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DOD increases naturalization requirements for military service

  1. Original Date Announced

    October 13, 2017

    DOD requires military branches to certify that the non-citizen service member has: (1) passed security screening, (2) completed basic military training, and (3) served for at least 180 days of active duty before they are eligible for honorable service characterization. Service members must receive this honorable service characterization to submit USCIS Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service), which qualifies them for an expedited path to U.S. citizenship. The memoranda also requires decertification for service members awaiting citizenship who have not met these new requirements.

    [ID #612]

    DoD News Release: DoD Announces Policy Changes to Lawful Permanent Residents and the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MANVI) Pilot Program DOD Memorandum: Certification of Honorable Service for Members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and Members of the Active Components of the Military or Naval Forces for Purposes of Naturalization
  2. Effective Date

    October 13, 2017
  3.  
  4. Biden Administration Action: Modified

    March 22, 2023

    USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service

    On March 22, 2023, USCIS announced updated policy guidance to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-426. The guidance states that only applicants filing for naturalization based on military service (INA 328 or 329) who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces are required to file Form N-426 with their naturalization application. Former service members are no longer required to submit an N-426 but must submit a photocopy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22), or other official discharge document for all periods of service that provides information on the type of separation and character of service.

    The guidance applies to all currently pending applications as well as to applications filed on or after March 22, 2023.

    View Document

Current Status

Not in effect

Most Recent Action

March 22, 2023 Action: Modified USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service
March 22, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Citizenship
Agencies Affected: USCIS DOD

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • October 13, 2017

    Previously, DOD practice had been to certify service members' service requirements for the purposes of USCIS Form N-426 following enlistment and after "as little a few days in boot camp." Past policy allowed service members to naturalize more quickly. In addition, lawful permanent residents used to be able to ship to initial miltiary training as long as they had initiated their background security check. Now that check must be completed before they start training.

    DOD News Article: DoD Announces Policies Affecting Foreign Nationals Entering Military

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