Military Members and Veterans Can File for Naturalization Online

 Posted on June 05, 2020 in Immigration

Every year on Memorial Day, we honor our veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Recently, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that U.S. service personnel and veterans can now file an Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, online. The USCIS is the federal agency that oversees legal immigration to our country.

What Is Naturalization?

Anyone who is born in the United States or who is born abroad to parents who are U.S. citizens is automatically a U.S. citizen through birthright and can claim that citizenship at any point throughout his or her lifetime. The other way to become a legal citizen is through naturalization. Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen or lawful permanent resident can acquire citizenship or nationality.

Online Filing for Naturalization

USCIS is meeting the needs of today’s applicants, petitioners, and employees by using technology to streamline many of its processes. Filing applications online allows aliens to submit application forms electronically, receive updates from USCIS, and check the status of their case. Regardless if an application or petition is done electronically or the old-fashioned way with paperwork, USCIS is dedicated to ensuring a secure and efficient process for everyone.

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), people who are currently serving or who served in the Armed Forces may be eligible to apply for naturalization. With certain provisions, the application fee is waived (in addition to some of the requirements) for Armed Forces members and veterans. Previously, U.S. service members and veterans were required to file a paper Form N-400. In some cases, immigration benefits may apply to relatives of a service member.

For any biometrics requirements, previously submitted information can be used. If U.S. service members are stationed somewhere else besides the United States, they may submit two fingerprint cards and two passport photos taken either by military police or officials with the DHS, U.S. consulate, or U.S. embassy.

Individuals can submit 10 USCIS forms electronically, including but not limited to Petition for Alien Relatives, Application for Naturalization, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. To file these forms electronically, individuals must first create a free USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov. Through the website, an applicant can do the following:

• Submit and track the status of forms
• Pay the required fees
• Track the status of the case
• Reply to requests for documentation
• Correspond with USCIS

An applicant can also still submit forms by mail through USCIS.

Contact an Illinois Immigration Attorney

The immigration process can be intimidating due to all the forms and paperwork that must be completed. USCIS now offers applicants the ability to fill out and submit many forms online. The professionals at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices understand how immigrating to the United States can change your life. If you or your loved one is considering becoming a U.S. citizen, it is crucial that you consult with our Illinois immigration lawyers. We will guide you through the legal steps to achieve your dream. To schedule your free consultation, call us today at 630-932-9100.