New Online Options for Military Personnel and Veterans - US Naturalization Applications Now Accepted
On May 6, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that U.S. service members and veterans can now file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, online. The online filing allows the submission of the forms electronically, check the status of their case, and receive notices from USCIS online. Using innovation and technology to meet the needs of applicants, petitioners, and employees, USCIS is committed to ensuring a secure and efficient process for all.
“USCIS has always been committed to supporting the immigration needs of those who currently serve or previously served the United States in the armed forces. Citizenship is the one of the distinct privileges our nation bestows, and we are proud to naturalize those who put their lives on the line for our country,” said USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow.
It is important to remember that USCIS is still accepting paper versions of the form by mail, and may also use previously submitted biometrics, if available, for satisfying biometric requirements. If U.S. service members are located outside the United States, they may send two properly completed FD258 fingerprint cards and two passport-style photos taken by the military police or official with the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate.
Those currently serving or who have served in the armed forces may be eligible to apply for naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Under these special provisions, the naturalization application fee is waived for military members and veterans, as are some of the requirements. Provisions of the law extend some immigration benefits to the family member of a service member.
List of USCIS online tools for U.S. service members:
Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card
Form G-639, Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA)
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322
To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov. This free account allows them to:
Submit and track the status of their forms;
Pay their fees;
Track the status of their case;
Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and
Respond to requests for evidence.
USCIS offers a toll-free military helpline, 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645, TTY: 800-877-8339), and e-mail address at militaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov exclusively for current members of the military and their families, as well as veterans. Representatives are available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central, excluding federal holidays. Service members and their families stationed in the U.S. or overseas may access the helpline using the toll-free number through their base telephone operator or using the Defense Switched Network.
For more information, please contact our office, as we are happy to provide free initial consultations.
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The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles is an experienced Los Angeles based U.S. Immigration law firm that has been practicing immigration law since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
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