Intro
Explore the pathways to US citizenship through military service. Discover the 5 ways to gain American citizenship, including expedited naturalization, MAVNI program, and more. Learn about the benefits, requirements, and procedures for foreign-born servicemembers to become US citizens, and take the first step towards a new life in America.
Gaining US citizenship through military service is a noble and rewarding way to obtain citizenship. Many individuals from around the world have taken this path to become citizens of the United States. In this article, we will explore the five ways to gain US citizenship through military service.
Military service is a unique and challenging way to demonstrate one's commitment to the United States and its values. For many, it is a way to repay the country for the opportunities it has provided. In exchange for their service, the US government offers several pathways to citizenship. Here are five ways to gain US citizenship through military service:
1. Naturalization through Military Service (N-400)
The Naturalization through Military Service (N-400) process is the most common way for military personnel to obtain US citizenship. To be eligible, applicants must have served in the US armed forces for at least one year, been honorably discharged, and meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization.
Applicants must also demonstrate good moral character, pass a background check, and pass a test on US history, government, and civics. The application process typically takes several months to a year, and applicants may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
Benefits of Naturalization through Military Service
The N-400 process offers several benefits to military personnel, including:
- Expedited processing: Military personnel may be eligible for expedited processing of their naturalization application.
- Waiver of fees: Military personnel may be eligible for a waiver of the naturalization application fee.
- Priority scheduling: Military personnel may be given priority scheduling for their naturalization interview.
2. Expedited Naturalization (N-426)
The Expedited Naturalization (N-426) process is available to military personnel who are serving on active duty or have served on active duty for at least one year. This process allows applicants to naturalize more quickly than the N-400 process.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, demonstrate good moral character, and pass a background check. The application process typically takes several months, and applicants may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
Benefits of Expedited Naturalization
The N-426 process offers several benefits to military personnel, including:
- Faster processing: The N-426 process is typically faster than the N-400 process.
- Priority scheduling: Military personnel may be given priority scheduling for their naturalization interview.
3. Posthumous Citizenship (INA 329A)
The Posthumous Citizenship (INA 329A) process is available to military personnel who have died as a result of their service. This process allows the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased military personnel to apply for posthumous citizenship on their behalf.
To be eligible, the deceased military personnel must have served in the US armed forces, died as a result of their service, and met the eligibility requirements for naturalization at the time of their death. The application process typically takes several months to a year, and applicants may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
Benefits of Posthumous Citizenship
The INA 329A process offers several benefits to the surviving family members of deceased military personnel, including:
- Closure: The posthumous citizenship process can provide closure for the surviving family members of deceased military personnel.
- Benefits: The surviving family members of deceased military personnel may be eligible for benefits, such as education and healthcare benefits.
4. Derivative Citizenship (INA 319)
The Derivative Citizenship (INA 319) process is available to the children of US citizens who are serving in the US armed forces. This process allows the children to derive citizenship from their US citizen parent.
To be eligible, the child must have been born abroad, have a US citizen parent serving in the US armed forces, and meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization. The application process typically takes several months to a year, and applicants may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
Benefits of Derivative Citizenship
The INA 319 process offers several benefits to the children of US citizens serving in the US armed forces, including:
- Citizenship: The child may be eligible to derive citizenship from their US citizen parent.
- Benefits: The child may be eligible for benefits, such as education and healthcare benefits.
5. Citizenship through National Guard Service ( INA 328)
The Citizenship through National Guard Service (INA 328) process is available to National Guard members who have served for at least six years. This process allows National Guard members to naturalize more quickly than the N-400 process.
To be eligible, applicants must have served in the National Guard for at least six years, meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, demonstrate good moral character, and pass a background check. The application process typically takes several months, and applicants may be required to attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
Benefits of Citizenship through National Guard Service
The INA 328 process offers several benefits to National Guard members, including:
- Faster processing: The INA 328 process is typically faster than the N-400 process.
- Priority scheduling: National Guard members may be given priority scheduling for their naturalization interview.
US Citizenship through Military Service Image Gallery
In conclusion, gaining US citizenship through military service is a noble and rewarding way to obtain citizenship. The five ways to gain US citizenship through military service offer several benefits to military personnel, including expedited processing, waiver of fees, and priority scheduling. If you are a military personnel or a family member of a military personnel, we encourage you to explore these options and take the first step towards becoming a US citizen.