Streamlined Social Security Updates Now Available for New Citizens

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
WASHINGTON, DCU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that, effective April 1, applicants submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will have the option to request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card and update their immigration status with the Social Security Administration (SSA) without the necessity of visiting an SSA office.

Noncitizens applying for naturalization using the updated edition of Form N-400 (dated 04/01/24) will be able to request an SSN or replacement card at the time of submitting Form N-400. Consequently, new citizens may forego the requirement to physically visit an SSA field office for SSN or card application or to furnish documentation as proof of their new U.S. citizenship status. It should be noted that the SSA may request supplementary information, if necessary.

Applicants utilizing the previous edition of Form N-400, dated 09/17/19, will not have this option, as the SSA inquiries are exclusively included in the 04/01/24 edition. The updated edition of Form N-400 will be accessible for online submission from April 1 onwards. Prior to filing Form N-400 online, applicants must establish a USCIS online account, which offers a secure and convenient platform for form submission, fee payment, and monitoring the status of any pending USCIS immigration requests throughout the adjudication process. The creation of a USCIS online account incurs no charges and provides various features, including secure communication with USCIS through an online inbox and the ability to respond to Requests for Evidence electronically.

USCIS has previously communicated its intention to broaden the Enumeration beyond Entry program to encompass applicants seeking U.S. citizenship, as outlined in the Interagency Strategy for Promoting Naturalization: First Anniversary Accomplishment Highlights (PDF, 1.79 MB).