N400 & Army

[bonnerbonner 6]

Hi VJ friends... I am writing on behalf of a friend. She became a Permanent Resident on August 8, 2008. Commissioned in the Army on December 29, 2009. Under normal circumstance she would be available to apply for citizenship in May 2011. From the little I understand and need clarity on... does being in the Army for a year allow for early citizenship? If yes, is it the same where u can apply 90 days early? Please clarify if anyone knows about this topic... Thank you.

[Colombian Gringo 1]

Hi VJ friends... I am writing on behalf of a friend. She became a Permanent Resident on August 8, 2008. Commissioned in the Army on December 29, 2009. Under normal circumstance she would be available to apply for citizenship in May 2011. From the little I understand and need clarity on... does being in the Army for a year allow for early citizenship? If yes, is it the same where u can apply 90 days early? Please clarify if anyone knows about this topic... Thank you.

Hi,

Is a pretty straighforward process for military and/or dependants of and helps out much. I have called UCIS Military help line (If needed) and they were very quick and precise in my request. Hope this helps you;

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=51c515ecdd732210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=f1a03e4d77d73210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

If you are applying for naturalization under Section 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (naturalization through U.S. military service during a designated period of hostility), you may file the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) once you have completed one day of honorable service on active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. In most cases, the earliest you can submit your application is during basic training. Individuals in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) are typically not eligible to apply.

If you are applying for naturalization under Section 328 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (naturalization with one year or more of U.S. military service), you may file the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) as soon as you become a Lawful Permanent Resident and have completed one year of honorable military service.

USCIS will reject applications filed before you meet eligibility, which will delay the processing of your application.

Q. I filed an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400), based on qualifying military service and am required to submit Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (Form N-426). How do I fulfill this requirement?

A. Many military installations have a designated USCIS liaison to help you with the application process and certify your Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (Form N-426). Ask your chain of command for the contact information for this person. Your installation’s personnel or legal office may also be able to assist you.

If you have separated from the military and no longer have access to a USCIS liaison, you have the following options:

Option 1. USCIS will accept Form N-426 uncertified if you complete the form and submit with a photocopy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The photocopy of your DD-214 must include all dates of military service listed on Form N-426 as well as identify your type of separation and character of service (this information is found on page “Member-4”.)

Option 2. If you are unable to submit a photocopy of your DD Form 214, you can contact your branch of service’s military personnel records center. You can obtain this information from Standard Form 180, www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf, or the U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance Locator, http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php.

[JA Tam 7]

Bonner - I would tell her to wait until after November 23rd. They are waiving the fees for the N-400 for active military and veterans when they adjust fees in November: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=5b33aca797e63110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

[bonnerbonner 6]

Bonner - I would tell her to wait until after November 23rd. They are waiving the fees for the N-400 for active military and veterans when they adjust fees in November: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=5b33aca797e63110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Thank you Ja Tam :-) I will definitely tell her.