USCIS Updates Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that any foreign national filing an application for naturalization (form N-400) now may request an original or replacement Social Security number (SSN) or card without having to visit a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Additionally, the form N-400 and the USCIS Policy Manual have been updated to include a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity.”

Requesting Social Security Updates

As of April 1, 2024, a foreign national filing an N-400 application may request an original or replacement social security card. If this option is selected in the N-400, the applicant’s immigration status also will be updated with the SSA, without having to visit a SSA field office. However, the SSA may request additional information, if needed.

Third Gender Option Available

The revised form N-400 now provides “X” as a third gender option. In addition, if an applicant files using a prior version of the N-400 and the application still is pending, it is possible for the applicant to notify the USCIS of the desire to change the gender listed on the pending N-400 to “X.” Details on updating a pending N-400 are available on the USCIS website.

The USCIS notes that selecting the “X” gender option on the form N-400 may require the applicant to visit a SSA office for a Social Security card or to update the individual’s citizenship status.

Conclusion

The USCIS continues to tweak various forms to make them more practical and inclusive. The latest update to the N-400 process should save newly sworn in U.S. citizens the trouble of having to visit the SSA to update their Social Security information after their citizenship applications have been approved.

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