Military Naturalization
Naturalization Through Military Service: Fact Sheet
Special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorize U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to expedite the application and naturalization process for current members of the U.S. armed forces and recently discharged servicemembers. Generally, qualifying military service includes service with one of the following: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard. In addition, spouses of members of the U.S. armed forces who are or will be deployed may be eligible for expedited naturalization. Other provisions of the law also allow certain spouses to complete the naturalization process abroad.
Qualifications
A member of the U.S. armed forces must meet the requirements and qualifications to become a citizen of the United States. He or she must demonstrate:
- • Good moral character,
- • Knowledge of the English language,
- • Knowledge of U.S. government and history (civics), and
- • Attachment to the United States by taking an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
Qualified members of the U.S. armed forces are exempt from other naturalization requirements, including residence and physical presence in the United States. These exceptions are listed in Sections 328 and 329 of the INA.
All aspects of the naturalization process, including applications, interviews and ceremonies are available overseas to members of the U.S. armed forces and certain “command-sponsored” spouses.
A person who obtains U.S. citizenship through his or her military service and separates from the military under “other than honorable conditions” before completing five years of honorable service may have his or her citizenship revoked.
Service in Peacetime
Section 328 of the INA applies to all members of the U.S. armed forces and those already discharged from service. An individual may qualify for naturalization if he or she has:
- • Served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year,
- • Obtained lawful permanent resident status, and
- • Filed an application while still in the service or within six months of separation.
Service during Periods of Hostilities
Under special provisions in Section 329 of the INA, the President signed an executive order on July 3, 2002, authorizing all noncitizens who have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces on or after Sept. 11, 2001, to immediately file for citizenship. This order also covers veterans of certain designated past wars and conflicts. The authorization will remain in effect until a date designated by a future presidential executive order.
Naturalization at Basic Training
USCIS established the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative in August 2009 with the Army to give noncitizen enlistees the opportunity to naturalize when they graduate from basic training. Under this initiative, USCIS conducts all naturalization processing including the capture of biometrics, the naturalization interview and administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the military installation. Since 2009 USCIS has expanded the initiative to the Navy, Air Force, and finally to the Marine Corps in 2013, giving enlistees of these branches equal opportunity to (in most cases) leave basic training as U.S. citizens.
How to Apply
Every military
installation has a designated point-of-contact, generally in the
personnel division or the Judge Advocate General´s Office, to assist
members of the military prepare and file their naturalization
application packet. That packet includes:
Once the packet is complete, send it to the specialized military naturalization unit at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center for expedited processing.
Customer Service to Assist the Military
USCIS customer service specialists are available to respond to inquiries from military members and their families Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Central Time, except federal holidays. Military families may contact USCIS by:
- • Calling the military toll-free telephone help line -- 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645), or
- • Sending an e-mail to the military customer service specialists at: militaryinfo.nsc@dhs.gov.