As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible to apply for expedited citizenship under special provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has created a streamlined process for military personnel who are serving in active-duty status or have been recently discharged. Military spouses may also be eligible for expedited naturalization while stationed overseas.
Eligibility:
You must serve in one of the following branches:
- Army
- Navy
- Marine Corps
- Air Force
- Coast Guard
- Certain Reserve components of the National Guard
General Requirements:
- Demonstrating that you have good moral character
- Demonstrating knowledge of the English language
- Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. government and history (“civics”)
- Demonstrating attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution
As a member of the military, you are granted certain exceptions from the standard residency and physical presence requirements. If you meet all the points in either Section, you may apply for citizenship under that Section.
Section 328, INA
This section applies to all members currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or those who have already been discharged from service. You may qualify if:
- You have served honorably for a total of one or more years.
- You are a lawful permanent resident.
- You will be filing your application for naturalization while still in service or within six months of being discharged.
Section 329, INA
This section applies to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who currently serve or have served in active-duty status during authorized periods of conflict as outlined in the INA (WWI; September 1, 1939-December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950-July 1, 1955; February 28, 1961-October 5, 1978); September 11, 2001 and after; or any additional period designated by the President in an Executive Order.
You may qualify if:
- You served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during an authorized period of conflict.
- After enlistment, you were lawfully admitted as a permanent resident of the United States, OR at the time of enlistment, reenlistment or induction you were physically present in the United States or a qualifying territory.
Spouses of U.S. Citizens Deployed Abroad
If you are married to a U.S. citizen who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and your citizen spouse is or will be deployed abroad by the Armed Forces for one year, you may be eligible for expedited naturalization under section 319(b) of the INA.
If You Qualify
The process can be undertaken within the United States as well as overseas at U.S. embassies, consulates, and where practical, military installations abroad.
No fees will be charged when you file for naturalization.
You military installation point-of-contact can help you with your application and certify. Find out who this person is through your chain of command.
You will need to complete and submit the following forms:
- N-400, Application for Naturalization
- N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (This form requires certification by the military prior to submission to USCIS.)
- G-325B, Biographic Information Military Personnel Office of Citizenship
Your point-of-contact will send your application packet to the Nebraska Service Center for review and to complete the necessary security checks. The packet will then be sent to your local office, or to a location you've specified in your cover letter. The local office will set a time for your interview and knowledge test. If all goes well, USCIS will let you know when and where you can take your citizenship oath.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
