In a move to streamline the citizenship process and enhance convenience for new citizens, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant update regarding Social Security number (SSN) requests for applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Starting April 1, applicants submitting the latest edition of Form N-400 (dated 04/01/24) will now have the option to seamlessly request an original or replacement SSN or card while completing their naturalization application. This innovative feature eliminates the need for new citizens to physically visit a Social Security Administration (SSA) office, simplifying the process of updating their immigration status.
With this enhancement, noncitizens undergoing the naturalization process will be spared the hassle of scheduling visits to SSA field offices, as they can conveniently address SSN-related matters directly through the N-400 application process. Additionally, the new edition of Form N-400 will be made available for online filing on April 1, further facilitating accessibility and efficiency for applicants.
It’s important to note that only applicants using the 04/01/24 edition of Form N-400 will have access to the SSA-related questions necessary for requesting an SSN or replacement card. Those utilizing the previous edition (09/17/19) will not have this option available.
Creating further ease and accessibility, USCIS encourages applicants to take advantage of the USCIS online account platform, which offers a secure and user-friendly method for submitting forms, making payments, and monitoring the progress of immigration requests. Setting up a USCIS online account is free of charge and provides additional benefits, including the ability to communicate securely with USCIS and respond to requests for evidence online.
This initiative aligns with USCIS’s commitment to modernizing and improving the naturalization process, as outlined in the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization: First Anniversary Accomplishment Highlights. By expanding the Enumeration beyond Entry program to include naturalization applicants, USCIS aims to enhance efficiency and convenience while ensuring a smooth transition for new citizens into the social and economic fabric of the United States.
In conclusion, this latest development signifies a significant step forward in simplifying administrative procedures for new citizens, exemplifying USCIS’s dedication to facilitating the integration of individuals into American society.