Should I disclose my military history?

Yes. When pursuing the O-1, the safest approach is to disclose your military history clearly and honestly if you have served in the armed forces. Transparency about your background helps prevent complications throughout the process.

U.S. immigration authorities expect complete and accurate information about an applicant’s background. Omitting a relevant detail can be read as an attempt to conceal information and may raise questions about your eligibility.

Even if military service may seem like a minor detail, leaving it out can jeopardize the petition if that information is requested at any stage. If your history includes this aspect, disclose it consistently with the rest of your documentation.

Transparency is generally the best strategy in immigration matters. To follow each step in accordance with the applicable guidelines, consider working with a specialist and confirm guidance through official sources such as USCIS, avoiding deceptive services.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.