If you are applying for a family-based or marriage-based green card outside the US and you served in the military, the U.S. government will want military evidence of service. These documents validate the details you gave on your green card application’s “Employment History” page (DS-260).
If you don’t already have your military records, read this guide to learn how to get certified copies and where to get them, depending on where you served.
Who Needs to Upload Military Records?
If you’re applying from overseas for a green card, your military record must be submitted. (Does not apply to spouses from outside the U.S.) You will submit your military records to the National Visa Center (NVC) after you fill out your online green card application (DS-260). Also, you will need to bring your documents to the green card interview.
What Should I Put In My Military Records?
These must be your military service records:
- The country/region where you were or are serving/been serving.
- The branch of service
- Your rank or position
- Your military specialty
- Dates of service
- Your conduct during the g service
If you were convicted of a crime while you were in the service, that should appear on your transcript. And if you were discharged, retired, or resigned from the military, then you will also have to include your discharge certificate.
What Is Your Military Record and How To Get It?
For U.S. Military Veterans
Those of you who have served in the US military can get your military records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). Veterans can request them through eVetRecs, or by completing Form SF-180 and mailing it to us by fax or mail. If you want to access your records, you’ll need to input your name, U.S. Social Security Number,r, and service dates.
Active-duty soldiers, retired, and discharged veterans can visit the U.S. National Archives list of record locations by branch of service.
For Non-U.S. Military Service
If you fought in a foreign military, you can request your record from the government of the other country. From the US Department of State’s website: How to access military records from other nations. Choose the agency of your country on the list and then click on the “Military Records” tab for how to request official copies.
If My Military Documents Don’t Have an English Version?
Certification of English translation for all military records in a language other than English. This is to help the US government access your records.
What If I Lost My Military File?
If you don’t find or get your military record from an official place, you’ll need to sign a personal affidavit notarized. That is the paperwork in which you tell them why you can’t supply your military documents. This might not be required for you if the regulations in your specific country state the records are “unavailable”.
Can Immigrants Join the US Armed Forces?
Some immigrants can serve in the military, but not all of them (e.g., if they meet:
- Having a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Fluency in English to speak, read, and write.
- Disclaimer: Military service isn’t a visa or entry process to the United States
The green card application process starts with getting your military records if you’ve served in any military. So if you are in the US or abroad make sure you have the proper steps to request your records and fulfill the green card process.
