Serving in the United States military is one of the most highly respected things you can do for the country. With this in mind, you may wonder if becoming a member of the armed forces grants you easier or expedited access to the green card you have been vying for. Well, continue reading to learn whether you can obtain a green card by joining the military and how an experienced green card lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, at Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help make this happen.
Can I obtain a green card by joining the military?
In short, it is possible to obtain a green card as a foreign national who joins the United States military. Further, the Immigration and Nationality Act may allow you to go as far as obtaining naturalized United States citizenship without going through the usual preliminary steps. Of note, any other circumstances make it almost always impossible to accomplish this without first holding a green card for several years.
How long must I serve in the military during peacetime before obtaining a green card?
You must understand that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may not issue you a green card if you simply promise your intent to enlist in the military. Rather, you must actively serve for a specified timeframe. This specified timeframe may be dependent on whether you actively served during peacetime or wartime.
On the one hand, you must serve at least one year during peacetime before getting a green card and subsequently qualifying for United States citizenship. To reiterate, thanks to the INA, you do not have to wait and hold a green card for the standard five years before applying for United States citizenship via Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. What’s more, you may not be expected to pay the application fee. But you may be expected to file Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
Lastly, it is worth mentioning that if you have been discharged, it must have been for honorable reasons. Plus, you may only have six months from your discharge date to file your Form N-400. Otherwise, you may just have to wait the standard five years before applying.
How long must I serve in the military during wartime before obtaining a green card?
On the other hand, you may only have had to serve one day during wartime before getting a green card and subsequently qualifying for United States citizenship. With this, you may not be held to the standard requirements for age, length of time as a permanent resident living in the United States, etc. However, you may still be required to read, write, and speak English, be of good moral character, etc.
Deciding to serve in the United States military is a serious sacrifice that should not be taken lightly. That is, you should go into it for the right reasons. We understand just how much this decision can weigh heavily on your heart. So if you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a skilled family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI. Schedule your initial consultation with Sesini Law Group, S.C. today.