Military Naturalization
By Nimsy Garcia on June 29, 2026
Last updated on June 29 2026
If you are serving or have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, you may qualify for an expedited path to U.S. citizenship through military naturalization.
General Eligibility
Like all applicants for naturalization, you generally must:
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Demonstrate good moral character.
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Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (unless exempt).
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Demonstrate English language proficiency (unless exempt).
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Show an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
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Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Military Naturalization Benefits
For most applicants, U.S. citizenship requires 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Military service, however, may allow eligible applicants to qualify after just one year of honorable service—or after only one day of honorable service during the current designated period of hostilities.
Depending on your military service, other standard naturalization requirements may also be waived. For example, eligible applicants may qualify even if they:
For example, eligible service members may qualify even if they:
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Are under 18 years of age.
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Do not have lawful permanent resident (green card) status.*
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Do not meet the normal continuous residence requirements.
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Do not meet the normal physical presence requirements.
* The green card requirement is waived only for certain applicants.
IMPORTANT!
Do not assume you qualify or that Military Naturalization is your best option.
Military vs. Civilian Naturalization
Many service members qualify for more than one path to U.S. citizenship. Depending on your military service, discharge status, immigration history, and other factors, applying through the standard naturalization process may be more advantageous than Military Naturalization. A legal review can help determine which option is best for your situation.
The Military Naturalization Process
Duration
Depends on location, click here for more information
Cost
USCIS Filing Fee: $0 - There is no filing fee for eligible military applicants.
Legal Fees
As a veteran, I understand that even when you qualify for a benefit, obtaining it can be a complicated legal process. Today, as an immigration attorney, I help current and former service members navigate the legal process of obtaining U.S. citizenship through military service.
Representation includes obtaining the required military certification from your chain of command, preparing and filing your naturalization application, communicating with USCIS throughout the process, assisting with expedited biometrics when available, and preparing you for your naturalization interview.
Summary of Process
Case
Evaluation
USCIS Interview
Civics and Eglish Test
Military Certification
Naturalization Ceremony
Take the Oath of Allegiance
USCIS
Submission
US Citizen
Biometrics Appointment