On May 28, 2021, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published clarifying guidance for veterans who live outside of the United States seeking to naturalize. The Immigration and Naturalization Act allows for veterans that were honorably discharged to apply for naturalization even without fulfilling the residency requirements. In certain cases, the veterans do not have to be Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) to naturalize.
This guidance clarified that veterans that are currently living abroad and not serving in the armed forces must attend naturalization interviews in the United States. However, USCIS may conduct some naturalization interviews at ports of entry for certain veterans.The guidance further clarifies the requirements for “honorable service” and “honorable discharge.”
Although veterans no longer serving in the armed forces must attend naturalization interviews in the United States, certain members of the armed forces currently serving have the option of attending remote naturalization interviews and ceremonies, while stationed overseas.
If you have any questions regarding naturalization or any other immigration related matter, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, a Sacramento immigration law firm by filling out this contact form.