Serving the Country, Gaining Citizenship: 3 Paths to US Citizenship Through Military Service
The United States has a long history of welcoming foreign-born individuals into its armed forces, with many of these service members going on to become naturalized citizens. Serving in the US military can be a challenging yet rewarding way to gain citizenship, with several paths available to eligible service members. In this article, we’ll explore three ways to achieve US citizenship through military service.
Path 1: Naturalization Through Military Service (N-400)
One of the most common ways for military service members to gain citizenship is through the naturalization process using Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. To be eligible, service members must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old: Service members must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization.
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder): Service members must have a valid green card to apply for naturalization.
- Have served honorably in the US military: Service members must have served honorably in the US military for at least one year.
- Meet the good moral character requirement: Service members must demonstrate good moral character during their time in the US.
If a service member meets these requirements, they can submit Form N-400 to USCIS, which will review their application and schedule an interview.
Path 2: Expedited Naturalization Through Section 328 of the INA
Section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows certain military service members to expedite their naturalization process. To be eligible, service members must:
- Be serving on active duty: Service members must be serving on active duty in the US military.
- Have served for at least one year: Service members must have served for at least one year on active duty.
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder): Service members must have a valid green card to apply for naturalization.
If a service member meets these requirements, they can apply for expedited naturalization through Section 328 of the INA. This process typically takes several months to a year to complete.
Path 3: Naturalization Through Section 329 of the INA
Section 329 of the INA allows certain military service members to naturalize without having to meet the typical residency requirements. To be eligible, service members must:
- Be serving on active duty: Service members must be serving on active duty in the US military.
- Have served for at least one year: Service members must have served for at least one year on active duty.
- Have been honorably discharged: Service members must have been honorably discharged from the US military.
If a service member meets these requirements, they can apply for naturalization through Section 329 of the INA. This process typically takes several months to a year to complete.
📝 Note: Service members who naturalize through Section 329 of the INA do not need to have a valid green card to apply.
Benefits of Military Naturalization
Naturalizing through military service offers several benefits, including:
- Expedited processing: Military naturalization applications are typically processed faster than civilian applications.
- No application fee: Military service members do not have to pay the application fee for naturalization.
- No English language proficiency requirement: Military service members are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency to naturalize.
- Enhanced job opportunities: Naturalized citizens have access to more job opportunities, including federal employment and security clearances.
Conclusion
Gaining US citizenship through military service is a rewarding way to demonstrate commitment to the country. With three paths available, service members can choose the option that best suits their needs. Whether through naturalization using Form N-400, expedited naturalization through Section 328 of the INA, or naturalization through Section 329 of the INA, military service members can achieve citizenship and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
What is the difference between naturalization through Form N-400 and Section 328 of the INA?
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Naturalization through Form N-400 is the typical process for civilian applicants, while Section 328 of the INA allows for expedited naturalization for certain military service members. Section 328 of the INA requires service members to have served for at least one year on active duty and be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Do I need to have a valid green card to apply for naturalization through Section 329 of the INA?
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No, service members who naturalize through Section 329 of the INA do not need to have a valid green card to apply. However, they must have served for at least one year on active duty and have been honorably discharged from the US military.
How long does the naturalization process typically take for military service members?
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The naturalization process for military service members can take several months to a year to complete, depending on the path chosen and the individual’s circumstances.
