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Members and veterans of our armed forces deserve recognition of the sacrifices they make for our country and fortunately the government has made a recent change to facilitate their naturalization.   

In the immigration world people are always waiting for news- news of document deadlines, changed interview dates, requests for evidence… It often takes a very long time for immigration applicants to get the ultimate good news that they wait and hope for. 

Well today we are happy to share with you good news! 

USCIS recently decided to give military personnel and veterans the ability to apply for the N-400, Naturalization Application, online. 

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, military servicemembers and veterans are allowed to naturalize earlier than other applicants based on their military service.  However, these individuals up until the recent change had to submit paper N-400 applications for naturalization. 

Why is this good news?

• Military servicemembers and veterans applying for naturalization under the military service provisions of the Immigration and Nationality act can now file online.
• This is great because military personnel travel frequently. 
• Members of the military are deployed frequently, get stationed in different parts of the United States all the time, and are essentially constantly on the move. USCIS has finally taken notice and is making the immigration process much more accessible by allowing military personnel to apply for naturalization online. 
• The application will be easy to access. 
• Applicants can check the status of their documents online. 

How does it work?

• If you haven't created one before, you will need to create an online account with USCIS, which you can do here. 
• This free account allows individuals 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. 

Which forms can I file online?

• USCIS now allows you to file 10 USCIS forms online:
• 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  

Are you a fan of old-school methods?

Don't worry, USCIS will still allow you to send in paper copies of naturalization applications if you wish. 

USCIS also offers a toll-free military help line, 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645, TTY: 800-877-8339) and e-mail address at [email protected] 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.

In our local cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Newport News, Virginia we have a high concentration of military installations.  Valverde Law salutes our military community and is committed to facilitating the naturalization its members.

Read more in the official USCIS announcement. If you are in need of immigration advice, please call us at 757-422-8472 or contact us on our website.