Do you lose your military retirement if you become a citizen of another country?

A retired member of the Armed Forces who becomes a citizen of a foreign country by naturalization and who voluntarily renounces his United States citizenship loses the right to retired pay when entitlement to the retired pay depends upon the retiree’s continued military status.

Can I become a U.S. citizen by joining the military?

As a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may be eligible for naturalization after just one year of military service. This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship). There is expedited citizenship for U.S. Armed Forces and families.

How can a veteran apply for U.S. citizenship?

In general, you must:

Have served honorably in the military for at least 1 year and, if a veteran, must have received an honorable discharge.
Be a permanent resident when you apply.
Have a knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Be able to read, write and speak English.

Do veterans have to pay for citizenship?

You will not have to pay any fees for applying for naturalization under INA 328 or 329.

Can a military spouse apply for US citizenship?

Dependents of service members and veterans may also be able to apply for U.S. citizenship. Certain eligible spouses of service members may naturalize abroad without traveling to the United States, as explained in section 319 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

How to become a US citizen after military service?

Attend an oath naturalization ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen, if USCIS approves your Form N-400. This could occur on the same day as your interview or be scheduled for a future date. Dependents of service members and veterans may also be able to apply for U.S. citizenship.

How to apply for citizenship with Military OneSource?

For service members, designated spouses or children stationed in Asia-Pacific who have pending applications with USCIS, a specific email has been provided for inquiries: [email protected]. Contact Military OneSource for help with immigration, citizenship and the naturalization process.

Can a child of a US military member become a US citizen?

Certain children of service members who have not already acquired citizenship automatically under INA 320 can become naturalized U.S. citizens under section 322 of the INA without having to travel to the U.S. for any part of the naturalization process.

Can a surviving military member apply for citizenship?

Dependents can also be approved for overseas naturalization. Surviving dependents may be granted citizenship if the military member was a citizen and died on active duty, or as the result of service. If the military member wasn’t a citizen, usually they must have been granted posthumous citizenship before the dependents can file for citizenship.

Who is eligible for naturalization as a veteran?

If you are military member or veteran you may may be eligible for naturalization under special regulations. Surviving family members of deceased military members may also be eligible. There is even a provision in the law that allows for posthumous granting of US Citizenship…

How many years of military service do you need to be eligible for naturalization?

One Year of Military Service During Peacetime. If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year during a period of peacetime, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization. While some general naturalization requirements apply under INA 328, other requirements may not apply or are reduced.