If your ambition is to move to California and become a permanent resident of the United States, one of your first steps may be identifying what paths are open to you for meeting the legal requirements. Specifically, individuals who have served in the military or are considering participating may wonder, Can I get a green card through military service?
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, some foreign nationals have become qualified to apply for a green card by serving in one of the branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. However, choosing this method requires a strong commitment to this country and a willingness to invest years of time into meeting your goal.
Military Pathways to Citizenship
Sections 328 and 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act state that people who have honorably served in the US military are able to apply for US citizenship in a streamlined process. The specific eligibility requirements include:
- Having at least one year in the US armed forces, or
- Serving during a designated period of hostility, for example, following September 11th, 2001, a period which is still ongoing as of June 2025.
In each case, applicants may be able to waive or skip multiple naturalization requirements that are typically in place. For example, the continuous residence rules and physical presence requirements can be waived for individuals who apply for naturalization under INA § 329.
You must not have any reason to prevent your admissibility into the country, in order to take advantage of this course of action. Also, this immigrant status requires a recommendation from the branch of the military you were or are enlisted in. When you file your special immigrant form and the supporting documentation, you may also file the application for permanent residence.
There may be other conditions that affect your ability to apply for a green card through this process. So, this information should not be interpreted as legal advice.
The Application Process
Individuals applying for naturalization after serving in the military are required to file. Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). For individuals currently serving, Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service) should be submitted. Those no longer active should submit a copy of their DD Form 214 or similar military documentation to show proof of service.
Additionally, applicants must be either a lawful permanent resident or meet the conditions described under INA 329. The English and civics tests will also need to be passed, unless they are eligible for a waiver. Furthermore, applicants will need to demonstrate that they are of good moral character and be willing to pledge allegiance to the US Constitution.
Forms can be submitted either through an online account or by mail to USCIS. Applicants can also take advantage of coordinating with their military installation’s USCIS liaison to get additional support throughout the application process.
Fee Waivers and No Cost to Apply
One of the leading benefits of being able to apply through military service under INA 328 or 329 is that applicants do not have to pay any fees to file their N-400. This means that both the application fee and the biometric service fee are waived.
Military Naturalization Is on the Rise
As a general trend, military service members are pursuing naturalization benefits. According to recent USCIS statistics, there were 4,570 naturalization applications approved in 2020, with that number more than doubling to 10,690 in 2022 and tripling to 16,290 in 2024. This shows the growing awareness of the doors that military service can open to US citizenship.
About U.S. Law Center
The dedicated immigration legal team at U.S. Law Center is here to support those who have honorably served our country and their family. Our law firm has years of experience assisting veterans, active duty personnel, and their family members in working through naturalization and green card processes. We are aware of these specific challenges that service members may be facing, and we’re here to support them with straightforward, empathetic guidance from start to finish.
Led by Attorney Sanjay Sobti, we have decades of experience helping individuals throughout Southern California navigate immigration-related matters and are ready to apply our knowledge and skills to your case.
Contact U.S. Law Center Today
Whether you have already served, are recently deployed, or are a family member, we can help you today. Contact U.S. Law Center today for a complimentary consultation.
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