20 C.F.R. § 404.1925 – Applications.

(a)
1. (1) An application, or written statement requesting benefits, filed with the competent authority or agency of a country with which the U.S. has concluded an agreement shall be considered an application for benefits under title II of the Act as of the date it is filed with the competent authority or agency if—
  1. (i) An applicant expresses or implies an intent to claim benefits from the U.S. under an agreement; and
  2. (ii) The applicant files an application that meets the requirements in subpart G of this part.
2. (2) The application described in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section must be filed, even if it is not specifically provided for in the agreement.
(b) Benefits under an agreement may not be paid on the basis of an application filed before the effective date of the agreement.