Where can I get help applying for citizenship in the military?

Support is available to service members and their families who have questions about applying for citizenship: Call the USCIS toll-free Military Help Line: 877-247-4645, TTY 800-877-8339, or see the Military Help Line webpage.

Do you have to be a US citizen to serve in the military?

Civilian applicants must live in the state or service district where they file their Form N-400 for a minimum of three months. Eligible foreign-born service members do not need to meet this requirement.

Who is eligible for expedited citizenship after military service?

A person who is serving in the U.S. armed forces or was recently honorably discharged (within 6 months) may be eligible to apply for expedited citizenship through naturalization; the military community sometimes refers to this as “peacetime naturalization.” The immigration benefits include:

Can a military spouse apply for US citizenship?

Dependents of service members and veterans may also be able to apply for U.S. citizenship. Certain eligible spouses of service members may naturalize abroad without traveling to the United States, as explained in section 319 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

When does a military member become a US citizen?

This expedited naturalization is usually done when the dependents will accompany the military member overseas. Dependents can also be approved for overseas naturalization. Surviving dependents may be granted citizenship if the military member was a citizen and died on active duty, or as the result of service.

Where can I get help in the military?

Military OneSource offers help with all aspects of military life. Counseling for service members and families is free and confidential. Find information and resources in areas such as: You can also call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 24 hours a day, seven days a week.