Naturalization Through Military Service
Who can qualify for naturalization based on military service?
There are two different ways to qualify for naturalization based on military service: one year of service at any time or service during designated periods of hostilities.
1. One Year of Service at Any Time
This applies to all members of the U.S. armed forces and those discharged. Individuals may qualify if they:
- Served honorably, in active duty or reserve service, for at least one year, and if separated, have separated under honorable conditions; and
- Obtained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.
If more than six months have passed since the military separation, applicants will need to show that they meet certain U.S. residency and physical presence requirements.
2. Service During Hostilities
This applies to current and former service members who served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve during recognized periods of conflict. At present, any person who has served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces since September 11, 2001—and, if separated, was separated under honorable conditions—is authorized to apply immediately for U.S. citizenship. Other designated periods of hostilities include:
- World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)
- World War II (September 1, 1939 – December 31, 1946)
- Korea (June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955)
- Vietnam (February 28, 1961 – October 15, 1978)
- Persian Gulf (August 2, 1990 – April 11, 1991)
Generally, qualifying service includes service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Air and Army National Guard.
Yes. If you are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces, you must submit Form N-400 as well as Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
Form N-426 must be certified by military personnel with certifying authority and must be filed together with the naturalization application.
Yes. Veterans should submit a copy of your discharge documents, DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or NGB Form 22, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service.
Yes. A lawful permanent resident married to a current member of the U.S. armed forces is not required to meet the physical presence and residence requirements in the U.S. to apply for naturalization, if authorized on official orders to reside abroad with their spouse. However, you must meet all of the other requirements for naturalization.
No. Members of the U.S. armed forces are exempt from the naturalization application fees.
Members of the U.S. armed forces and their families can call the Military Help Line at 1-877-247-4645 with questions about the process. You may also contact USCIS by sending an email to the military customer service specialists at militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov.