Naturalization is the process through which an immigrant can become a U.S. citizen. To apply for U.S. citizenship, you need to either be a permanent resident living in the U.S. for 3 to 5 years or be a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. In this article, we’ll explain how naturalization works for active duty and veteran military members.
Cost of Naturalization for Military Members
Applying for U.S. citizenship is free for members of the U.S. military.
Typically, the government charges a $760 fee to naturalize, but military service members are exempt from this cost. This does not cover incidental expenses, such as travel costs.
Timeline for Naturalization
The processing time for the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is currently about 4.9 months. This time includes the interview, decision, and Oath of Allegiance. In some cases, military members’ spouses may be eligible for expedited naturalization.
For the most up-to-date timeline, check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times tool. For a more detailed look at the process, refer to our comprehensive guide on the naturalization timeline.
Requirements for Military Service Members
There are two main ways for U.S. military service members to obtain naturalization. These methods are outlined in sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Below, we break down the requirements for both.
1. Service for At Least One Year (Peacetime Naturalization)
Military members, whether active-duty or veterans, who have served honorably for at least one year can apply for naturalization under INA 328. To qualify, they must meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a lawful permanent resident at the time of the naturalization interview
- Demonstrate good moral character for at least 5 years before applying (up to the naturalization date)
- Have served honorably for at least one year in the U.S. Armed Forces (this doesn’t need to be continuous)
- Be able to speak, read, and write English
- Know U.S. history and government
- Support the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the well-being of the country.
Note: In some cases, applicants may not need to meet all of these criteria.
Military branches that qualify for this process include:
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Space Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
- National Guard (if designated as a reserve component by the federal government)
To qualify, military members must have an “honorable” discharge, meaning they received a designation such as “Honorable” or “General-Under Honorable Conditions.” A discharge marked “Other Than Honorable” is not acceptable.
If an applicant applies more than 6 months after discharge, they must have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 5 years and have been physically present for at least 30 months of that time. However, if they served honorably during the last 5 years, this time can count toward the physical presence and residency requirements. Service members who apply while still in the military, or within 6 months of honorable discharge, do not need to meet these requirements.
2. Service During Hostilities (Combat Zone Naturalization)
If an applicant served honorably during a period of hostility, they are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship under INA 329. Service members can apply at any age and must meet the following criteria:
- Be a lawful permanent resident or be physically present in the U.S. when they enlisted or re-enlisted
- Have served during a designated period of hostility (see the list below)
- Have good moral character for the year leading up to their application
- Know U.S. history and government
- Support the U.S. Constitution and the well-being of the country
Applicants who served during periods of hostility do not need to meet residency or physical presence requirements. They must have served honorably in active duty or as part of the Selected Reserve of the U.S. Armed Forces. The same “honorable” service standards apply here.
Designated Periods of Hostility:
- World War I: April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918
- World War II: September 1, 1939 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955
- Vietnam Hostilities: February 28, 1961 – October 15, 1978
- Persian Gulf Conflict: August 2, 1990 – April 11, 1991
- War on Terrorism: September 11, 2001 – present
Some individuals may also be eligible under the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program, which recruits noncitizens with skills needed by the U.S. military.
How to Apply for Naturalization
Military applicants can often get help with their paperwork from their military unit. The application involves two main forms:
- Form N-400: This is the main Application for Naturalization. Applicants should indicate that they are applying based on military service. They can file online by creating an account on the USCIS website.
- Form N-426: This form verifies the applicant’s honorable service in the U.S. Armed Forces. It must be signed and certified by a military official within 6 months of filing Form N-400.
If the applicant has been discharged, they may submit Form N-426 without certification. They will also need to submit a copy of their discharge paperwork (e.g., DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22).
Once the forms are submitted, USCIS will conduct a background check and request fingerprints. The fingerprinting can be done through the military, at a USCIS field office, or through past immigration applications.
After reviewing the application, USCIS will schedule an interview to test the applicant’s English language skills and knowledge of U.S. civics. If successful, the applicant will be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance and become a U.S. citizen.
FAQs
Are relatives of service members eligible for naturalization?
Yes, the spouses and children of U.S. military service members may apply for naturalization. If the service member has been or will be stationed abroad for a year or more, their spouse may be eligible for expedited naturalization and may not need to meet the physical presence or residence requirements.
Can a deceased service member receive posthumous citizenship?
Yes, if a service member served honorably and died as a result of service-related injuries, they may be eligible for posthumous citizenship. The spouse and children of the deceased service member may also qualify for naturalization. To apply, the next of kin must submit Form N-644 within two years of the service member’s death.
Can a service member’s naturalization be revoked?
Yes. If a service member’s citizenship was granted under military service and they were discharged under “Other Than Honorable” conditions before completing 5 years of honorable service, their naturalization could be revoked.
By following these guidelines, military members can successfully navigate the naturalization process and achieve U.S. citizenship.
