Obtain Citizenship  Through Military Service

If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year at any time, you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship through Military Service based on the following requirements:

• You must be 18 years of age or older

• You have served honorably in the U.S. military at any time for a period or periods totaling at least one year

• Submitting a complete form Request for certification of military or naval service.

• You have good moral character. This is usually done through character witnesses or other proofs of good moral character

• You are a lawful permanent U.S. resident at the time of your citizenship interview

• You can pass the citizenship test. This includes the ability to read, write and speak English, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and a demonstration of your attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

• If you have already been discharged from the military after serving during peacetime, you must demonstrate that your discharge was honorable. 

• You application for citizenship is made within six months of your discharge. If you apply six months or more after your discharge, you will need to demonstrate the five years or three years as a green card holder before being able to apply for citizenship just like all other applicants.

If you have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during a period of hostilities, you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship through Military Service based on the following requirements:

• You have served honorably in the U.S. military during periods of hostilities

• Submitting a complete form Request for certification of military or naval service

• Be a lawful permanent resident or have been physically present at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, or extension of service or induction into the U.S. armed forces in the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service

• You have good moral character for at least 1 year prior to filing the N400 application

• You can pass the citizenship test. This includes the ability to read, write and speak English, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and a demonstration of your attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

• If you have already been discharged from the military after serving during peacetime, you must demonstrate that your discharge was honorable. 

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The designated periods of hostilities are listed below:

• Apr. 6, 1917 – Nov. 11, 1918

• Sept. 1, 1939 – Dec. 31, 1946

• June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955

• Feb. 28, 1961 – Oct. 15, 1978

• Aug. 2, 1990 – April 11, 1991

• Sept. 11, 2001 – present

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Barrera Legal Group can review your history of military service to confirm whether you will qualify for U.S. Citizenship through military service.