1. How do I become a U.S. citizen through military service?

You can become a U.S. citizen through military service if you are an immigrant who has been issued an immigrant visa and has entered the country lawfully. To apply for citizenship through military service, you must:

1. Enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces
2. Submit an N-426 form to your commanding officer to receive certification of your service
3. After you have completed your service, you must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
4. Attend a naturalization interview and take an English and civics test
5. Receive an Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.

2. What are the requirements for naturalization through military service?

In order to naturalize through military service, individuals must:

-Be an active member of the U.S. armed forces, including the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, for at least one year.

-Have been in a lawful immigration status for at least one year before enlisting.

-Be at least 18 years old and physically present in the United States when filing the application.

-Be a noncitizen national or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States.

-Have a good moral character for at least five years before filing the application.

-Demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of the English language, U.S. history, and government structure (civics).

-Have taken an Oath of Allegiance to the United States during a special naturalization ceremony for service members held in a foreign country.

3. What form do I need to fill out to apply for citizenship through military service?

You will need to complete Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. This form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship through military service. You can download the form from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.

4. Is there an expedited process for U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, the United States provides expedited citizenship for U.S. military personnel and their families through the U.S. military’s Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative, which allows service members to apply for U.S. citizenship during their basic training period. The process aims to recognize and honor military service by expediting the naturalization process and to make it easier for foreign-born service members to become U.S. citizens while in the military.

5. When can I apply for U.S. citizenship after joining the military?

You may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship immediately after joining the military. However, the timeline of your application will depend on a few factors, such as your length and type of service. Generally, service members who have served in the military for at least one year and are honorably discharged may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

6. Will I be able to serve in the military while my citizenship application is being processed?

No, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that applicants for U.S. citizenship have already been granted permanent resident status (i.e. green card holders) before they can enlist in the military. If you are currently in the military, your enlistment is conditional on approval of your citizenship application.

7. How long does it typically take to be granted citizenship through military service?

It typically takes 3 to 6 months to be granted citizenship through military service. However, the timing can vary depending on the individual’s situation and the number of applications being processed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

8. Are there any additional documents required if I am applying for citizenship through military service?

Yes, if you are applying for citizenship through military service, you will need to submit additional documents such as your Form N-426 (Certification of Military or Naval Service), your DD Form 214 (Record of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), and any other documents that may be required by the USCIS.

9. Do I need to speak English if I am applying for U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, you must pass an English language test as part of the U.S. citizenship application process regardless of how you are applying.

10. If I am granted citizenship through military service, will I be able to petition my family members to come to the U.S.?

Yes, once you are a U.S. citizen, you may petition certain family members to come to the U.S. and live permanently. Eligible family members include your spouse, unmarried children under 21, and parents (if you are 21 or older).

11. Is there a fee associated with applying for U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, there is a fee associated with applying for U.S. citizenship through military service. The current fee is $725. The fee includes the processing fee, an English and civics test fee, and an application fee.

12. If I am a dual citizen, will I still be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, you are still eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through military service. You may need to renounce your other citizenship in order to complete the process.

13. Will my time serving in the military be counted toward the five-year residence requirement for naturalization?

Yes, any time spent in the U.S. by a member of the military (active duty or reserve status) is considered to be “residence in the U.S.” for the purpose of applying for naturalization.

14. How do I prove my good moral character as part of the application process for U.S. citizenship through military service?

The best way to prove good moral character for U.S. citizenship through military service is to ensure that your military record shows that you were a model soldier. This includes being a team player, adhering to orders, participating in drills and demonstrations, avoiding disciplinary action, and engaging in military-related activities when possible. Additionally, a letter of recommendation from a commanding officer or a local community leader can be helpful in providing evidence of your good moral character. Lastly, providing documentation of any formal recognition you’ve received for your service such as awards or medals can also provide additional proof of your good moral character.

15. What is the Oath of Allegiance and why is it required of applicants for U.S. citizenship through military service?

The Oath of Allegiance is an oath taken by immigrants to the United States who are applying for citizenship through naturalization or military service. It is required for all applicants and obligates the applicant to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, bear true faith and allegiance to the United States, renounce any foreign allegiance and accept and be faithful to all lawful orders of the President of the United States. The oath serves as a commitment of loyalty and patriotism for those immigrants seeking citizenship.

16. What happens after I submit my application for U.S. citizenship through military service?

After submitting your application for U.S. citizenship through military service, your application will be processed at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. USCIS will review your application and supporting documents to determine whether you meet the requirements for naturalization. If you meet all the requirements, you will be scheduled for an in-person interview and an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, you will become a U.S. citizen.

17. Will my application be denied if I do not meet the requirements for naturalization through military service?

Yes, if you do not meet the requirements for naturalization through military service, your application will likely be denied.

18. Will my criminal record have an effect on my application for U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, a criminal record can have an effect on an application for U.S. citizenship through military service. In some cases, a criminal record can disqualify an applicant from eligibility for naturalization through military service. An applicant with a criminal record should consult with a qualified immigration attorney to understand the full implications of their criminal record on their citizenship application.

19. Are there any special benefits available to veterans who have been granted U.S. citizenship through military service?

Yes, there are special benefits available to veterans who have been granted U.S. citizenship through military service including: access to veterans hospitals and clinics, eligibility for VA loans and educational benefits, and priority points for federal jobs. Additionally, veterans may also receive preference points when applying for certain government jobs or federal contracts.

20. How do I know when my application for U.S. citizenship through military service has been approved or denied?

Once your application has been received, you will receive an acknowledgment letter from the USCIS that will provide you with a receipt number. You can then use this number to track your application’s status through the USCIS website or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. If your application has been approved, you will receive a Certificate of Naturalization in the mail. If your application is denied, you will receive a denial letter with information on how to appeal the decision.