Can I join the military with MAVNI?

Unfortunately, the program that allows immigrants to enlist in the armed forces — Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) — has been in limbo since 2017. As a result, roughly 4,000 noncitizen enlistees have been strung along or put at risk for deportation.

Who can apply for MAVNI?

To be eligible for consideration for MAVNI program, applicants must be legally present in the United States and able to provide a passport, I-94 card, I-797 form, employment authorization document or other government issued documents proving legal presence in the United States.

Can foreign citizens join the US military?

To join the U.S. military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English.

Can you join the military with a conditional green card?

Only US permanent residents can have green cards. You may be thinking of “conditional” permanent residents, but conditional permanent residents are permanent residents, and can enlist in the US army.

Is MAVNI still active?

The program was later expanded, and a total of about 10,800 people joined before MAVNI recruiting ceased in 2016. It effectively ended in 2017 amid intensified scrutiny over immigration and security risks, despite praise for its contributions to national security from top military leaders.

Is MAVNI program still open?

History. MAVNI was spearheaded by immigration attorney Margaret Stock, a former U.S. Army Reserve officer and West Point professor. The program started in 2008 under the George W. As of December 2016, MAVNI is under review and closed indefinitely to new recruits, as the Trump administration was unenthusiastic.

What happened to MAVNI?

Can H1B join US Army?

As an H1B visa holder, you can study full time or part-time in the USA. Yes!

Can f1 students join US Army?

Military service While students on F-1 visas are normally not allowed to join the military, they may be able to receive an exception if they possess critical skills needed by the military. This program allows people who qualify to join the military and apply for U.S. citizenship using Form N-400.

Can I join the military with an expired green card?

Other requirements for permanent residents joining the armed forces. You must always make sure that your card is valid, and if it’s expired (or if it’s set to expire within 6 months of joining the military), lost, or damaged, you have to apply for a new one before you enlist.

Can I join the military with EAD?

The I-766 EAD is a card issued to non-citizens who are eligible to work in the United States. It does not, however, grant them status as a citizen or a permanent resident alien and cannot be used to join the Army.

What is the MAVNI program for foreign nationals?

The MAVNI program has been met with enthusiasm in the foreign national community. In July USCIS naturalized one of the first nonimmigrants to enlist in the military under MAVNI pilot recruiting program, a doctor who joined the Army in April.

What does MAVNI stand for?

The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, a program which authorizes certain branches of the military to recruit certain legal aliens with specialized skills, was announced on February 23, 2009.

What are the requirements to join the Army MAVNI program?

Under the Army’s rules, all MAVNI recruits must pass an English test and score 50 or higher on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).7 Thus, Army MAVNI recruits will be required to meet higher standards than US citizen Army recruits.

Can a nonimmigrant apply for citizenship under MAVNI?

Citizenship is not guaranteed – a nonimmigrant who applies under the MAVNI pilot program must undergo the same background checks, security screening and meet all of the general qualifications to become a citizen of the US, as do all other members of the US armed forces who apply for citizenship.