# Naturalization and the Military Understanding the timeline, cost, and requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship as a military service member ## Naturalization Cost for Military Members Applying for U.S. citizenship costs $0 for members of the U.S. military. While the [government fee](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/how-much-does-it-cost-to-apply-for-us-citizenship) to naturalize is $760, members of the military are exempt from these costs. This excludes any incidental expenses that might arise during the process (such as those for travel). ## Timeline The processing time for [Form N-400](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/form-n-400-explained) is currently **5.5 months**. After taking into account the interview, the decision, and the [Oath of Allegiance](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/us-citizenship-oath-of-allegiance-ceremony), the total processing time varies. Some beneficiaries, such as spouses of U.S. service members, may be eligible for an expedited naturalization. ## Requirements As per sections [328](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1439&num=0&edition=prelim) and [329](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1440&num=0&edition=prelim) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), there are two ways a U.S. military service member may obtain naturalization. The first (INA 328) applies to those who have served for at least 1 year, while the second (INA 329) refers to those who have been in active service during hostile times. We’ll touch on both in this section. ### At Least 1 Year Anyone having served honorably, at any time, [for a period of 1 year](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-i-chapter-2) — be they active members or veterans — may apply for “peacetime naturalization.” To successfully obtain citizenship, the applicant must satisfy certain requirements. These are: - Must be 18 or older - Must be a lawful permanent resident at the time of [naturalization interview](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/us-citizenship-interview) - Must show good moral character for a minimum of 5 years before applying — up to the moment of naturalization - Must have served as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces for a total of one year — though the year doesn’t have to be continuous - Must understand, speak, read, and write English - Must show that they have knowledge of U.S. history and government - Must be committed to the overall well-being of the country - Must support the ideas stated in the Constitution ### During Hostilities If the applicant served honorably in the U.S. Armed Services [during a “period of hostility”](https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-i-chapter-3) — including the period extending from September 11, 2001, to the present — they may apply to become a U.S. citizen. They must satisfy the following requirements: - Can be any age - Must be able to understand, speak, read, and write English - Must be a permanent resident or, alternatively, be physically present in the United States (including in the Canal Zone, Swains Island, American Samoa, or on a public vessel owned by the United States) at the time of enlistment, re-enlistment, induction, or extension of service in the U.S. Armed Services - Must have served during a period of hostility (designated periods include World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, and others) ## How to Apply First, it’s important to note that the military often provides an assistant to help file paperwork, so it’s always a good idea to inquire about this service via the chain of command. The application process involves two forms: [Form N-400](https://www.uscis.gov/n-400) and [Form N-426](https://www.uscis.gov/n-426). ### Form N-400 When filling out the initial application, the beneficiary should be sure to follow the [instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf) provided by USCIS. Specifically, they should select the option indicating that they’re seeking naturalization based on their military service. ### Form N-426 Form N-426 confirms that the applicant actually served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. The form must be certified and signed by a military official within 6 months after filing Form N-400. After receiving the application, USCIS will do a background check and get fingerprints. The beneficiary may, for instance: - Use fingerprints from past immigration applications - Submit fingerprints through the military police - Submit fingerprints at a local [USCIS field office](https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-a-uscis-office) Once USCIS has reviewed the application, the agency will send it to a field office, where the applicant will need to [attend an interview](https://www.boundless.com/immigration-resources/us-citizenship-interview) to demonstrate their grasp of the English language and their knowledge of U.S. civics. If the interview goes well, the applicant will be given a time and location for their Oath of Allegiance, which they must take to become a U.S. citizen. ### FAQs **Are relatives of service members eligible for naturalization?** Yes. Spouses and children of service members who are U.S. citizens may apply for naturalization. **Can a deceased service member obtain citizenship posthumously?** Yes, an individual who served honorably during their lifetime and who lost their life due to an injury incurred as a result of their service, may be eligible for naturalization. **Can a service member’s naturalization be revoked?** Yes, if an individual obtains citizenship on or after November 24th, 2003, and if prior to serving honorably for a total of 5 years, they were discharged under conditions deemed "Other Than Honorable," they may have their naturalization revoked.