How to Get U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service

Overview: Citizenship Through Military Service

Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces is not only an act of honor—it can also be a pathway to U.S. citizenship. Non-citizens who serve (or have served) in the U.S. military may be eligible to apply for naturalization through an expedited process under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Depending on whether you served during peacetime or during a period of hostilities, you may qualify for citizenship without meeting the usual residency or physical presence requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility rules for military naturalization depend on when and how you served.

1. Service During Peacetime (INA § 328)

You may qualify if you:

• Have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least 1 year
• Are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time you file Form N-400
• File your application while still serving or within 6 months of discharge
• Received an honorable discharge if you have been released from service
• Demonstrate good moral character, English proficiency, and U.S. civics knowledge

2. Service During Periods of Hostilities (INA § 329)

You may qualify if you:

• Served honorably in an active-duty status or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve during a designated period of hostilities
• Have served for any amount of time—even one day
• Were lawfully present in the United States at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, or induction
• Received an honorable discharge (if separated)

Under this section, you are not required to be a green card holder or to meet the regular residency requirements.

The current “period of hostilities” began September 11, 2001, and remains ongoing as of 2025.

Which Branches Qualify?

Eligible service includes honorable active duty or reserve service in any of the following branches:

• U.S. Army
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Marine Corps
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Space Force
• Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve

Recent USCIS Policy Updates (2023 – 2025)

USCIS recently updated its Policy Manual (September 26, 2025) to clarify several points for military naturalization applicants:

• Discharge Characterization: Only honorable or general under honorable conditions discharges qualify.
  “Uncharacterized” discharges issued after August 1, 2024 no longer count as “honorable conditions.”
• Service Abroad: Service members stationed overseas can still apply for citizenship, but depending on their location, they may need to travel or parole into the U.S. for their interview and oath ceremony.
• Expedited Processing: USCIS continues to prioritize military naturalization cases. Applicants can request expedited review through the Military Help Line or their service’s legal assistance office.
• Posthumous Citizenship: If a service member dies while on active duty during a qualifying period of hostilities, they may be granted posthumous citizenship, and their immediate family may be eligible for immigration benefits.

Benefits of Military Naturalization

Becoming a citizen through military service comes with significant advantages:

• No Application Fees: The Form N-400 filing fee and biometric fee are waived for qualifying military applicants.
• Faster Processing: USCIS gives priority handling to military cases, reducing waiting times.
• No Continuous Residence Requirement: Under INA §329, there is no need to meet the 5-year (or 3-year) continuous residence rule.
• Family Benefits: Eligible spouses and children of service members may also apply for expedited or overseas naturalization.
• Civic Honor: Naturalized service members are celebrated for both their contributions and loyalty to the United States.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the requirements under either INA §328 (peacetime) or INA §329 (hostilities). If unsure, consult your installation’s legal assistance office (JAG) or a qualified immigration attorney.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You’ll typically need:

• Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (completed and certified by your military branch)
• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• DD-214 or NGB-22 (if separated)
• Proof of lawful permanent residence (if applying under INA §328)
• Proof of honorable service
• Two passport-style photos (if required)

Step 3: File Form N-400

Submit your Form N-400 package by mail to the USCIS Nebraska Service Center (Military Naturalization Unit). You can check current filing addresses on the USCIS website.

Tip: There is no filing fee for eligible military applicants.

Step 4: Attend Your Interview and Tests

USCIS will schedule an interview and English and civics tests (unless waived). Service members stationed abroad may coordinate through their overseas installation or USCIS field office.

Step 5: Take the Oath of Allegiance

Once approved, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen officially. In many cases, USCIS arranges ceremonies at military bases or during special naturalization events.

If You Are Stationed Overseas

• Service members can apply from abroad while on active duty.
• USCIS may coordinate remote interviews or allow the oath ceremony on base or embassy locations.
• Veterans or separated service members living outside the U.S. must usually enter on a valid visa or parole to complete the interview and oath in person.

Family Members of Military Personnel

Spouses

A spouse of a U.S. citizen service member can apply for expedited naturalization under INA §319(b) if:

• The U.S. citizen is (or will be) stationed abroad under military orders
• The spouse is a lawful permanent resident
• The spouse intends to live abroad with the service member and return to the U.S. together

Children

Children of U.S. citizen service members may qualify for citizenship through their parent’s service, even if born or residing outside the U.S. (under INA §322).

Tip: After naturalization, apply for a U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-600) for your child.

Discharge and Character of Service

Eligibility depends heavily on your discharge characterization:

If your discharge is “other than honorable,” you may seek a discharge upgrade through your military branch’s Board for Correction of Military Records.

Processing Time

Military naturalization cases are typically processed faster than civilian applications, but timing can vary depending on:

• USCIS workload and field office
• Whether you’re stationed abroad
• Security checks and documentation completeness

Check the latest average times using the USCIS Processing Time Tool.

FAQs on Military Naturalization

Get Help With Your Citizenship Application Today

Applying for U.S. citizenship through military service can be a rewarding step, but the process still requires accuracy and attention to detail. Even small errors or missing information can lead to delays or requests for evidence.

At ImmigrationDirect, we specialize in helping military members and veterans prepare and complete their naturalization forms accurately. Our goal is to make your filing experience simple, secure, and stress-free.

Start your application today and take the next step toward becoming a U.S. citizen through your honorable service.