Military Naturalization at Camp Pendleton: Citizenship for Service Members
Expedited citizenship path for U.S. military members and their families
Quick Answer
Service members at Camp Pendleton and throughout San Diego County have special pathways to U.S. citizenship. SoCal Immigration Services helps military members and their families navigate the expedited naturalization process with Arabic-speaking support.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Service members at Camp Pendleton and throughout San Diego County have special pathways to U.S. citizenship. SoCal Immigration Services helps military members and their families navigate the expedited naturalization process with Arabic-speaking support.
Military Naturalization Benefits
Key Advantages:
• No green card required for peacetime service (1+ year)
• No residency requirements during wartime
• Expedited processing at USCIS
• Application fees waived for active duty
• Can naturalize overseas at military bases
• Basic training counts toward requirements
Peacetime Military Naturalization (INA 328)
- •One year of honorable service in the U.S. military
- •Lawful permanent resident status (green card)
- •Good moral character
- •Basic English language ability
- •Knowledge of U.S. civics and government
- •Attachment to the U.S. Constitution
Wartime Military Naturalization (INA 329)
Current Qualifying Period:
• September 11, 2001 to present (ongoing)
Wartime Benefits:
• No green card required - any lawful status qualifies
• No prior residence or physical presence required
• Service can be as brief as one day during hostilities
• Naturalize immediately after or during service
Who Qualifies for Military Naturalization
- •Active duty service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
- •National Guard members (when federally activated)
- •Selected Reserve members
- •Veterans with honorable discharge
- •Certain non-citizen nationals serving in the military
Application Process for Military Members
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obtain N-426 certification | Commander signs form verifying service |
| 2 | Complete Form N-400 | Mark military naturalization box |
| 3 | Gather documents | DD-214, service records, green card |
| 4 | Submit application | Filing fee waived for active duty |
| 5 | Biometrics appointment | Fingerprinting at ASC or on base |
| 6 | Interview and test | Can be conducted at military base |
| 7 | Oath ceremony | Often held on military installations |
Required Documents
- •Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- •Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military Service
- •Copy of green card (front and back)
- •Military ID card
- •DD-214 (if discharged)
- •Service records showing honorable service
- •Two passport-style photographs
- •Passport and travel history
Military Naturalization Processing
• Dedicated USCIS unit for military cases
• Priority scheduling for interviews
• On-base naturalization services at many installations
• Overseas processing for deployed members
• Same-day oath ceremonies often available
Derivative Citizenship for Family
• Spouses: May be eligible for expedited processing
• Children: Can derive citizenship automatically when parent naturalizes (if under 18)
• Posthumous citizenship: Granted to service members who die in combat
• Parole in Place: Available for undocumented spouses of military members
Camp Pendleton Area Services
- •N-400 and N-426 form preparation
- •Document organization and review
- •Interview preparation
- •Coordination with base legal services
- •Family member citizenship applications
- •Arabic and English speaking assistance
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need a green card for military naturalization?
A: For peacetime naturalization (INA 328), yes, you need a green card. For wartime naturalization (INA 329), which applies to service since 9/11, no green card is required - any lawful status qualifies.
Q:Is the naturalization fee waived for military?
A: Yes, active duty service members have the N-400 filing fee ($760) waived. Veterans may also qualify for fee waivers based on income.
Q:Can I naturalize while deployed overseas?
A: Yes! USCIS conducts naturalization ceremonies at military bases worldwide. Many service members naturalize while deployed.
Q:What if I received a less-than-honorable discharge?
A: You may still qualify for naturalization, but it's more complex. Certain discharge types don't automatically disqualify you. Consult with an immigration professional.
Q:Can my family members benefit from my military service?
A: Yes, your service can help family members. Spouses may get expedited processing, and children under 18 can derive citizenship when you naturalize.
Q:How long does military naturalization take?
A: Military cases are expedited. Many are completed in 3-6 months, significantly faster than the standard civilian timeline of 12-18 months.
Serving at Camp Pendleton? Ready for Citizenship?
Thank you for your service. Let us help you become a U.S. citizen through military naturalization. Free consultation for service members.
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