INA 328 & INA 329 · verified August 29, 2026

Naturalization through U.S. military service

Military naturalization is not one shortcut. INA 328 and INA 329 are separate statutory routes with different service, admission, residence and timing rules. Current and former service members should identify which provision actually fits their record.

INA 328 · one year of honorable service

USCIS describes INA 328 as available to a person who has served honorably in active-duty or reserve service for one year or more and is a lawful permanent resident.

  • One year or more of qualifying honorable service.
  • If separated, the separation must have been under honorable conditions.
  • Lawful permanent resident status is required.
  • If filing more than six months after separation, ordinary residence and physical-presence requirements can return.

INA 329 · service during hostilities

INA 329 can cover honorable active-duty service or service in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve during a designated period of hostilities. There is no one-year minimum.

  • Qualifying service occurred during a designated hostility period.
  • Service was honorable; if separated, separation was under honorable conditions.
  • The statute has special admission/presence rules tied to enlistment, reenlistment, extension or induction.
  • A lawful-permanent-resident status requirement does not apply in every INA 329 case.

Designated hostility periods

April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918
September 1, 1939 – December 31, 1946
June 25, 1950 – July 1, 1955
February 28, 1961 – October 15, 1978
August 2, 1990 – April 11, 1991
September 11, 2001 – present

USCIS currently identifies the September 11, 2001 period as continuing until a presidential executive order ends the designation.

Form N-400 fee

$0

USCIS lists a $0 N-400 fee for applicants who meet INA 328 or 329 with respect to their military service.

Form N-426

$0

N-426 certifies military or naval service. Current and former service members should follow the current USCIS instructions for who certifies it and when it is required.

Not “automatic” citizenship

Military service can waive or modify important naturalization requirements, but applicants still must satisfy the applicable statute, including character, English/civics unless exempt, attachment, and the oath.

Primary-source path

8 U.S.C. § 1439 / INA 328 8 U.S.C. § 1440 / INA 329 USCIS military naturalization guide (M-599) USCIS military naturalization USCIS Form N-426 Current-policy ledger

Policy registry review date: 2026-08-29. Educational information, not legal advice.