Green Card Options for Armed Forces Members

1. What are the Green Card options for members of the U.S. armed forces?


The U.S. Armed Forces have two Green Card options:

1. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 329 allows for expedited naturalization for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who serve during designated times of hostility or imminent danger.

2. The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program is a special recruitment program that allows certain non-U.S. citizens with certain critical skills to join the U.S. military and become eligible for U.S. citizenship through expedited naturalization.

2. How can a U.S. military veteran apply for a Green Card?


A U.S. military veteran may apply for a Green Card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This form is for individuals who are eligible to apply for a Green Card through military service and who have been lawfully admitted to the U.S.

3. What benefits are available to a U.S. military veteran who obtains a Green Card?


A U.S. military veteran who obtains a Green Card will be eligible for certain federal, state, and local benefits and programs, including Social Security benefits, education and vocational training programs, and veteran health care services. Additionally, they may be able to obtain U.S. citizenship after a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.

4. Are there any special immigration rules or regulations for members of the U.S. military?


Yes, members of the U.S. military may be eligible for expedited naturalization processes, including a special application process for those serving in active-duty status, and certain benefits that are not available to civilian immigrants. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has special programs for members of the military, including an expedited naturalization process for individuals who are serving in active-duty status and their dependents. The USCIS also has a Military Accessions Vital to National Interest (MAVNI) program that allows foreign-born individuals who are enlisted in the U.S. military to become permanent residents without having to go through the normal immigration process.

5. What is the process for applying for a Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces?


The process for applying for a green card as a member of the U.S. armed forces is as follows:

1. Obtain a Petition for Alien Relative (Form I-130) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. Submit the completed form, along with all required documentation, to the USCIS.

3. If approved, the USCIS will issue an approval notice and a Green Card application package.

4. Complete the Green Card application package and submit it to the USCIS.

5. The USCIS will review and process the application. If approved, they will issue a permanent resident card (Green Card).

6. Are there any special considerations for spouses and dependents of members of the U.S. armed forces when applying for a Green Card?


Yes, there are special considerations for spouses and dependents of members of the U.S. armed forces when applying for a Green Card. These include:

1. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) are eligible for a Green Card without the usual wait time that other applicants must endure.

2. The spouse or child must be physically present in the U.S., and the member of the Armed Forces must be able to provide evidence that they will remain in active duty status for at least one year following the Green Card application.

3. The U.S. Armed Forces member must also provide proof of their own legal status in the U.S., such as a valid visa or Green Card, in addition to evidence that their spouse or child is eligible for a Green Card.

4. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces can also be eligible for a Green Card if their service was honorable and they meet certain other requirements specified by the Department of Homeland Security.

7. What documents are required to apply for a Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces?


To apply for a Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces, the following documents are required:

1. Proof of current or previous military service (i.e. DD-214, NGB Form 22, or other official military records).

2. Official copies of birth certificates and/or passports for the applicant and any dependents, if applicable.

3. Evidence of the applicant’s good moral character (if applicable).

4. Marriage and/or divorce certificates, if applicable.

5. A completed and signed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

6. Photographs of the applicant and any dependents, if applicable.

7. Evidence of financial support (if applicable).

8. Original or certified copies of any court or police records (if applicable).

9. Medical exam report (if applicable).

10. Any other documents required by USCIS in order to process the application for naturalization.

8. Are there any restrictions on the type of job that an armed forces member with a Green Card can take?


Yes, there are restrictions on the type of job a Green Card holder in the armed forces can take. Generally, Green Card holders in the armed forces can only work in the same capacity as any other federal employee. Additionally, Green Card holders in the military cannot be employed in a sensitive position or hold a position of trust without proper authorization.

9. How long does it take to get a Green Card after a member of the U.S. armed forces is approved to receive one?


It typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months for a member of the U.S. armed forces to receive their Green Card after they are approved.

10. Does a member of the U.S. armed forces need to obtain a visa in order to obtain a Green Card?


No, a member of the U.S. armed forces does not need to obtain a visa in order to obtain a Green Card. As long as the individual meets the requirements for eligibility, they can apply for a Green Card directly without needing to obtain a visa first.

11. Are members of the U.S. armed forces eligible for expedited processing of their Green Card applications?


Yes, members of the U.S. armed forces are eligible for expedited processing of their green card applications. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has established a “military assistance program” to help military personnel and their families file applications and petitions for permanent residency status. This expedited process allows military personnel to apply for, receive, and keep their green cards without experiencing long wait times.

12. Are there any fees associated with applying for a Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces?


No, there are no fees associated with applying for a Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces. This is due to the Immigration and Nationality Act, which states that no fee shall be charged for any application submitted by members of the armed forces of the United States.

13. How can a member of the U.S. armed forces track the progress of their Green Card application?


A member of the U.S. armed forces can track the progress of their Green Card application by visiting the USCIS website and creating a USCIS account. With this USCIS account, they can check the status of their Green Card application online. They can also contact the relevant offices with any questions regarding their application.

14. Are there any special requirements or conditions that must be met in order to qualify for a Green Card through military service?


Yes, there are special requirements and conditions that must be met to qualify for a Green Card through military service. Generally, applicants must serve at least one year in the U.S. military and have been honorably discharged. Other requirements include having an honorable discharge from the U.S. military, meeting the eligibility requirements of the particular green card program, and meeting any other applicable eligibility criteria. Additionally, applicants must be able to establish that they are of good moral character.

15. What are some possible ways that an armed forces member can become eligible to receive a Green Card more quickly?


1. If the armed forces member is a non-citizen who has served in the U.S. military for at least one year, they may be eligible for an expedited Green Card through the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s “Expedited Green Card for Military Personnel” program.

2. If the armed forces member is a non-citizen who has been deployed in a designated contingency operation outside of the U.S., they may be eligible for an expedited Green Card through the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s “Expedited Green Card for Military Personnel Deployed in Contingency Operations” program.

3. If the armed forces member is a non-citizen veteran who has been honorably discharged, they may be eligible for an expedited Green Card through the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s “Expedited Green Card for Military Veterans” program.

4. If the armed forces member is a non-citizen family member of a US citizen or green card holder, they may be eligible for an expidited Green Card through the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s “Family Unification Program” program.

16. Are military veterans eligible for any special assistance with their Green Card applications?


Yes. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a special program that allows certain military veterans to apply for U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) without paying the fees associated with the applications. To qualify, applicants must have served in the U.S. military for at least three years, and must have been honorably discharged.

17. Are there any limitations on how long an armed forces member with a Green Card can stay in the United States?


Yes, there are limitations on how long an armed forces member with a Green Card can stay in the United States. An armed forces member with a Green Card can remain in the United States for up to six months at a time, but must depart and re-enter the United States after six months. In addition, an armed forces member must have a valid Green Card to continue to live and work in the United States.

18. What is the process for renewing or replacing a lost or stolen Green Card for members of the U.S. armed forces?


If a member of the U.S. armed forces has lost their Green Card or it has been stolen, they should contact the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field office to request a replacement. The individual will need to complete Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and submit it with the required documents. These documents include proof of identity, proof of military service, and evidence that the Green Card was issued. The individual may also need to provide an explanation for why the card was lost or stolen. The USCIS typically processes these applications within two to three months.

19. Is it possible to apply for citizenship through military service even if the applicant has not yet obtained a Green Card?


No, it is not possible to apply for citizenship through military service without first obtaining a Green Card. Military service is one of the ways to obtain U.S. citizenship, but the applicant must have first obtained a Green Card before they can apply for citizenship through this method.

20. What are some common mistakes that could delay or prevent an application from being approved by USCIS?


1. Failing to submit the correct application form
2. Failing to provide evidence to support the application
3. Not including the required filing fee
4. Not signing the application form
5. Submitting an incomplete application form
6. Submitting an application form with errors or typos
7. Not submitting supporting documents in the right format
8. Not submitting documents that are certified or notarized, if required
9. Providing false information
10. Not providing a valid email address or other contact information
11. Forgetting to include photographs, if required
12. Not following instructions carefully
13. Submitting an application after the deadline