Electronic Natz Applications : Include Bar Code to Speed Processing
Posted May 29, 1999

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy is pleased to provide an update on software for an electronic version of the N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is now available through the INS website. The new electronic form includes a bar code which contains identifying information. Personnel at the INS Service Centers can then scan this code to enter the information into their computer systems. INS hopes that this technology will increase accuracy and enable cases to be processed more quickly. According to employees at the California Service Center, the bar-coded N-400 cuts data entry time in half.

In order to use the software, you would need Windows 9x or NT, and an HP LaserJet 4 printer, or the equivalent. The software guides applicants to complete the form on the computer. The form can then be printed and mailed.

As mentioned in previous editions of the Immigration Bulletin of the Law Office of Sheela Murthy, the INS has been promising to improve its processing time for citizenship applications and this software is a move in the right direction. It is always a pleasure when we find that the INS is able to provide customer service benefits to its clients with the goal of reducing the processing time for citizenship application reviews.