International Students: Opting For Us Army Service

International students on an F-1 visa in the United States who are interested in serving in the military may have had the option to do so through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. This program allowed certain non-citizens with specific critical skills, such as physicians, nurses, or language experts, to join the U.S. military. However, it appears that this program may no longer be active due to a lawsuit and Congressional inquiries. To join the U.S. Army, one must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a green card. International students seeking to pursue a career in the U.S. military should explore alternative pathways, such as obtaining citizenship or permanent residency, or consider opportunities within their home country's military. It is important to note that Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a separate concept, allowing eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study, but it does not directly relate to joining the U.S. Army.

Characteristics and Values

International students need US citizenship or permanent residency to join the US Army

International students interested in serving in the US Army may consider the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. This program allows certain non-citizens who are legally present in the US and possess critical skills to join the US military. Critical skills include expertise in medicine, nursing, and certain languages with associated cultural backgrounds. However, it is important to note that the MAVNI program has faced legal challenges and congressional inquiries, leading to its termination.

Generally, to enlist in the US Army, individuals must be US citizens or legal permanent residents with a Green Card. This requirement is due to national security concerns and the necessity for recruits to obtain security clearances, which are typically granted only to US citizens. Without US citizenship or permanent residency, international students cannot directly apply for military positions.

To pursue military service as an international student, the immediate path typically involves obtaining US citizenship or permanent residency. This can be achieved through various legal avenues, such as employment-based visas, family-sponsored visas, or the naturalization process for those with lawful permanent residency. Once the necessary immigration status is attained, individuals can explore opportunities within the military that align with their expertise, such as information technology.

It is worth noting that each branch of the military sets its own standards for enlisting, and specific requirements may vary. Individuals interested in joining the US Army should contact a military recruiter to discuss their specific situation and determine eligibility requirements, potential pathways, and any necessary legal status adjustments. They can provide valuable guidance on navigating the process and preparing for a military career.

The US Military's MAVNI program allowed certain non-citizens to join

International students interested in serving in the US military may have been eligible for a program called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). This program allowed certain non-citizens who were legally present in the United States and possessed critical skills to join the US military. These critical skills included language expertise, medical professionals, and cultural backgrounds. The program aimed to fill specific needs within the military, such as recruiting soldiers who spoke languages like Pashto and Persian, which were relevant to the War in Afghanistan. MAVNI participants could also become citizens of the United States, usually at the end of their Basic Combat Training (BCT).

To be eligible for the MAVNI program, applicants had to meet specific immigration requirements. They needed to be in one of the authorized immigration categories or have certain types of visas, such as a nonimmigrant visa in categories E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TC, TD, TN, U, or V. Additionally, most applicants were required to have maintained a valid status in one of the eligible immigration categories for at least two years before enlisting. However, the Department of Defense (DOD) had the discretion to waive this two-year requirement for certain applicants, particularly those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

The MAVNI program offered a pathway for non-citizens to serve in the US military and gain US citizenship. It was spearheaded by immigration attorney Margaret Stock, a former US Army Reserve officer and West Point professor. The program commenced in 2008 as a one-year pilot program under the George W. Bush administration, with an initial cap of 1000 recruits. Over time, MAVNI achieved notable recruiting successes, including enlisting Haseeb Mohammed, the US Army Soldier of the Year for 2022, and several world-class athletes. MAVNI recruits were also found to have a lower attrition rate and often held higher educational credentials than other enlistees.

However, the MAVNI program faced controversies and legal challenges. As of December 2016, the program was under review and closed indefinitely to new recruits due to lawsuits and allegations of unequal treatment by the Defense Department. There were also allegations of improper discharges of MAVNI members based on questionable background checks and trivial reasons such as having "foreign ties". As a result, many MAVNI recruits were left in limbo, with their status uncertain. While a legal dispute was resolved in February 2019, ordering the Defense Department to stop the unequal treatment, the program's suspension left a significant number of immigrant recruits awaiting resolution.

The program has since ended due to a lawsuit and Congressional inquiries

International students interested in serving in the U.S. military were previously eligible for a program called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). This program allowed certain non-citizens who were legally present in the United States and possessed critical skills to join the U.S. military. These critical skills included physicians, nurses, and experts in certain languages with associated cultural backgrounds.

However, the MAVNI program for non-US citizens has since ended due to a lawsuit and Congressional inquiries. The specific details of the lawsuit and inquiries that led to the program's termination are not publicly available. It is important to note that the ability for international students to join the U.S. military through the MAVNI program was always subject to strict requirements and has faced controversy and legal challenges in the past.

The MAVNI program was likely scrutinized due to its potential impact on national security and the integrity of the military recruitment process. The U.S. military is a vital part of the nation's security, and any exceptions to the standard citizenship requirement for serving in the military would be carefully evaluated. The lawsuit and Congressional inquiries could have raised concerns about the vetting process for MAVNI participants, the potential for national security risks, or the program's overall effectiveness.

Additionally, the program's termination could be a result of shifting policies and priorities. The U.S. military's recruitment policies are influenced by the current administration's strategic objectives and the needs of the military at any given time. Over time, the demand for certain critical skills may have changed, affecting the program's relevance and utility.

It is important to emphasize that, as of now, international students without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency cannot join the U.S. military directly. However, they may still have opportunities to serve in their home country's military or explore other avenues, such as the French Foreign Legion, which is known to recruit foreigners.

International students can apply to the US Air Force Academy through their home government

International students interested in serving in the US military were previously eligible for a program called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). This program allowed certain non-citizens legally present in the US and with critical skills, such as physicians, nurses, and language experts, to join the US military. However, the MAVNI program for non-US citizens ended after a lawsuit and congressional inquiries.

Currently, to join the US military, including the US Army, one must be a US citizen or a US permanent resident on the path to citizenship. That said, international students can apply to the US Air Force Academy, but they must do so through their home government, typically their Ministry of Defense. Only a select number of countries can nominate students, and the process may include a commitment to serve in the nominee's home country's military. Thus, students should check with their home country's government for eligibility and nomination procedures. Nominations from the home government are processed through the United States Defense Attaché Office/American embassy and must be received by the Academy by December 14 for the class entering the following June.

Once a nomination is received, the US Air Force Academy Admissions will send instructions to complete the application. The Defense Attaché Office will assist in completing the required forms and submitting them to the Academy. International candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being unmarried, a citizen of the nominating country, of good moral character, and demonstrating strong leadership potential and academic performance. They must also meet physical and medical standards, be at least 17 years old, and not yet 23 years old on July 1 of the year of entry. Additionally, proficiency in contemporary English and acceptable academic records, including competitive SAT scores, are required.

The US Air Force Academy offers various international education programs, such as the Cadet Summer Language Immersion Program (CSLIP) and the Cadet Semester Exchange Abroad Program (CSEAP), which aim to improve cadets' foreign language skills, cultural understanding, and knowledge of allied armed forces. These programs are managed by the Office of International Programs and are highly competitive.

F-1 students can apply for pre-completion OPT after one academic year

International students interested in serving in the US military were previously eligible for a program called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). This program allowed certain non-citizens who were legally present in the US and possessed critical skills to join the US military. However, the MAVNI program for non-US citizens ended after a lawsuit and Congressional inquiries. Currently, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident to join the US military.

Now, focusing on the topic of F-1 students and pre-completion OPT:

F-1 students can apply for pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) after being lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. This means that F-1 students can gain practical experience directly related to their major field of study while still actively enrolled in an academic program.

To apply for pre-completion OPT, students must meet several criteria. Firstly, they must have studied as a full-time degree-seeking student in the US for at least one academic year at an SEVP-authorized school. Time spent in language training and non-degree programs does not count towards this requirement. Secondly, they must not have exceeded 364 days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the current degree level. Additionally, they must not have previously engaged in 12 months of full-time pre- or post-OPT at their current degree level.

The application process for pre-completion OPT involves several steps. Students must request an I-20 form with a recommendation for pre-OPT from the Office of Global Services (OGS) and submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review and adjudication. They should not mail the application without first making an appointment with an OGS advisor. It is important to note that the application packet must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the I-20 form, or it will result in denial.

Once authorized for pre-completion OPT, students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time when school is not in session. It is important to note that the total time of full-time optional practical training will be reduced by one year if the student has already received one year of full-time pre-completion OPT. Additionally, students authorized for post-completion OPT after completing their studies are expected to work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.

Frequently asked questions