USCIS Form and Policy Updates for Applying for Naturalization Based on Military Service

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today announced updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to clarify and conform with the revision of Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service. The updated policy guidance provides that only applicants filing for naturalization based on military service (INA 328 or 329) who are currently serving in the U.S. armed forces are required to file Form N-426 with their naturalization application.

Former service members applying for naturalization under INA 328 or 329 are no longer required to file Form N-426 with their naturalization application, but they must submit a photocopy of their Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214), National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service (NGB Form 22), or other official discharge document for all periods of service that provides information on the type of separation and character of service.

This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately, and applies to all currently pending applications as well as to applications filed on or after March 22, 2023.

Visit the Policy Manual Feedback page to comment on this update. For more information, see the Policy Manual.