U.S. service members and veterans may be eligible for expedited naturalization under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
In some cases, citizenship can be granted immediately without the usual 3- or 5-year residency requirement.
However, you must provide specific military records. This article details exactly what documents you need, how to obtain them, and common pitfalls.
Eligibility Overview: Who Qualifies for Expedited Military Naturalization?
- Peacetime service (INA 328): Served honorably for at least 1 year, and are either still serving or have been separated within the last 6 months. Requires 5 years of lawful permanent residency unless deployed.
- Wartime service (INA 329): Served honorably during designated periods of hostilities (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, Global War on Terror). No minimum residency or Green Card duration required — can naturalize immediately.
- Posthumous citizenship: For service members who died as a result of combat. Family members may apply on their behalf.
Important: You cannot be in removal proceedings or have a pending deportation order. Certain criminal convictions (especially AWOL, desertion, or dishonorable discharge) permanently bar naturalization.
Required Military Service Records (The 'Green Card' of Military Naturalization)
1. Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service)
This is the most critical document.
It must be completed and signed by your commanding officer or an authorized military personnel official.
It certifies your dates of service, character of service (honorable/other), and current status.
File with your N-400 or upload to USCIS online.
2. DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
For veterans or separated service members.
Provide Member Copy 4 or Service Copy 2. Key fields to verify: Block 11 (primary specialty), Block 12 (record of service), Block 24 (character of service — must be 'Honorable').
- If lost: Request replacement from the National Archives (eVetRecs) or through milConnect.
- If still on active duty: Provide current orders or a statement of service from your unit.
3. Current Active Duty Verification (for those still serving)
Form CIV (command-issued) or a letter from your Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) confirming current service, rank, and expected separation date.
4. Deployment Orders (for INA 329 wartime benefit)
To prove service during a period of hostilities, submit copies of deployment orders, travel vouchers, or unit awards (e.g., GWOT-EM).
The USCIS officer needs to verify exact dates and locations.
5. Proof of Lawful Admission (if applying under INA 328)
Even for expedited naturalization, you must show you were lawfully admitted as a permanent resident (unless applying under INA 329 wartime).
Submit copy of Green Card (front and back) or valid passport with admission stamp.
Additional Supporting Documents
- Military ID card (CAC) — current or expired.
- Enlistment contract (DD Form 4).
- Awards and decorations (to show good conduct).
- Court-martial records (if any) — USCIS will find these anyway; honesty is best.
- Travel history (if stationed overseas) — list all absences from the U.S.
Pro tip: If you are stationed overseas, you can file from abroad. USCIS has dedicated military field offices even at some bases in Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Contact the Military Help Line at 1-877-247-4645.
How to File and Where to Send
Complete Form N-400 online or by paper. At the top, check 'Yes' to military service questions.
Upload or mail your N-426, DD-214, and other records. USCIS waives the $710 filing fee for active duty, veterans, and their immediate family members (use Form I-912).
Processing times: usually 3-6 months, but expedited (even 30 days) for deployment or PCS orders.
Finally, you may take the Oath of Allegiance at a military base or even overseas.
Contact your unit's legal office — they often have a direct liaison with USCIS.