In a country that holds its Citizenship Pathways for Military Members and Veterans in high regard, there are specific rules and benefits designed to make the journey to U.S. citizenship or permanent residence easier for them. This article highlights the unique exceptions and streamlined processes that help military members navigate naturalization more efficiently.
Requirements for Citizenship Pathways for Military Members
As a military service member, you share many of the general naturalization requirements with civilian applicants, such as learning English and preparing for the U.S. history and government exam. However, there are specific exceptions for military personnel that can make the path to citizenship quicker and more accessible.
Automatic Right to Apply for Citizenship as Soon as One Year of Military Service
If you have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for one year or multiple years of service in different periods, you are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as you get your green card. This “peacetime naturalization” is available irrespective of whether the U. S. was at war at the time of your service. Some of the conditions for participation include being at least 18 years old and other conditions that are normal for most competitions. You will also require USCIS Form N-426, “Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service,” which is to be filled in consultation with a military officer. If you have been discharged from the military, it is recommended to apply within six months of discharge to avoid the five-year waiting period.
Immediate Right to Apply for Citizenship for Military Personnel on Active Duty
This provision allows undocumented or illegal immigrants who enlisted while in the U.S. to transition directly to citizenship. The qualifying periods are:
- World War I (April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918)
- World War II (September 1, 1939, to December 31, 1946)
- Korean War (June 25, 1950, to July 1, 1955)
- Vietnam War (February 28, 1961, to October 15, 1978)
- Persian Gulf War (August 2, 1990, to April 11, 1991)
- Operations since September 11, 2001, including the War on Terrorism, Iraq Hostilities, and Operation Enduring Freedom
If you are enlisted during these periods, you can apply for naturalization after just one day of service. You can apply from overseas or within the U.S. While most standard naturalization requirements apply, there are exceptions. The N-400 application fee is waived, but you must submit Form N-426. An honorable discharge is crucial, as failing to complete your term honorably can result in the revocation of your citizenship.
Benefits for Citizenship Pathways for Military Members
U. S. Citizens:
for instance if you are a U. S citizen and die while on active duty your spouse, your parents, and your children can apply for green cards, or if they already have green cards they can apply for citizenship.
Non-U. S. Citizens:
if you die from injuries or disease during active duty in specified wartime periods your next of kin can apply for citizenship for you on Form N-644, within two years of your death and this allows immediate family members to apply for green cards through family-based green cards.
Where to file the Application
They used to do it through the mail, but starting in 2020, they completed it online, and there is more information on the USCIS website on how to fill out Form N-400, the address to use, and other guidelines.
Application Process
To apply for naturalization, military members must complete the following steps:
Form N-400:
Complete the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) and indicate that the application is based on military service .
Form N-426:
Submit Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service), which must be signed by an official in the military chain of command .
Documentation:
If separated from service, provide a copy of the DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or similar documentation to verify honorable service .
Fees:
There are no fees associated with applying for naturalization under sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
The United States honors the sacrifices of its military service members and veterans by offering special provisions to expedite their naturalization process. Whether you’re a current service member or a veteran, understanding your rights and the pathways to citizenship is a crucial step in securing your future in the United States.
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