As of April 1, noncitizens applying for naturalization using the new edition of Form N-400 (dated 04/01/24) have the option to answer additional questions on the form. These questions allow them to request an unrestricted original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) card and authorize the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to update their immigration status with the SSA.
By selecting the SSN card and disclosure option on the Form N-400, most new citizens can avoid visiting an SSA field office to apply for an unrestricted SSN or replacement card. They do not need to provide additional documentation as evidence of their new U.S. citizenship status to the SSA. However, if necessary, the SSA may request additional information.
It’s important to note that this option to request an SSN card or authorize information disclosure to the SSA will only be available on the 04/01/24 edition of Form N-400. Previous editions of the form will not include this option. To verify the edition date, applicants can check the bottom of the page on Form N-400 and refer to the form instructions.
For those who do not request an SSN card or authorize information disclosure to the SSA when completing the Form N-400, visiting a Social Security office will still be necessary to request an SSN card and update their status as a U.S. citizen.
Impact on E-Verify:
E-Verify electronically cross-references the information entered by an employer on Form I-9 with records maintained by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This process validates an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States.
A SSA Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC) occurs when the details provided in E-Verify do not initially align with SSA records. It’s important to note, a SSA TNC does not necessarily indicate that the employee lacks authorization to work in the U.S. and further steps are necessary to resolve the situation.
A SSA TNC may arise due to the following reasons:
- Citizenship or immigration status was not updated with the SSA.
- Name change was not reported to the SSA.
- Name, Social Security number, or date of birth is incorrect in SSA records.
- The SSA record contains another type of mismatch.
- Information was not entered correctly by the employer.
The new process, started April 1, will result in a potential reduction in the SSA TNCs due to citizenship or immigration status not updated with SSA or an employee unable to use SSN as a List C document because it is restricted as the N-400 will allow them to request an unrestricted original or replacement Social Security Card at the time of application.
Adopt an automated solution to avoid the common Form I-9 errors. Ensuring electronic management, storage and handling of information will minimize the compliance risk, and save time and resources.
