Overview (What is N-426 used for?)
#Form N-426, or Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, is used by individuals currently serving or who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. This form is crucial for those applying for naturalization under sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It certifies military service and helps establish eligibility for citizenship.
To complete Form N-426, service members must provide accurate information about their service and have it certified by an authorized military official. The form must be submitted alongside Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, if applying for military naturalization. If you are no longer serving, you should submit your official discharge documents instead.
Make sure to follow the specific instructions for completing the form, including signature requirements and the use of black ink. Any inconsistencies or missing information may lead to delays or denials in the naturalization process.
What USCIS is really evaluating (N-426)
#USCIS evaluates whether the service member is serving honorably and if they meet the eligibility criteria under sections 328 and 329 of the INA. A common mismatch occurs when the certification from the military official does not align with the service member's records.
Context & workflow (How does N-426 fit into the case?)
#Use the official form page to confirm the edition date, required evidence, and filing method. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review requirements that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Applicants or petitioners who are required to submit this form for their case.
When it is used
- When the official checklist or instructions list this form.
- When submitting an initial application or petition.
- When providing updated information requested by the agency.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for N-426?)
#- Submit official discharge documents to demonstrate eligibility if not currently serving.
- Include a certification from a military official to validate service.
- Provide accurate personal information to avoid discrepancies.
- Attach Form N-400 to establish the connection to naturalization.
- Ensure all signatures match the names provided on the form.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Missing signatures on the form.
- Using an outdated version of Form N-426.
- Failing to submit all required pages.
Substantive weaknesses
- Inconsistencies between the information provided and military records.
- Not providing required supporting documents.
- Submitting Form N-426 without the necessary certification from an authorized official.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for N-426?)
#- Incomplete sections of the form.
- Missing certification from a military official.
- Discrepancies in personal information.
- Failure to provide required supporting documents.
- Not signing the form where indicated.
Eligibility signals
#- Must be currently serving or have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Certification must be from a military official with appropriate authority.
- Form must be submitted with Form N-400 if applying for naturalization.
- All signatures must be handwritten.
- Use of black ink is required for filling out the form.
- Official discharge documents are needed if not currently serving.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on N-426?)
#General Instructions
Follow the guidelines for filling out the form accurately and completely.
Processing Information
Understand the initial processing steps and what happens after submission.
DHS Privacy Notice
Review how your information will be used and shared.
Naturalization Information
Learn about the naturalization process for military personnel.
Eligibility and the Process
Check if you qualify for naturalization under military provisions.
Signature Requirements
Ensure all signatures are properly executed to avoid rejection.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on N-426?)
#- Full Legal Name
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any)
- Given Name (First Name)
- Middle Name (if applicable)
- Date of Signature (mm/dd/yyyy)
- Branch of Service
- Date service started (mm/dd/yyyy)
- Type of service (Active Duty or Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve)
- Unit (such as Military Base, Vessel, Battalion, Brigade)
- Military Email Address
- Work Telephone Number
- of Military or Naval Service
- Form N-426
- What is the Purpose of Form N-426?
- How To Complete Form N-426
- N-600|11/08/19|1
What you need before you start (What should you gather before N-426?)
#- Provide Certification from a military official with appropriate authority
- Provide Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Provide Signature of the service member
- Provide Signature of the certifying official
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide You (the service member applying for naturalization) should submit this form to certify your service with your Form
- Provide 2. Service members must complete Parts 1. - 2. fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you, type or print
- Provide “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. Certifying officials must complete Parts 3. - 4. Both service members and certifiers
- Provide must sign where indicated
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for N-426?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
- Evidence of residence, physical presence, and good moral character.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing N-426?)
#- Download the latest version of Form N-426 from the USCIS website.
- Use Adobe Reader to fill out the form.
- Type or print legibly in black ink.
- Complete Parts 1 and 2 fully and accurately.
- Certifying officials must complete Parts 3 and 4.
- Review the declarations before signing.
- Ensure all signatures are handwritten; stamped or typewritten names are not accepted.
- Submit the form with any required supporting documents.
- Check for completeness before submission.
- Do not mail your completed Form N-426 to the address listed in the Paperwork Reduction Act section.
- Download the current N-426 from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
- If the form includes validation or barcode pages, complete the validation steps and include all barcode pages in your submission.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay N-426 petitions?)
#- Failing to sign the form where required.
- Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- Not completing all required parts of the form.
- Submitting the form without the necessary certification from a military official.
- Providing incomplete or incorrect information.
- Not using black ink when filling out the form.
Examples (What does a strong N-426 submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing N-426 and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for N-426. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on N-426 and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about N-426?)
#- You can submit Form N-426 if you have separated from service; you must submit discharge documents instead.
- Only certain military officials can certify the form; recruiters cannot.
- You do not need to submit Form N-426 if you are not currently serving.
- There is no fee for submitting Form N-426, but you must check Form G-1055 for any related fees.
- You can submit a typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature on Form N-426.
How this guide is built (Where this N-426 guidance comes from)
#This guide is built from the official instructions for Form N-426, ensuring you have the most current and accurate information. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the application process effectively.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Form N-426?
Form N-426 is used to certify military service for individuals applying for naturalization under military provisions. It verifies whether the service member is serving honorably and is a necessary part of the naturalization process.
Who can certify my Form N-426?
Only personnel with certifying authority, typically military officials in pay grade O-6 or higher, can certify this form. Recruiters are not authorized to certify, so it's important to check your service's specific policies.
What should I do if I am no longer serving?
If you have separated from service, do not submit Form N-426. Instead, provide your DD Form 214 or other official discharge documents with your Form N-400 to confirm your military service.
Is there a filing fee for Form N-426?
Refer to Form G-1055 for specific information about any applicable fees related to this form. Generally, there is no fee for the certification request itself.
What happens if I submit an incomplete form?
USCIS may reject or deny your Form N-400 if Form N-426 is not completely filled out. Make sure all sections are completed accurately to avoid delays in your application.
Can I use a typewritten name instead of a signature?
No, all signatures on Form N-426 must be handwritten. Stamped or typewritten names are not accepted, so ensure you sign the form properly.
How do I download Form N-426?
You can download Form N-426 for free from the USCIS website. Make sure to use the latest version of Adobe Reader to fill it out correctly.
What if I need assistance filling out the form?
If you need help, you can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 for assistance in English and Spanish. They can guide you through the process.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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