How Long Does it Take to Get Citizenship through Military?
The process of acquiring U.S. citizenship through military service is a fascinating one, and many potential immigrants are eager to learn more about it. Becoming a U.S. citizen through military service can be a rewarding and esteemed honor, and it allows immigrants to contribute to their adopted country while also fulfilling their own personal goals.
What is Military-Naturalization?
The Naturalization Act of 1906 allowed immigrants who enlisted in the U.S. military to become naturalized U.S. citizens at the end of their period of enlistment. This is often referred to as the "military-naturalization" process. While this process is no longer applicable today, the information it provides is still important for understanding the current processes for acquiring U.S. citizenship through military service.
Current Process: Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders)
One common scenario involves an immigrant with a Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) also known as a green card, who enlists or re-enlists in the U.S. military with the intention of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Here’s how it works:
- Upon enlisting, the Service Member must file Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, with the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.
- Note: The Service Member must have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least 3 yearsprior to filing.
- The USCIS must then verify the Service Member’s military service and lawful permanent residence status.
- The Service Member will need to maintain honorable and timely active-duty service for at least 1 year and be physically present in the U.S. for at least 1 year before becoming eligible for naturalization.
- Once the Service Member has completed their 1-year active-duty service requirement and has been physically present in the U.S. for at least 1 year, they can apply for naturalization, typically through Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Current Process: Non-LPR immigrants (Non-Green Card Holders)
However, not all immigrants must go through the process described above. Non-LPR immigrants, who may not have a green card, can also become eligible for naturalization through their military service. Here are the steps:
- To qualify, the Service Member must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 3 years and have been present in the U.S. as a non-immigrant (e.g., refugee, asylum seeker, non-immigrant visa holder).
- The Service Member must enlist or re-enlist in the U.S. military and maintain honorable service.
- The Service Member will need to apply for expedited naturalization, typically through Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the application and conduct an interview if necessary.
Timeline to Obtain Citizenship
The exact timeline to obtain citizenship through military service can vary, depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of the naturalization process. However, here is a general breakdown:
- Processing times: USCIS processing times can range from 3 to 12 months for N-400 applications. Note: Expedited processing is available for extreme circumstances, such as urgency for travel or employment opportunities.
- Interview schedule: After submitting the naturalization application, the applicant will typically receive a call from USCIS to schedule an interview, which typically takes place 2 to 3 months after filing.
- Oath of Allegiance: Following the interview, the USCIS will review the results and, if approved, the Service Member will take the Oath of Allegiance, typically on the same day as their naturalization ceremony.
Important Considerations
Some essential factors to consider for military-naturalization process include:
- Background check: The Service Member must undergo a thorough background check as part of the naturalization application process.
- Civil Records Search: As part of the naturalization process, the USCIS will also conduct a civil records search to verify any previous criminal convictions or military discharge status.
- Physical Presence: The Service Member must maintain physical presence in the United States for at least 1 year before becoming eligible for naturalization.
- Time in Service: Active-duty service must be at least 1 year and 1 day prior to applying for naturalization.
Conclusion
Gaining U.S. citizenship through military service is an accessible option for non-U.S. citizens who have strong ties to the United States. While the process requires commitment and dedication, becoming a U.S. citizen can be a life-changing experience. By understanding the intricacies of the military-naturalization process, service members and their families can navigate the path to naturalization with confidence.
| Timeline | Description |
|---|---|
| 3-12 months | USCIS processing times for N-400 applications |
| 2-3 months | Interview scheduling after submitting the naturalization application |
| Same-day | Oath of Allegiance ceremony after approval |
| 1 year + 1 day | Required time in active-duty military service |
| 3 years | Required time of Lawful Permanent Residence |
In conclusion, the naturalization process through military service can be a rewarding path to U.S. citizenship, but it requires thorough understanding of the requirements, processing times, and documentation requirements.
