How long do I need to serve in the Army Reserve to be eligible to apply for citizenship?

2020-05-02T15:06:03-04:00

Hello, I just finished BCT and AIT. I would like to apply for naturalization through my unit. I looked up USCIS and they said honorably served military members can apply for naturalization. However, as I looked up other websites, they said I need to serve total one year to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Which one is right? Do I need to wait one more year to apply citizenship or can I just start applying?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 3:19 PM

2020-05-02T15:19:16-04:00

According to USCIS website:

If you served honorably in the U.S. armed forces for at least one year during a period of peacetime, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization. While some general naturalization requirements apply under INA 328, other requirements may not apply or are reduced. To establish eligibility under INA 328, you must:

Have served honorably, during a period of peacetime, in the U.S. armed forces for a period or periods totaling one year;
Have submitted a completed Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (PDF, 336 KB), at the time of filing the N-400 to demonstrate honorable service;
Be a lawful permanent resident at the time of your naturalization interview;
Meet certain residence and physical presence requirements;
Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English;
Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government;
Demonstrate good moral character for at least five years before filing your N-400 through the day you naturalize; and
Demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.