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Official form guide
Form N-426: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
USCIS Form N-426 is used to request certification of military or naval service for immigration purposes. It is typically filed by veterans or active-duty personnel who need to document their service to support certain immigration benefits.
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USCIS Form N-426 - Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
USCIS Form N-426 is used to request certification of military or naval service for immigration purposes. It is typically filed by veterans or active-duty personnel who need to document their service to support certain immigration benefits.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Using an outdated form version will result in rejection regardless of completeness.
- 2Incomplete or inaccurate service dates
- 3Missing discharge papers or DD-214
- 4Incorrect branch of service information
- 5Failure to include supporting documentation
Plain English
This form helps you prove that you served in the U.S. military or naval forces. You'll need it when applying for certain immigration benefits that give special consideration to military service. The form requires official documentation of your service record.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File this form when required by USCIS as part of another immigration application process, such as for naturalization or certain special immigrant classifications.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need to certify military service for immigration purposes
- Do not use this form for civilian employment verification
- Check Form N-400 if applying for citizenship through military service
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Naturalization through military service
Required for citizenship application
✓ Confirm eligibility criteria first
Veterans' benefits claim
Different purpose and requirements
✓ Check if you need both forms
Deadline or filing window
There is no standalone deadline for Form N-426 as it is typically submitted as part of another immigration application. The deadline is determined by the timeline of your primary application, such as a naturalization petition.
- —Years of service | End date - Start date | Total qualifying years | Must be at least 1 year for certain benefits
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Section 1: Personal information
Government-issued ID, passport · Identification documents
Section 2: Service details
DD-214, service records · Military personnel office
Section 3: Awards and decorations
Award certificates, commendations · Personnel file
Section 4: Signature
Notarized signature · Signature verification
Before you submit
- 1Verify you have the current edition of the form
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Include copies of your DD-214 or equivalent service documents
- 4Ensure your name matches exactly on all documents
- 5Check that service dates are consistent across all records
- 6Verify the correct mailing address for submission
- 7Make a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents
- 8Sign and date the form
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current Form N-426 from the USCIS website
- 2Complete the form with accurate military service information
- 3Gather supporting documentation (DD-214, service records, etc.)
- 4Mail the completed form and documents to the correct USCIS address
- 5Keep track of your submission date and method
- 6Follow up if you don't receive confirmation within 30 days
Known limitations
- 1Form N-426 only certifies service; it does not establish immigration eligibility
- 2The form cannot be used to request military records not already in your possession
- 3Processing times are not guaranteed and may vary significantly
- 4The form does not expedite other immigration processes
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current version of Form N-426 was last updated in 2019/10/01. Always verify the edition date on the USCIS website before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date: Verify the current edition on USCIS website before filing
- Fee: No filing fee for Form N-426
- Mailing address: Check form instructions for correct submission address
- Supporting documents: Required but no additional fee
- Processing time: Varies by USCIS workload and case complexity
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of your submission with all supporting documents
- 2Monitor your mail for any requests for additional evidence
- 3Note the date you submitted the form and method used
- 4Follow up with USCIS if you don't receive acknowledgment within 30 days
- 5Maintain records of all communications with USCIS regarding this form
Sources
- SRCForm purpose: Request for certification of military or naval service for immigration purposes
- SRCFiling location: Mailed to USCIS address specified in form instructions
- SRCProcessing time: Not specified in form, varies by case
- SRCCurrent edition: Last updated 2019/10/01
- SRCFee information: No filing fee for Form N-426
- SRCSupporting documents: Required but details not specified in provided source
- SRCSignature requirements: Required but notarization status not specified in provided source
Common confusion points
Form purpose
Confused with VA benefits forms
→ Check if you need both USCIS and VA documentation
Service documentation
Unsure which records are required
→ Include all discharge papers and service records
Signature requirements
Notarization vs. personal signature
→ Follow current form instructions exactly
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Contact USCIS customer service, consult with immigration attorney
Source transparency
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