February 28, 2006  

Naturalization Information for Military Personnel

Military Naturalization Brochure (PDF format)

If you are
a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and are interested in becoming a U.S.
citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship under special
provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Generally, service in the U.S. Armed Forces means service in one of the
following branches:

  • Army,
  • Navy,
  • Marine Corps,
  • Air Force,
  • Coast Guard,
  • Certain Reserve components of the National Guard, and
  • Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve

Recent
changes in the relevant sections of the INA (Sections 328 and 329) make
it easier for qualified military personnel to become U.S. citizens if
they choose to file a naturalization application.

In
addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has
created a streamlined process specifically for military personnel
serving in active-duty status or recently discharged.

This
brochure provides you with some basic information about the laws that
govern citizenship for military personnel and the process you should
follow to begin your journey to citizenship.

Do You Qualify?

There are general requirements and qualifications that must be met in order for you to become a US citizen. These include:

  • Demonstrating that you have good moral character
  • Demonstrating knowledge of the English language
  • Demonstrating knowledge of U.S. government and history (“civics”), and
  • Demonstrating attachment to the U.S. by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

As a
member of the military there are other naturalization requirements that
you may be excepted from, including the required residency and physical
presence in the United States. These exceptions are outlined in
Sections 328 and 329 of the INA.


Section 328, INA

This
section applies to all members currently serving in the U.S. Armed
Forces or those who have already been discharged from service.

  • Have you served honorably for a total of one or more years?
  • Are you a lawful permanent resident?
  • Will you be filing your application for naturalization while still in service or within six months of being discharged?

Section 329, INA

This
section applies to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who serve in
active-duty status during authorized periods of conflict as outlined in
the INA or any additional period designated by the President in an
Executive Order.*

*
Recently, the President signed an Executive Order identifying September
11, 2001 and after as an authorized period of conflict.

  • Have you served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces during an authorized period of conflict?
  • After enlistment, were you lawfully admitted as a permanent
    resident of the United States, OR at the time or enlistment,
    reenlistment, or induction were you physically present in the United
    States or qualifying territory?

Changes on October 1, 2004

Recent
legislation has called for additional benefits to members of the
military. These benefits will go into effect on October 1, 2004.

  • No fees will be charged when you file for naturalization.
  • The naturalization process will be made available overseas to
    members of the Armed Forces at US embassies, consulates, and where
    practical, military installations abroad.

If You Qualify…

Every military installation should have a designated point-of-contact to handle your application and certify your Request for certification of Military or Naval Service (N-426).
You should inquire through your chain of command to find out who this
person is, so they can help you with your application packet.

Your point-of-contact will send your N-400, G325B, and certified N-426 to:

The Nebraska Service Center
PO Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7426

The
Service Center will review your application and perform the necessary
security checks. Then, they will send it to the district office closest
to your location. If you have a preference as to where you would like
to be interviewed, you can provide that information in a cover letter
attached to your naturalization packet. The district office will set a
date to interview you and test your knowledge of English and Civics. If
granted, USCIS will inform you of the date you can take your oath of
allegiance.

Forms you will need to complete and submit:

Forms and Handbooks

To get these forms, you can call the USCIS Form Line at: 1-800-870-3676 to request the “Military Packet” and obtain a copy of the handbook, “A Guide to Naturalization” or visit the website www.uscis.gov

Spouses of US Citizens Deployed Abroad

If you are
married to a U.S. citizen who is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and
your citizen spouse is or will be deployed abroad by the Armed Forces
for one year, you may be eligible for expedited naturalization under
section 319(b) of the INA. For more information, please refer to the
USCIS Guide to Naturalization (page 22) at http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf.

Posthumous Benefits

The INA
allows for the awarding of posthumous citizenship to active-duty
military personnel who die while serving in the armed forces. In
addition, surviving family members seeking immigration benefits are
given special consideration. To learn more, contact your military
point-of-contact or the local district USCIS office.

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