers cannot retaliate against you if you complain about the treatment above.

Replacing Your Certificate of Naturalization

If you lose your Form N-550, Certificate of Naturalization, you may submit Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/ Citizenship Document, to USCIS. Follow the instructions on Form N-565 to determine where to submit this application and the current filing fee. You may request Form N-565 by calling the USCIS Forms Line (1-800-870-3676) or by downloading the form at www.uscis.gov/forms. You may use your U.S. passport as evidence of citizenship until you receive your replacement certificate.