Naturalization Through U.S. Military Service: Eligibility and Application Process

Foreign-born individuals can become citizens by serving in the U.S. military. As a member of the U.S. armed forces, after only one year of service, it may be possible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

What Service Qualifies as U.S. Military Service?

Foreign-born individuals who wish to become U.S. citizens can pursue the path to citizenship by serving in the U.S. Army, National Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard.

Before applying for naturalization, you must hold a green card and have served at least one year in the U.S. military. This is a significant advantage for non-citizens, because non-military personnel generally must wait at least three years (if you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen) or five years (if you are not the spouse of a U.S. citizen) before applying for citizenship.

If you have served in the U.S. military but have been discharged, you must have been discharged honorably.

Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

U.S. military personnel applying for naturalization must meet the following conditions:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have served honorably in the U.S. military for at least one year

• Submit Form N-426 together with the N-400 application to request certification of military service

• Be a lawful permanent resident at the time of the interview

• Be able to read, write, and speak English

• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government

• Have maintained good moral character for at least five years prior to submitting Form N-400

Application Procedure

At most military bases, USCIS has designated special liaisons to assist service members with naturalization applications. If you are currently serving, please have your honorable military service certified on Form N-426 through your commanding officer. If you have already been discharged, you need to submit a copy of DD Form 214 (military), NGB Form 22 (National Guard), or other relevant discharge documents. After completing these steps, please mail all application materials to:

USCIS P.O. Box 4446 Chicago, IL 60680-4446

You can also complete the application by submitting Form N-400 through an online account.

USCIS will review your application and conduct security checks, including fingerprinting:

• If you have previously been fingerprinted for an immigration application, USCIS will use those fingerprints.

• If you reside or are stationed overseas, you may submit two complete FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport photos taken by military police or officials of the Department of Homeland Security, a U.S. embassy, or a U.S. consulate.

• You may also submit fingerprints at an Application Support Center within the United States. Active-duty or discharged service members may submit fingerprints before filing Form N-400; remember to bring relevant military service documentation, such as military ID, official orders, enlistment contract, and discharge documents.

USCIS will review your application and then forward it to a USCIS district office to schedule an interview. You may designate an interview office in a cover letter with your application, or leave the decision to USCIS.

During the interview, USCIS will assess your eligibility for naturalization and test your English and civics knowledge. If you qualify, USCIS will notify you of the date for the oath of allegiance, at which point you will become a U.S. citizen.

Documents You Need to Submit

• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;

• If currently serving, submit Form N-426, certified by the military before you mail it;

• If discharged, submit a copy of DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or other discharge documents.

Additional Information for Former Service Members

If you have already been discharged and are applying for naturalization based on prior military service, you must complete the naturalization interview and take the oath of allegiance in the United States. If you live outside the United States and cannot enter with a visa, you may apply for temporary admission permission by filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) together with your N-400 application.

[citation: USCIS. Naturalization Through Military Service ( https://www.uscis.gov/military/naturalization-through-military-service )]

[citation: USCIS. Policy Manual. Military Members and their Families ( https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-i )]