If you are considering applying for a green card to build a life here in the United States, it’s important to know that the application process can be protracted, involving substantial waiting periods. Moreover, only certain foreign nationals are eligible to obtain lawful permanent residence. As such, you may wonder whether any legal avenues can expedite obtaining a green card. Many foreign nationals wonder if they can expedite the green card application process by joining the military. If you are looking to get a green card and think you may qualify, it’s in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable Middlesex County, New Jersey, Green Card Lawyer who can help guide you through this complex legal process. Please continue reading to learn whether getting a green card by joining the military is possible.
Do You Need a Green Card to Enlist in the U.S. Military?
If you are a foreign national, you cannot join any military service without a green card. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not issue a green card based on your intention to enlist in the United States Armed Forces. In addition, USCIS will not expedite your green card application just because you intend to serve the country. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need a permanent resident card to enlist in the U.S. military. Nevertheless, military service can expedite applying for U.S. citizenship if you have a green card.
Unique opportunities and exceptions apply to immigrants who are members of the U.S. military. The Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) allows individuals born in other countries to gain U.S. citizenship through U.S. military service. Foreign nationals who are military members can take steps towards U.S. citizenship by serving in either the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or a National Guard unit, while these units are federally recognized as a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces.
How Long Do You Need to Serve Before Applying for U.S. Citizenship?
It’s important to understand that the law doesn’t require you to complete a minimum amount of service before you become eligible for U.S. citizenship. How long you need to serve in the military before applying for citizenship depends on whether you served during peacetime or war. Although any permanent resident can apply for naturalization after five years of permanent residency in the U.S., service members can progress faster. Instead of waiting until they have held their green card for five years before applying for citizenship, they are eligible after three years of residence.
As you can see, military service offers various advantages to foreign nationals who wish to become U.S. citizens. However, it doesn’t guarantee any specific outcome. The application process is still incredibly complex. As such, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a determined lawyer from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, L.L.C., who can help you navigate this complex process.
