You cannot change your citizenship status through the IRS

The IRS does not handle citizenship status changes. Citizenship is a legal status managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. The IRS only uses citizenship information that USCIS has already recorded — they do not create, modify, or verify it.

If you need to update your citizenship status in government records, you must contact USCIS directly. The IRS will automatically receive updated information once USCIS processes your case. This can take several months.

What you can do with the IRS is update your tax filing status, name, address, or Social Security number if those have changed. Those changes are separate from citizenship and happen through different channels.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS, not the IRS, handles all citizenship status changes, including naturalization, green card applications, and visa petitions.
  • The IRS receives citizenship information from USCIS after it is officially recorded, which typically takes several months.
  • You can update your name, address, or Social Security number with the IRS through Form SS-5 (at Social Security Administration) or by contacting the IRS directly.
  • If the IRS has your old citizenship status on file, you do not need to contact them — USCIS will send the update automatically once your case is approved.

Where to actually change your citizenship status

Contact USCIS if you are applying for citizenship, renewing a green card, changing visa status, or updating any immigration record. USCIS has regional offices, an online account portal (USCIS.gov), and a customer service line at 1-800-375-5283.

The type of form you need depends on what you are doing. If you are applying for naturalization (becoming a U.S. citizen), you file Form N-400. If you are adjusting status to become a permanent resident, you file Form I-485. If you are renewing or replacing a green card, you file Form I-90. USCIS will tell you which form applies to your situation.

Once USCIS approves your case and issues new documentation, they send that information to federal agencies including the IRS. This process is automatic — you do not need to notify the IRS separately.

Why the IRS has your citizenship information

The IRS uses citizenship status to determine tax filing requirements and to verify your identity when you file taxes or contact them. U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), and some visa holders must file taxes if their income exceeds certain thresholds. Nonresidents and undocumented immigrants have different filing rules.

The IRS receives this information from USCIS through data-sharing agreements. They do not independently verify citizenship — they rely on USCIS records. If USCIS has not yet updated your status in their system, the IRS will not have the new information either.

What to do if the IRS has outdated citizenship information

If you have changed your citizenship status but the IRS still shows old information, wait at least three to six months after USCIS approves your case. USCIS sends updates to the IRS in batches, not immediately. Calling the IRS to ask them to update it manually usually does not work because they cannot change citizenship status themselves.

If you are filing taxes and your citizenship status has changed, you can note the change on your tax return. Include a copy of your new green card, naturalization certificate, or other USCIS documentation with your return. The IRS will update their records when they process your return.

If you need to verify that USCIS has your correct status on file, log into your USCIS account at USCIS.gov or call 1-800-375-5283. Do not rely on what the IRS shows — USCIS is the source of truth for immigration status.

Updating your name or Social Security number with the IRS

If your name or Social Security number has changed (for example, after marriage or after USCIS issues you a new number), you must update this with the Social Security Administration first. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to file Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card).

Once Social Security updates your record, the IRS receives that information automatically. You can also notify the IRS directly by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by mailing Form 8822-B (Change of Address) if you are only changing your address. For name changes, Social Security is the first step.

How long updates take to reach the IRS

After USCIS approves a citizenship or immigration status change, the update typically reaches the IRS within three to six months. During this time, the IRS may still show your old status. This usually does not cause problems unless you are filing taxes or responding to an IRS notice.

If you are filing taxes before the update reaches the IRS, include documentation of your new status with your return. Keep copies of your USCIS approval notice, green card, or naturalization certificate. The IRS will use these documents to correct their records when they process your return.

Social Security updates move faster — typically two to four weeks. If you changed your name or Social Security number, the IRS usually receives that update within a month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the IRS to change my citizenship status?

No. The IRS cannot change citizenship status because they do not manage it. You must contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or through USCIS.gov. The IRS will receive your updated status automatically once USCIS processes your case.

I became a U.S. citizen but the IRS still shows me as a green card holder. What do I do?

Wait three to six months for USCIS to send the update to the IRS. If you are filing taxes before then, include a copy of your naturalization certificate with your return. The IRS will correct their records when they process it. You do not need to contact them separately.

Does changing my citizenship status affect my taxes?

Yes, it can. Your filing requirements and tax obligations depend partly on your immigration status. Once your status changes, your tax situation may change too. Consult a tax professional or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to understand how your new status affects your taxes.

What if I have a green card and need to update my information with the IRS?

If you changed your name or address, update it with Social Security first (1-800-772-1213), then the IRS will receive it automatically. If you only need to update your address with the IRS, you can mail Form 8822-B directly to the IRS or call 1-800-829-1040.

How do I know if USCIS has sent my updated status to the IRS?

You cannot check this directly. Log into your USCIS account at USCIS.gov to confirm your status is correct there. Once USCIS shows the update, assume the IRS will receive it within three to six months. If you need confirmation for a specific reason, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.