USCIS Revises Military Naturalization Policy for Alien Veterans

Key Point 

• USCIS has revised its policy to exclude certain discharge classifications from eligibility and has discontinued naturalization services at U.S. ports of entry 

Military Naturalization Policy Update 

On September 25, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced significant changes to its military naturalization policy affecting noncitizen veterans. The Department now excludes individuals with ‘uncharacterized’ military discharges from qualifying for naturalization based on military service. Previously, officials considered such discharges on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, USCIS will no longer conduct interviews or administer oath ceremonies for military naturalization applicants at U.S. ports of entry. These services must now be completed within the U.S. at designated USCIS field offices. 

This policy shift may impact veterans seeking expedited citizenship through military service and underscores the importance of discharge characterization in immigration eligibility. 

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