How to Get U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service

People born in other countries have a possible quick route to U.S. citizenship through serving in the U.S. military —in some cases without going through the usual preliminary step of getting a U.S. green card (lawful permanent resident). Almost no one else can apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship without having held a green card for several years. The exact legal requirements depend on whether you served in the U.S. military during peace or war time.

What Counts as Service in the U.S. Military?

Military members can take steps toward U.S. citizenship by serving in either the:

• Army
• Navy
• Marines
• Air Force
• Coast Guard, or
• in a National Guard unit while the unit was federally recognized as a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.

(See the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations at 8 C.F.R § 328.1.)

How Long Do You Need to Have Served Before Applying for U.S. Citizenship?

U.S. immigration law requires foreign nationals to complete some minimum amount of military service before they become eligible for U.S. citizenship. Exactly how long depends on whether you serve during peacetime or during a war.

Peacetime Naturalization: Serve at Least One Year in the Military

During peacetime, foreign nationals who serve at least one year in the U.S. military will have to get U.S. lawful permanent residence (a green card) before they can apply for U.S. citizenship—but they do enjoy one important advantage. Instead of waiting until they have held their green card for five years before applying for U.S. citizenship, they can apply one year after receiving the green card. (See § 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or I.N.A., or 8 U.S.C. § 1439.)

Some other conditions apply. The applicants' service must have been considered honorable. Also they must, like everyone applying for U.S. citizenship, be at least 18 years or older, of good moral character, able to show knowledge about American history and government and the English language (written, spoken, and read), and demonstrate an attachment to the U.S. Constitution.

Unlike other naturalization applicants, service members don't have to pay the N-400 application fee. But you will have to complete and file USCIS Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. This will require input and a signature from a U.S. military official.

What if you have already been discharged from the U.S. military? The discharge must have been honorable, and you face a deadline: If more than six months pass after your discharge and before you file your application for naturalized citizenship, you will be back to having to complete five years as a green card holder before applying, just like other civilian applicants. In addition, you will need to attend your naturalization interview in the United States. (See What Happens at the U.S. Citizenship Interview?)

Naturalization Based on Military Service During Wartime

If you enlist in the U.S. armed forces during wartime, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after as little as one day of service. (See I.N.A. § 329, 8 U.S.C. § 1440.) Various periods of wartime count, most recently including the time that began September 11, 2001 and will end whenever the U.S. President announces a cease to the hostilities.

Applicants under this section of the law must meet most of the same requirements as any other applicant for naturalization. These include being able to read, write, and speak English, having good moral character, being able to pass a test on American history and government, and (after approval) swearing an attachment to the U.S. Constitution. However, you will not be held to the usual requirements regarding age and length of time as a permanent resident living in the United States.

You can apply for U.S. citizenship under this section while you are overseas.

Complete the Proper Applications for U.S. Citizenship

The process of applying for naturalization beings by sending an N-400, Application for Naturalization, to USCIS. See Five Tips for Filing the N-400 Form.

Where to Get More Information

The USCIS website contains useful information on preparing for the citizenship exams. USCIS also operates a military helpline that you can contact for information. You might also wish to consult an immigration attorney for help in assessing your eligibility to naturalize and preparing the paperwork.