Naturalization for Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces
Certain individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for expedited or exempted naturalization based on their military service. The requirements and benefits vary depending on whether the service occurred during peacetime or periods of hostilities.
Lawful Permanent Residents with Three Years of U.S. Military Service
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) who has served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least three years may apply for naturalization without meeting the usual requirements for continuous residence, physical presence, or residence in a specific location, if:
- The application is filed while still in service or
- Within six months of an honorable discharge.
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Have served honorably or been discharged under honorable conditions;
- Have completed three or more years of military service;
- Be a lawful permanent resident at the time of the naturalization interview; and
- Establish good moral character, especially if the service was not continuous or ended under non-honorable conditions.
If the applicant files more than six months after separation from service, any period of honorable service may still count toward residence and physical presence requirements.
Naturalization During Designated Periods of Hostility
Applicants who served honorably during certain designated periods of conflict may be eligible for naturalization without meeting residence or physical presence requirements. Qualifying periods include:
- World War I: April 16, 1917 – November 11, 1918
- World War II: September 1, 1939 – December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict: June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955
- Vietnam Conflict: February 28, 1961 – October 15, 1978
- Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm: August 29, 1990 – April 11, 1991
- Any other period designated by the President via Executive Order involving armed conflict with hostile foreign forces
Naturalization Based on Peacetime Military Service (INA § 328)
A person may be eligible to naturalize under Section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if they:
- Served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces for at least one year;
- Are a lawful permanent resident; and
- File the naturalization application while still in service or within six months of honorable discharge.
Naturalization for Post-9/11 Service (INA § 329)
Under Section 329 of the INA, President George W. Bush signed an Executive Order on July 3, 2002, authorizing immediate naturalization for noncitizens who:
- Served honorably in the U.S. military on or after September 11, 2001
- The order remains in effect until modified or rescinded by a future Executive Order.
This provision also applies to veterans of earlier designated periods of armed conflict.
Naturalization at Basic Training
In August 2009, USCIS and the U.S. Army launched the Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative. This program allows noncitizen recruits to complete the entire naturalization process—biometrics, interview, and Oath of Allegiance—on base during basic training.
- The U.S. Navy joined the initiative in 2010.
- Most eligible recruits can graduate from basic training as U.S. citizens.
USCIS Customer Service for Military Members
USCIS provides specialized customer support for military service members and their families:
- Toll-Free Military Helpline: 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645)
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time (excluding federal holidays)
Posthumous Citizenship and Benefits
Section 329A of the INA provides for posthumous citizenship to eligible service members who:
- Served honorably during a designated period of hostility; and
- Died as a result of injury or disease incurred or aggravated during that service (including combat deaths).
A next-of-kin must apply for posthumous citizenship within two years of the service member’s death.
Additional immigration benefits may be available to surviving spouses, children, and parents of the deceased service member.
Last Revision: March 2025.