Military Naturalization in San Diego: Expedited Citizenship for Arab Immigrants Who Serve

Military Naturalization Overview

INA Section 328: Peacetime Military Naturalization

• •Must have served honorably in the US Armed Forces for at least one year (active duty or Selected Reserve)
• •Must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of filing
• •Must demonstrate good moral character during the required period
• •No specific residency or physical presence requirements within any state
• •Filing fee for Form N-400 is waived for current military members
• •Can file from anywhere in the world, including overseas duty stations
• •English language requirement still applies, but exemptions available for certain service members
• •Civics test requirement still applies, with military-specific accommodations available
• •Can naturalize at overseas military ceremonies conducted by USCIS

INA Section 329: Wartime/Hostilities Naturalization

N-400 Military Application Process

1. 1
   Obtain Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military Service)

   Your commanding officer or personnel office must complete and sign Form N-426, certifying your military service. This form verifies your dates of service, branch, and characterization of service.

2. 2
   Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

   Fill out Form N-400 and check the military service basis box. Indicate whether you are applying under INA 328 or 329. There is no filing fee for active duty service members.

3. 3
   Gather Supporting Documents

   Collect your green card (if applicable), military ID, N-426, passport, any evidence of service, and Form DD-214 if discharged. Include two passport-style photos.

4. 4
   Submit Application to USCIS

   Mail your complete package to the USCIS military naturalization address: USCIS Nebraska Service Center, P.O. Box 87426, Lincoln, NE 68501-7426. All military N-400s are processed through this center.

5. 5
   Attend Biometrics Appointment

   USCIS will schedule your biometrics at a convenient location. For San Diego-based service members, this is typically the San Diego ASC. Overseas members can complete biometrics at a US embassy or consulate.

6. 6
   Complete the Naturalization Interview

   Attend your interview at the USCIS San Diego Field Office or through a military naturalization ceremony. You will take the English and civics tests during this appointment.

7. 7
   Take the Oath of Allegiance

   Upon approval, take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. Military ceremonies are frequently held at bases including Camp Pendleton, and some service members naturalize on the same day as their interview.

Common Issues for Arab Military Members

• •Name discrepancies: Arabic names may be transliterated differently across documents. USCIS requires consistency between your military records, green card, and passport. We help prepare name affidavits to address variations.
• •Security background checks: Arab and Middle Eastern service members sometimes face extended background checks (previously known as NAME checks). Having a military clearance can help expedite this process.
• •Documents from home countries: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other documents from Arab countries may need certified translation. We provide USCIS-compliant Arabic-to-English translation services.
• •Dual nationality concerns: Some Arab countries do not recognize dual citizenship. Naturalizing as a US citizen may affect your status in your country of origin. We advise on the implications for each country.
• •Family members' status: Spouses and children of military members may have separate immigration pathways, including the Military Parole in Place (PIP) program for undocumented spouses.
• •Selective Service registration: Male applicants between 18-31 must have registered for Selective Service. If you failed to register, we help prepare evidence that it was not a willful failure.

How SoCal Immigration Services Helps

• •Free consultations for active duty service members and veterans at any stage of the naturalization process
• •Arabic and English-speaking staff experienced with military immigration cases near Camp Pendleton, Miramar, and Naval Base San Diego
• •Complete preparation of Forms N-400, N-426, and all supporting documentation
• •Certified translation of Arabic documents including birth certificates, military records, and marriage certificates
• •Guidance on INA 328 vs. 329 eligibility and which pathway is most advantageous for your situation
• •Assistance with naturalization for family members of service members, including spouses and children
• •Support for veterans with other-than-honorable discharge seeking exceptions under military naturalization provisions
• •Coordination with military legal assistance offices (JAG) for complex cases