On March 22, 2023, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that former US military service members who apply for naturalization through Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provisions 328 and 329 no longer need to file a Form N-426 Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. They will simply need to submit a photocopy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Duty, National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service, or other relevant official discharge documents.
This change will be effective immediately, and will apply to all pending citizenship applications, as well as applications filed on or after March 22, 2023, streamlining the naturalization process for military veterans.
Those applying for naturalization who are still serving in the United States armed forces will still be required to submit Form N-426 with their application.
USCIS states that members and veterans of the United States military and their dependents may be eligible for permanent residence and citizenship under special provisions of the INA.
INA 328 allows a person who has served in the US military for at least one year, or a person who formerly served at least one year in the military and was honorably discharged to apply for US citizenship. INA 329 allows those who served honorably in the US military for any length of time during hostilities to apply for US citizenship.
