Naturalization Guide for Servicemembers and Recruits

Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-U.S. citizen can become a U.S. citizen. Recruits or current or former members of the Pennsylvania National Guard interested in becoming a U.S. Citizen may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). If you served honorably either during a designated period of hostilities or otherwise during a period of peacetime, you may qualify for naturalization. Each period has its own distinct criteria. 

Naturalization During Hostilities

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes the current time from September 11, 2001, to the present (War on Terrorism) as a "period of hostilities" for military naturalization purposes, triggering special pathways to citizenship for non-citizen service members. 

To be eligible for naturalization under 8 USC § 1440 during hostilities, a service member needs only to have served one day of qualifying service. Applicants must further establish they meet all the criteria listed below: 

• May be of any age 
• Must have served honorably in the U.S. armed forces, during a designated period of hostility, for at least one day 
• Must be either a lawfully 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 or its outlying possessions, including the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island, or  
• On board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial value 
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English 
• Must demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government 
• Must demonstrate good moral character for at least five years immediately preceding their application 
• Must have attachment to U.S. Constitution principles and be well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. during all relevant periods under the law 

Peacetime Naturalization   

You may qualify if you: 

• Have served honorably, in active duty or reserve service, for a year or more, and if separated, were separated under honorable conditions. 
• Are at least 18 years of age.  
• Are a lawful permanent resident at the time of examination of your application.  
• Can read, write, and speak English.  
• Can demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government. 
• Can demonstrate good moral character for at least five years immediately preceding his application. 
• Have attachment to U.S. Constitution principles and be well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S. during all relevant periods under the law. 
• Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years and have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application, UNLESS the applicant has filed an application while still in the service or within 6 months of separation. In the latter case, the applicant is not required to meet these residence and physical presence requirements. 

Recruits – Submit your Naturalization documents during Basic Training

Applicants that are non-U.S. Citizens can apply for accelerated naturalization during their initial interview with a recruiting noncommissioned officer. Those who wish to take advantage of accelerated naturalization are required to complete the N400 and N426 forms and carry the documents with them to Basic Combat Training. The Pennsylvania National Guard can assist in preparing your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Form N-426 “Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service” which certifies your honorable service on active duty. The United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) processes Form N-426 while processing your application for citizenship, which is a USCIS Form N-400 “Application for Naturalization.” Future Soldiers will need original copies of the documentation below to apply for naturalization when meeting with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

• I551 Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card 
• Birth Certificate 
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable) 
• If there are law violations over a traffic offense, they must also hand carry the original 1037 and or 369s. 

After a trainee submits the necessary paperwork and takes their citizenship test and their oath of allegiance, they can be formally recognized as a U.S. citizen at a special naturalization ceremony during basic training and back at Fort Indiantown Gap. However, accelerated naturalization is not mandatory for a Lawful Permanent Resident to serve with the U.S. Army. Applicants will be referred to https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship for information regarding U.S. citizenship.