Joining The Canadian Army As An International Student

Joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is a multi-step process that requires meeting several requirements. International students who aspire to join the CAF must first become Canadian citizens, which involves legally residing in Canada for three consecutive years, being fluent in English or French, and passing a test on Canadian history. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent, and have completed a minimum of Grade 10 education. The CAF offers a range of training opportunities, including the Naval Experience Program, Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training, and leadership development. International students interested in a military career in Canada should carefully review the eligibility criteria and application process to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.

Basic training

The Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) and Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) are conducted at the CFLRS for non-commissioned members and officers joining the Regular Force. All part-time candidates joining their local Primary Reserve unit will undergo similar BMQ training objectives. The Primary Reserve serves part-time in the Canadian Armed Forces, supporting the Regular Force at home and abroad.

The Naval Experience Program offers an accelerated enrollment, with eight weeks of basic military training and four weeks of naval training. After this, you will join the Navy fleet on either the East or West coast. Over several months, you will learn what it is like to be a sailor by shadowing various jobs and gaining exposure to different skills.

During basic training, you will learn how to conduct a drill, handle a weapon, and apply first aid. You will also get to spend time in outdoor environments, where you will practice fieldcraft and apply what you have learned in a classroom setting. For nine weeks, you will live and work with other candidates in your platoon, collaborating towards the goal of becoming a member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Citizenship requirements

To join the Canadian Armed Forces, one must be a Canadian citizen. This is a mandatory prerequisite for joining the Canadian Army. The path to obtaining citizenship can be time-consuming and challenging, but it is a necessary step for those aspiring to serve in the Canadian military as foreigners or international students. Here are the key requirements and considerations for citizenship:

Legal Residence:

To become a Canadian citizen, you must have legally resided in Canada for at least three consecutive years. This demonstrates a commitment to making Canada your home and a long-term place of residence.

Language Proficiency:

Fluency in either English or French is a mandatory requirement for citizenship. This is crucial as effective communication is essential in the military. You will undergo a language assessment to evaluate your proficiency in either of these languages.

Knowledge of Canadian History:

A strong understanding of Canadian history is also essential. You will be tested on your knowledge of Canada's history, demonstrating your connection to and awareness of the country you aim to serve.

Education:

A minimum level of education is required. You must have completed up to Grade 10 education, and for certain positions within the Canadian Armed Forces, higher levels of education may be necessary. If you have completed your education outside of Canada, you must obtain Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for your high school and highest level of education before submitting your application.

Age:

To join the Canadian Army, you must be at least 18 years old. However, with parental consent, individuals as young as 16 may be eligible for certain programs, such as Paid Education initiatives.

Documentation:

You will need to provide various documents, including your birth certificate, government-issued photo ID (indicating Canadian citizenship), education transcripts, trade qualifications, and professional licenses. Ensure that you have all the required documents before initiating the application process.

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee citizenship or entry into the Canadian Army. There are additional steps and assessments, including security and reliability screening forms, that are part of the comprehensive application process.

Education requirements

To join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), there are several requirements that must be met, including certain educational criteria. Firstly, it is important to note that to join the CAF as a foreigner, one must be a Canadian citizen. This entails legally residing in Canada for at least three consecutive years, being fluent in English or French, and passing a test on Canadian history.

In terms of specific educational requirements, candidates must have completed a minimum of Grade 10. However, some positions within the CAF may necessitate higher levels of education. For instance, certain roles may require additional qualifications or specific skill sets. If an applicant has completed their education outside of Canada, they must undergo Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for their highest level of education prior to submitting their application. This includes providing official transcripts and photocopies of relevant documents, such as trade qualifications and professional licenses.

The CAF offers a range of training opportunities to develop leadership skills, resourcefulness, and marketable, transferable skills. The Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training is mandatory for full-time regular force candidates and is conducted at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This comprehensive training program covers weapon handling, first aid, fieldcraft, and collaborative team-building. Similarly, the Naval Experience Program offers an accelerated enrollment process, including eight weeks of basic military training and four weeks of naval training, followed by hands-on experience on the East or West coast fleet.

Additionally, the CAF provides various entry options catering to different educational backgrounds and ambitions. The Reserve Force, for instance, serves part-time and supports the Regular Force domestically and internationally. This option is particularly appealing to students as it offers summer job and co-op opportunities. Furthermore, the CAF offers Paid Education programs for individuals 16 years of age or older with parental consent, providing a unique pathway for those pursuing their education while serving their country.

Screening forms

To join the Canadian Armed Forces, you will need to fill out a series of screening forms. These forms are an essential part of the application process and are designed to assess your suitability for military service. Here is a detailed overview of the screening forms you can expect to encounter:

Security Screening Form

The Security Screening Form is a crucial document that collects personal and professional background information. You will receive a link to access this form via email from your recruiting officer. This form covers several key areas, including:

• Citizenship and Residence: Providing details about your citizenship status and any relevant residency information.
• Professional Background: Documenting your employment history, including the jobs you have held and the schools you have attended.
• Personal References: Requiring contact information for three individuals who can attest to your character and vouch for your trustworthiness.

Reliability Screening Forms

Reliability screening forms are another important component of the application process. These forms assess your trustworthiness in handling sensitive government information and equipment. It is essential to be honest and forthcoming when completing these forms. Here are some key considerations:

• Non-family References: You will be asked to provide references from individuals who are not family members. These references can speak to your character and reliability.
• Legal Obligations: Disclosing any legal commitments or obligations, such as parole, student loans, or significant debts, is essential for transparency.
• Background Check: The Canadian Armed Forces will conduct a comprehensive background check to verify the information provided in your forms. This process ensures that you are suitable for handling sensitive information.

Scored Employment Application Form (SEAF)

The Scored Employment Application Form (SEAF) is a standardised evaluation that assesses several critical areas:

• Achievement Orientation: Evaluating your track record of setting and achieving goals.
• Physical Fitness and Athletics: Assessing your physical capabilities and overall fitness level.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Examining your ability to work effectively in a team and demonstrate leadership qualities.
• Realistic Expectations/Person-Job Fit: Determining how well your skills, interests, and expectations align with the job requirements.
• Well-Roundedness: Considering your diverse experiences, interests, and personal development.

The SEAF can be completed online at your own pace, and you may return to it over multiple sessions if needed.

Initial Fitness Screening Assessment

As part of your training, you will undergo an Initial Fitness Screening assessment. This evaluation consists of three main components:

• Walking: Assessing your endurance and stamina.
• Speed and Agility: Testing your ability to move quickly and change directions.
• Strength and Power: Measuring your physical strength and power output.

In conclusion, the screening forms for joining the Canadian Armed Forces are comprehensive and thorough. They cover various aspects of your personal and professional life, physical fitness, and character. It is important to approach these forms with honesty and attention to detail, as they play a crucial role in determining your suitability for military service.

Reserve Force

To join the Canadian Armed Forces, you must be a Canadian citizen. Therefore, international students on a study visa cannot join the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Reserve Force.

The Reserve Force

The Reserve Force is part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and serves part-time. Reservists support the Regular Force, both at home and abroad. They typically serve one or more evenings a week and/or on weekends at locations close to home. Some reservists may also volunteer to be deployed on operations if there are positions available.

All part-time candidates joining the Reserve Force will undergo Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training. This nine-week program is designed to transition civilians into members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The training takes place either at the local reserve unit location or at a CAF training centre, depending on the unit.

The Reserve Force offers many summer job and co-op opportunities, especially for students.

Frequently asked questions