Failed to register with Selective Service

[JB007 4]

Hello,

At the time of entry in the US (end of 2006) I was 21 of age. I got my GC 1 week after but did not know of the requirement to sign up for Selective Service being an immigrant and not a citizen.

I did not concern myself over the matter until now, I want to apply for citizenship and found out about this requirement. I wish I had done some research about naturalization requirements at my time of entry and not wait 6 years to find out that failing to register with SS would diminish my chances to get the citizenship.

I now know that I have to get a status information letter from SS explaining why I failed to register but I don't know how to prove that did not willfully failed to register.

Some say they were automatically enrolled when they got their GC but I checked the SSS website and there's no record of me. Now they say it's too late to register but I do want to register even if no longer possible at least to show some proof that I didn't register on purpose.

Can I at least show them confirmation that I have tried to register how but can't because I'm over 26?

I've also read that I should have gotten a letter from SS after my entry but I do not recall getting one since my stay at my friend's address was very short (3 or 4 days, can't recall 100%)

[JB007 4]

I'd also like to add that during these years I've had a stable job, paid my taxes on time and was never convicted or commited a felony or even get a parking ticket.

[Hypnos 6,576]

How did you obtain a green card, through AoS or by entering on an immigrant visa?

I know that on the I-485 (for AoS) there is a provision near the end which automatically transmits your information to Selective Service for registration if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25. If you filed for AoS when you were 21 then you should have been automatically registered with SS by USCIS. I do not know if the same provision exists for immigrant visas.

Even if you were not registered through, this is not a lifetime bar to naturalisation. I have asked this very question of immigration attorneys before, and was told that lack of Selective Service registration is not held against you, provided you are at least 31 years of age, since they are only concerned with your previous five years of good moral character. Once five years has elapsed from when you were required to register, it is no longer held against you.

In your case, assuming you cannot obtain proof that you were registered (by AoSing) then you will have to wait until you turn 31 before you can apply for citizenship.

[JB007 4]

I have obtained my green card through an immigrant visa but I had an AoS from my friend. However there's no record of me on the SSS webpage If I do a query.

Edited September 30, 2012 by JB007

[Anh map 2,098]

I have obtained my green card through an immigrant visa but I had an AoS from my friend. However there's no record of me on the SSS webpage If I do a query.

AOS stands for adjustment of status in this instance, not affidavit of support.

What type of immigrant visa did you use to enter the US?

[Hypnos 6,576]

You may have been already registered when you entered on your immigrant visa.

The Selective Service site is not authoritative and you should call to see if you were registered. The number is 1-888-655-1825.

[JB007 4]

Thank you guys! I'll contact SSS and hope I was automatically registered.

[JB007 4]

AOS stands for adjustment of status in this instance, not affidavit of support.

What type of immigrant visa did you use to enter the US?

It was a DV (diversity) immigrant visa.

[JB007 4]

I dug up some promising info, source here: http://www.sss.gov/pdfs/anrepfy03.pdf

With the cooperation of the U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Service, immigrant men who are

accepted for permanent U.S. residence also become

automatically registered with the Selective Service.

Not sure if this applies only to people who have gone through the AoS process or any green card holders but will check tomorrow.

[Hypnos 6,576]

I'd be interested to know the answer also.

[JB007 4]

So I called and it seems they have a match with my first and last name but won't release any data until I give them the address where I've stayed for the first time.

I'll have to call tomorrow since I was not able to remember it on the spot.

Do you think there's a chance the match is mine? I don't believe there are that many people that go by my name and reside in the US...

Edited October 2, 2012 by JB007

[Hypnos 6,576]

No idea, it would depend upon how many people have your name.

Dig up your old address and find out.

[JB007 4]

I'm happy to report that I was automatically registered upon my entry by the immigration officer. I can now verify my SSS registration on the sss.gov website.

However, I need to change my address on file to my current one but the online form won't accept my selective service registration number, says only to enter valid digits in the registration number field.

The format looks like this XX-YYYYYYY-Z, tried both with and without dashes and won't work. The person I talked to on the phone told me it's enough to print the webpage display and send it along with N-400 form. Will this suffice?

Thanks!!!!

[JB007 4]

I'm happy to report that I was automatically registered upon my entry by the immigration officer. I can now verify my SSS registration on the sss.gov website.

However, I need to change my address on file to my current one but the online form won't accept my selective service registration number, says only to enter valid digits in the registration number field.

The format looks like this XX-YYYYYYY-Z, tried both with and without dashes and won't work. The person I talked to on the phone told me it's enough to print the webpage display and send it along with N-400 form. Will this suffice?

Thanks!!!!

Weird, SSS number works correctly now...

[Hypnos 6,576]

Good to hear it was successfully resolved.