Selective Service

[Vicha 7]

All male U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live, and male immigrants, whether documented or undocumented, residing in the United States, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.

It is the LAW, to register for Selective Service. And non-acquaintance of the Law is not an excuse.

Anyway, CharlieTanger has mentioned that "when i come over the US as a UK national at the age of 25 i understand that i'd have to register for the selective service"...

[Hypnos 6,576]

I didn't say it was an excuse, I stated that only willful lack of registration prevents you from naturalising, which is the case (this is specifically stated in the N-400 document checklist).

For the average man who was unaware they were required to register and are now past the age where they can do so, they will still be able to naturalise. You just have to wait until you are 31 (if filing under the 5 year rule) or 29 (if filing under the three year rule as the spouse of a US citizen), since lack of SS registration usually causes you to fail the good moral character portion.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Hypnos

[CharlieTanger 76]

While filling out the AOS paperwork at the bottom it says if the beneficiary is below 26 years of age, the USCIS automatically submits their name and information into the Selective Service registry. Therefore, I assume we don't have to manually submit it...

[Amhara 460]

While filling out the AOS paperwork at the bottom it says if the beneficiary is below 26 years of age, the USCIS automatically submits their name and information into the Selective Service registry. Therefore, I assume we don't have to manually submit it...

I highly suggest not assuming. We couldn't get an SSN when we applied, so we completed the paper application for the SSS. I was unaware that the I-485 would/should register my husband. We sent off our SSS form about November 23rd or 24th. We have yet to receive any notification from SSS, and we will have an issue with his name. I'm hoping the SSS sends us some letter or card so we can correct his name before we have a duplicate file or name mis-match.

But I say all that to say, don't rely too much on what the USCIS will or will not do. SSS is seeming to work slow for us and you are in the best situation to be in control and responsible for what happens with your application and your compliance.

[Amhara 460]

Just to add a twist, I see that it takes 90 days to complete a paper-based form registration. Since Charlie is within 90 days of his 26th birth date, his registration may be null when it's completed.

HOWEVER: Men who do not register with Selective Service within the 60-day window are technically in violation of the law and should register as soon as possible. Late registrations are accepted up the 26th birthday. However, once a man reaches his 26th birthday and still has not registered with Selective Service, it is too late! (https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Why-Register)

I take this to mean that any K-1 entrant that is under the SSS criteria to register, must register within 60 days of their POE date. Am I wrong?

[Hypnos 6,576]

A K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa. Lawful nonimmigrants in status are not required to register for SS.

Once their lawful presence indicated on their I-94 expires though, they then become obligated to register due to being out of status. Unsure as to whether that would also apply once you've filed an I-485; technically USCIS are meant to register you, but as stated above I certainly wouldn't rely on that.

Hopefully the growing movement to reform or simply abolish the SSS will pay dividends soon; it is mostly nonsense.

Edited December 18, 2015 by Hypnos

[CharlieTanger 76]

I agree. It is mostly nonsense and a waste of tax money, but oh well.

So do you think I should register regardless?

[Hypnos 6,576]

I would say that is probably your wisest move at this point.

[Texasav8r 183]

While filling out the AOS paperwork at the bottom it says if the beneficiary is below 26 years of age, the USCIS automatically submits their name and information into the Selective Service registry. Therefore, I assume we don't have to manually submit it...

I believe that means they are notifying the service of an eligible person. I would still register if I were you to be on the safe side and I am thinking it is when you receive your green card or at least the formal notice of approval (the date on it). I am not stating facts, just a friendly suggestion to go ahead and do it to avoid any issues in the future.

[CharlieTanger 76]

If you read the I-845, it specifically states that if you are below 26 years of age the USCIS will transmit it for you. IF your application is not accepted then you will have to do it on your own.

The Selective Service is such a broken system to begin with, I would find it hard to believe that they would give any trouble, especially if you turn 26 while adjusting.

[newacct 688]

If you read the I-845, it specifically states that if you are below 26 years of age the USCIS will transmit it for you. IF your application is not accepted then you will have to do it on your own.

The Selective Service is such a broken system to begin with, I would find it hard to believe that they would give any trouble, especially if you turn 26 while adjusting.

It says you authorize them to transmit it for you, but doesn't promise that they will.

Edited December 21, 2015 by newacct

[CharlieTanger 76]

It says you authorize them to transmit it for you, but doesn't promise that they will.

True, but if that's the case isn't that the government's fault for not transmitting? We signed and dated the document; therefore it's legally binded and the signer shouldn't be at any fault.

[Hypnos 6,576]

Nice try, but that's not how it works. It's your responsibility to file, if you are required to register. The fact that USCIS will register you is a convenience and nothing more.