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USCIS - Athens Field Office

Citizenship and Naturalization


Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant.  Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:

·         By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents, or

·         By Naturalization.

In addition, in 2000, Congress passed the Child Citizenship Act (CCA), which allows any child under the age of 18 who is adopted by a U.S. citizen and immigrates to the United States to acquire immediate citizenship.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon foreign citizens or nationals after they fulfill the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for naturalization include:

  • A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
  • Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
  • An ability to read, write, and speak English;
  • A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
  • Good moral character;
  • Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
  • Favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition towards the good order and happiness of the United States. The other naturalization requirements listed above may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should carefully read the N-400 application instructions and " A Guide to Naturalization" before applying.

USCIS offices overseas are authorized to process applications for naturalization only for active duty military members and their spouses and children. Please see below for information about filing your application, for required forms, and for the Overseas Military Naturalization Request Form. Contact your military legal office if you need more information about filing for naturalization. Military members may also contact our office by email at uscis.athens@dhs.gov and note "Inquiry re military natz” on the subject line.


Information about Naturalization for Military Members (Military N-400)

Naturalization Forms for Military Members

NATURALIZATION OF SPOUSES and children OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS CURRENTLY STATIONED ABROAD

(H.R. 4986/Public Law 110-181), which became effective in January 2008, amends Sections 319 and 322  of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1430). The new law allows eligible applicants to now naturalize overseas, with no need for stateside travel for any part of the naturalization process.

WHO IS eligible TO APPLY UNDER THIS NEW SECTION OF LAW?

  • The new section of law applies only to lawful permanent resident spouses and children of members of the Armed Forces, provided the spouses and children reside abroad on official U.S. Military orders.
  • Depending on your circumstances, you must meet the requirements of INA section 316(a) or 319(a) which state that:

1.    You have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for five years (under INA section 316(a)), or

 2.    You have been a lawful permanent resident for three years (under INA section 319(a)) as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and you are still married to that U.S. citizen spouse.

 If you are applying as the spouse of the U.S. citizen military member, you must have been living in marital union with the U.S. citizen for the three years preceding the date of filing the naturalization application (under INA 319(a)).

 Usually, to be eligible for naturalization, an applicant must establish continuous residence and physical presence in the United States. If you qualify under 1 or 2 above, however, the new law allows the time you have spent abroad on official U.S. military orders to count towards establishing both continuous residency and physical presence.

  • You must be authorized to accompany the military member abroad on official orders, and be accompanying or residing abroad with the military member as provided in those orders.

Note:  Involuntary separation from your U.S. citizen spouse due to circumstances beyond your control, such as reasons relating to military deployments, will not prevent you from naturalization.

filing instructions for spouses of military members currently stationed abroad

Please click on the following link for information on how to file for overseas naturalization as the spouse of an active military member:

·         Filing Instructions for Spouses of Military Members

·         Overseas military spouses naturalization request form
 

EXPEDITED NATURALIZATION 319(b)

An applicant for expedited naturalization under INA section 319(b) must be the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is regularly stationed abroad:

  • In the employment of the government of the United States (includes military).
  • In the employment of an American institution of research recognized as such by the Attorney General.
  • In the employment of an American firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade or commerce, or a subsidiary thereof.
  • In the employment of a public international organization in which the United States participates.
  • As a minister or priest of a religious denomination having a bona fide organization in the United States.
  • As a missionary.


Persons eligible for expeditious naturalization must file their applications in the United States from their overseas location.


For more information, please refer to the USCIS handbook, " A Guide to Naturalization."

Please use the attached N-400 Expedite Request and Authorization Worksheet and also the Department of Defense Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to file Petition for Naturalization

Other Eligibility Criteria

For others interested in naturalizing please see the USCIS website page on Naturalization for eligibility criteria and proper filing procedures.  You may make an appointment with USCIS Athens to discuss the application process by emailing uscis.athens@dhs.gov and indicating “Appointment Regarding Naturalization” in the subject line.

For more information about the naturalization process and where to file your application please visit the USCIS - Naturalization web page.