US Citizen Requirements for Veterans

by James Chen

Not all soldiers are citizens of their country, but all soldiers can become one. In fact, service for the American military can streamline the process toward an individual's naturalization. Special provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) make it easier for those who have served the country to reap the rights and privileges of the normal citizen.

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Qualifications of Service

To qualify under the INA, an individual seeking citizenship must have served in the United States military in any of its major branches. Reservists are also eligible, but be aware that eligibility via the reserve program is more conditional than active duty and would be dependent on the specifics of your assignment.

General Requirements

General eligibility requirements and requisites include demonstration of good moral character; knowledge of the English language; knowledge of the U.S. government and history; and demonstration of attachment to the United States by taking an oath of allegiance to the U.S. constitution. Successful service in the military is considered practical demonstration of all these points.
Military-Specific Qualifications

INA Section 328 asks that the applicant file for naturalization within six months of having served for one or more years. Legal residence within the U.S. is also necessary. INA Section 329 was implemented after the 9/11 attacks and applies to personnel serving during a period of conflict. As with the previous section, eligibility is also dependent on residence within the U.S. or on U.S. soil.
Forms Required

While there is no cost toward the naturalization application, there is paperwork: N-400, N426 and G-325B. That would be the application for naturalization, the request for certification of military service and your biographical information, respectively.
Contacts

Service members can call the USCIS Form Line at 1-800-870-3676 to request the military packet and related documents, as well as a copy of the handbook "A Guide to Naturalization." Every military installation will have a designated point of contact to handle the application.

References & Resources