Expedited Naturalization for Military
Faster Citizenship for Service Members & Their Families
The path to becoming a U.S. citizen can be lengthy; fortunately, expedited naturalization is an option that helps speed up the application processing time for those serving in the U.S. armed forces and their families. This expedited process, often referred to as ‘peacetime naturalization,’ is made possible through collaboration between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Defense.
Eligibility Criteria for Military Service Members
Expedited naturalization allows eligible military service members to bypass several standard requirements for the naturalization process and become citizens faster.
Most individuals who seek naturalization are required to hold permanent residency status for 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen spouse) and be physically present in the U.S. for 30 months (18 months if married to a U.S. citizen spouse). Expedited naturalization for military service, however, waives the continuous residency requirement and the physical presence requirement. The USCIS filing fee is also waived.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), service members may be eligible to apply for expedited naturalization if they meet the following requirements:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Are a legal permanent resident on the date of the citizenship interview
- Has good moral character
- Has an understanding of U.S. civics
- Is prepared to take an Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution
- Served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year and had one day of active service
- Has a certification from an officer verifying their service
In addition, certain service members may qualify for an even faster naturalization process under§329 of the INA during periods of hostility. To be eligible, applicants must have served honorably in active-duty status or as a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve (even for just one day) during officially designated periods of hostilities. If they are separated from the U.S. armed forces, the discharge must have been honorable.
Eligibility Requirements Family Members of Military Personnel
Spouses and children of U.S. citizen members in the U.S. armed forces may also qualify for expedited or overseas naturalization if the service member is deployed or will be deployed. Immediate family members who would like to apply for expedited naturalization should meet the following requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Demonstrates good moral character
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
- Possesses knowledge of U.S. government and history
- Willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution
- Obtained lawful permanent resident status before the naturalization interview
- Can show that their U.S. citizen spouse is deployed or will be deployed overseas as a service member
- Expresses a genuine intention to live abroad with the U.S. citizen spouse and to reside in the U.S. immediately upon the spouse’s return from service abroad
U.S. Armed Forces members, along with their spouses and children, might also qualify for expedited processing and overseas consideration of their naturalization requests. While they still need to fulfill the standard naturalization criteria, they could be eligible for exemptions from the usual continuous residence and physical presence requirements applicable to other applicants. Moreover, spouses living overseas due to their military partner’s deployment might also meet the criteria for naturalization in that overseas location.
Comprehensive Guidance for Expedited Naturalization Applicants
Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving, which is why it’s so beneficial to work with an immigration attorney. At the Ranchod Law Group, we have over 20 years of experience helping people from around the world become U.S. citizens. Our team keeps abreast of the latest developments in immigration law to ensure you always have access to the most current information.
We pride ourselves on individualized attention and work closely with you to comprehend your specific circumstances. A crucial part of our strategy involves crafting a compelling letter that clearly lays out why you or your loved ones should receive expedited processing. Our dedicated team guides you through every step of the application process, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely filing.
For comprehensive guidance and support for expedited processing for military service members and immediate family, contact us today at (916) 613-3553 or email us at info@ranchodlaw.com to schedule a consultation.