Military Benefits

THE United States Citizenship and Immigration Service website – www.uscis.gov – is touting on its home page the naturalization benefits available to members of the U.S. military – or those who are possibly considering a military career.

According to the site, “Recent changes in the relevant sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Sections 328 and 329) make it easier for qualified military personnel to become U.S. citizens if they choose to file a naturalization application.

“In addition, the USCIS has created a streamlined process specifically for military personnel serving in active-duty status or recently discharged.”

Members of the military, in general, do not have to post the three or five year residency requirement that other naturalization candidates must meet. In fact, green card holders who have clocked up one year of military service are considered eligible to apply for naturalization.

Starting on October 1, members of the military will not have to pay any naturalization application fees – a savings of close to $300 – and they can also carry out the process at American consular posts abroad.