U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service: Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process
The United States takes pride in supporting the brave men and women who serve in its armed forces. One of the most meaningful ways the government honors this commitment is by offering a direct pathway to citizenship for military members. This unique process provides significant advantages for service members and their families, but it also requires compliance with strict eligibility requirements and detailed legal procedures.
Benefits of Citizenship Through Military Service
Military service comes with sacrifice, but it also opens the door to powerful immigration benefits for those who serve honorably.
Accelerated Naturalization Process
One of the greatest advantages of citizenship through military service is the ability to bypass the usual continuous residence and physical presence requirements. Instead of waiting years, qualified service members can apply much sooner. In fact, some individuals may become eligible after just one year of honorable service—or even after a single day of service during certain periods of conflict.
No Application Fees
Normally, naturalization applicants must pay $725 in filing and biometric fees (not including legal fees). Military members, however, are exempt from these costs, eliminating a significant financial burden.
Family Immigration Benefits
Citizenship through military service extends beyond the service member. Spouses and children may also become eligible for expedited naturalization. In many cases, a military spouse may qualify for an accelerated application process, ensuring families can stay together with lawful status.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for citizenship through military service, you must meet the following requirements:
- Serve or have served honorably for at least one year in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or National Guard (when recognized as a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces).
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English.
- Pass the U.S. civics test.
- Obtain lawful permanent resident (green card) status by the time of your naturalization interview.
Peacetime vs. Service During Hostilities
Your eligibility timeline depends on whether you served during peacetime or a designated period of hostility.
- Peacetime Service: You may apply after at least one year of honorable service.
- Periods of Hostility: You may apply after just one day of service if you served during an active conflict.
USCIS-Recognized Periods of Hostility
- World War II: September 1, 1939 – December 31, 1946
- Korean War: June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955
- Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 – October 15, 1978
- Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – April 11, 1991
- War on Terror: September 11, 2001 – Present
Since the U.S. remains in a period of hostility, any active duty or reserve service member today may be eligible to apply for citizenship after only one day of honorable service. However, you must still meet all other eligibility requirements.
Citizenship Through Military Service: Step-by-Step Process
Applying for naturalization as a service member requires specific forms and supporting documents.
Required Forms and Documentation
- Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
- Form N-426: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (must be submitted with the N-400)
If you are still serving, your chain of command must certify the N-426. If you are discharged, you must submit proof of honorable service, such as:
- DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
- NGB Form 22: National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service
Fingerprints and Security Checks
All applicants must undergo security checks. If you have previously provided fingerprints to USCIS, you may not need to resubmit them. Service members applying from abroad must submit FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport-style photos, which can be taken by military police, DHS officials, or personnel at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
USCIS Interview and Testing
Once your application package is submitted, USCIS will schedule your naturalization interview and civics test.
Legal Guidance for Service Members
While many bases have USCIS liaisons who can assist active duty members, those who are no longer serving may face a more complex process. Working with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link ensures your application is prepared correctly and submitted without delays. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys provide personalized legal guidance to help military families secure the benefits they have earned through service.
Citizenship for Family Members of Service Members
Citizenship Through Military Service
Spouses of U.S. Service Members
If you are married to a U.S. service member who is stationed abroad—or will soon be deployed overseas—you may qualify for expedited naturalization. In addition to the standard requirements for naturalization, the spouse of a service member must also meet the following eligibility criteria to pursue an expedited process:
- Demonstrate that you are legally married to a U.S. citizen who is currently stationed, or will be stationed, abroad for at least one year.
- Provide your spouse’s official military orders confirming that you are authorized to accompany them overseas.
- Hold lawful permanent resident (LPR) status by the time of your naturalization interview.
- Be physically present in the United States at the time of your naturalization ceremony.
- Intend to reside abroad with your spouse after naturalization and return to the U.S. once your spouse’s military service abroad concludes.
For spouses of service members, applications may be expedited further by contacting the Military Help Line at 877-247-4645. While expedited processing is available, approval is not guaranteed, as each case is reviewed individually. It is critical to include copies of military travel orders with your application.
Children of U.S. Service Members
Children of U.S. citizen service members living abroad may also qualify for U.S. citizenship under specific provisions of the law. To be eligible, the child must:
- Have been under 18 years old on March 26, 2020, the date the Citizenship for Children of Military Members and Civil Servants Act was enacted.
- Hold lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
- Reside in the legal and physical custody of a U.S. service member stationed abroad, or in the custody of the service member’s spouse who is also stationed abroad.
- Be officially included in the service member’s military orders as an authorized dependent abroad.
- If the child is from the spouse’s custody, the spouse must be officially authorized in the service member’s orders to accompany them abroad.
Children of U.S. service members who are not stationed abroad generally fall under the same citizenship laws that apply to all children of U.S. citizens.
Citizenship Revocation Risks
While naturalization through military service provides significant advantages, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Citizenship can be revoked if a service member is discharged under conditions other than honorable within five years of naturalization. Maintaining honorable service is essential to protecting citizenship status obtained through military provisions.
How Green Card Link Can Help
While many military bases and installations have USCIS liaisons available, veterans and family members who have completed their service are often best served by dedicated immigration professionals. At Green Card Link, its experienced immigration attorneys provide personalized guidance and representation throughout the naturalization process. From preparing documentation to addressing expedited requests, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link are committed to helping service members and their families achieve their U.S. citizenship goals.