Naturalization & Selective Service
The Selective Service System is an agency of the United States government that maintains information on those potentially subject to military mandatory enrollment. Although the United States military has been an all-volunteer force since 1973, the government maintains the ability to start a draft in case of a national emergency. The Selective Service System is the agency responsible for the draft.
Who Must Register for the Draft?
All men aged 18 to 25 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the U.S. are required by law to have registered within 30 days of their 18th birthdays. They must further notify Selective Service within ten days of any changes to any of the information they provided on their registration cards, such as a change of address.
Men who are in in the U.S. on student, visitor or diplomatic visas, as well as women, are not required to register.
How to Register
You may register online or print out the form and mail it.
What Happens After You Register?
Nothing happens unless there’s a crisis requiring a draft. If there is a draft:
- Men will be called in sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth.
- They’ll be examined for mental, physical and moral fitness for military service.
- They’ll either be deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces.
Why Do You Need to Register for Selective Service to Naturalize?
Registration with Selective Service is required for various federal programs and benefits, including Federal Assistance for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA), job training, federal employment, and naturalization.
If you are not certain whether you are required to register for Selective Service to qualify for naturalization, or have any other questions about naturalization, contact our immigration attorneys at the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. Our experienced immigration attorneys can advise you on what actions to take to ensure proper submission of your naturalization application to avoid any delays.
