Citizenship gained through military service can be revoked on the same grounds as any naturalization, plus one ground that applies only to military naturalization: an other than honorable discharge before 5 years of honorable service. This guide explains the grounds and their effect on family members, using the USCIS Policy Manual checked on October 21, 2026. Confirm your situation with a recruiter and USCIS before you rely on it.
When can citizenship gained through military service be revoked?
USCIS lists the general grounds as illegal procurement of naturalization and concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. For people naturalized under the military provisions on or after November 23, 2003, citizenship can also be revoked after an other than honorable discharge before 5 years of honorable service.
Source: USCIS Policy Manual, revocation of naturalization. The 5 years can be one period or several added together. This is a rule that applies after naturalization, not a minimum service time to apply (USCIS Policy Manual). USCIS also lists membership in certain organizations after naturalization as a ground (USCIS Policy Manual).
Does revocation affect a spouse or children?
It depends on the ground. After concealment or willful misrepresentation, a spouse or child who became a citizen through that person loses citizenship wherever they live. After illegal procurement, they keep it. After an other than honorable discharge before 5 years of honorable service, they lose it only if living outside the United States.
| Ground for revoking the parent's or spouse's citizenship | Does a spouse or child who became a citizen through them lose it? |
|---|---|
| Concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation | Yes |
| Membership or affiliation with certain organizations | Yes, if living outside the United States at the time of revocation |
| Other than honorable military separation before 5 years of honorable service | Yes, if living outside the United States at the time of revocation |
| Illegal procurement of naturalization | No |
Source for the table: USCIS Policy Manual, revocation of naturalization.
Which discharges count as under honorable conditions?
Honorable and general (under honorable conditions) discharges count. USCIS says uncharacterized discharges count only if issued on or before July 31, 2024. Other than honorable, bad conduct and dishonorable discharges do not count as a separation under honorable conditions for military naturalization under INA 329.
Source: USCIS Policy Manual, INA 329.
What records should you keep?
Keep your certified Form N-426, your DD Form 214 or NGB Form 22, and any discharge upgrade decision. USCIS uses these documents to decide whether your service was honorable and whether you separated under honorable conditions. Someone who believes a COVID-19 vaccine refusal discharge was mischaracterized can seek an upgrade first.
Sources: USCIS Policy Manual, INA 329 and USCIS: Naturalization through military service. Rules for service members' children abroad, including the 2020 change to INA 320, are in the children's guide linked below.
Related TakeOath guides
- INA 329 military naturalization: National Guard
- Army National Guard citizenship: green card guide
- Citizenship options for children of service members
Sources
- Policy Manual Vol. 12, Part L, Chapter 2 (revocation of naturalization), USCIS, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Policy Manual Vol. 12, Part I, Chapter 3 (INA 329), USCIS, retrieved October 21, 2026
- Naturalization through military service, USCIS, retrieved October 21, 2026