International Students: Serve In The Military?

International students on F1 visas will soon be able to join the US military through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. The program allows non-citizens to join the US military provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. The US Air Force Academy, for example, requires international students to be nominated by their home country's government and to have complete knowledge of their background and potential for success at the academy. The admissions process for international students is highly competitive and requires a thorough background check, demonstration of good moral character, and willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the US.

International students on an F1 visa cannot join the US Army

International students on an F1 visa cannot currently join the US Army, but this may change in the future. The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, which allowed non-citizens to join the US military, is not currently accepting applications. However, there are plans to reinstate the program, which will allow international students on F1 visas to join the US military once again.

The MAVNI program provides a unique opportunity for international students to serve their adopted nation and gain direct US citizenship without permanent residency. The one-year pilot program enables the military to recruit up to 1,000 non-citizens who have been legally in the US for at least two years and have valid F-1 status.

To be eligible for the MAVNI program, individuals must possess medical skills or foreign language and cultural expertise that the military seeks. They must also meet the physical fitness standards, pass a thorough background check, and demonstrate good moral character. Additionally, they must be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States.

While the MAVNI program is not currently active, international students on F1 visas interested in joining the US military should stay informed and prepared for when the program is reinstated. It is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements and eligibility criteria.

Non-US citizens may be eligible to join the US Army if they meet certain criteria

To be eligible for the MAVNI program, applicants must fall into one of the following immigration categories or authorized stays at the time of enlistment:

• Individuals granted deferred action by the USCIS under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy
• Nonimmigrants in the following categories: E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TC, TD, TN, U, or V

The DoD typically requires MAVNI applicants to have been in a valid status in one of the eligible immigration categories or authorized stays for at least two years before enlisting. However, they may exempt or waive this requirement for certain applicants. It is important to note that one cannot join the military solely for the purpose of entering the US or obtaining a visa.

Additionally, each branch of the military has its own standards for enlisting, including age limits and minimum scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. International students interested in attending the US Air Force Academy, for example, must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being nominated by their home country's government, being unmarried, and demonstrating strong leadership potential and academic performance.

Non-US citizens who serve or have served in the US military honorably during designated periods of hostilities may be eligible to apply for US citizenship through naturalization under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This process involves filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and meeting certain requirements, such as demonstrating basic English proficiency and knowledge of civics.

The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program allowed non-citizens to join the military and earn citizenship through their service, but it was suspended in 2016

International students interested in serving in the military and obtaining citizenship may have been able to do so through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. MAVNI was a United States Department of Defense recruitment program that allowed certain non-citizens with critical skills, such as specific language expertise or healthcare qualifications, to join the US armed forces and earn citizenship. The program was exclusive and highly competitive, with applicants needing to meet stringent eligibility criteria and undergo extensive background checks and security screenings.

MAVNI was first introduced in 2008 as a one-year pilot program under the George W. Bush administration, with an initial cap of 1000 recruits. It experienced a tumultuous history, with suspensions and revisions occurring over the years. In 2009, the program was temporarily halted following the Fort Hood shooting, and it resumed in 2012 with revised vetting procedures. In 2014, the program's eligibility expanded to include individuals under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) category, and the cap was raised to 5000 recruits.

However, as of December 2016, MAVNI was placed under review and closed indefinitely to new recruits. This decision left thousands of immigrant recruits in limbo, and the program has faced legal challenges since then. The Department of Defense was accused of attempting to pressure existing MAVNI service members, and there were allegations of unequal treatment and arbitrary background check requirements. These new background checks were criticized for being overly stringent and based on trivial reasons for rejection.

The MAVNI program has not reopened to new recruits as of 2023, and the future of the program remains uncertain. While some defense officials have expressed support for MAVNI, the program has been embroiled in political debates and security clearance controversies. The current focus is on processing the existing group of recruits and ensuring they meet the necessary security clearance standards.

International students may participate in some parts of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program

International students interested in serving in the military may be able to do so through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. The ROTC is a leadership training and development program that prepares full-time, college-enrolled students for service opportunities in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. It is offered at over 1,700 colleges and universities in the United States.

While the eligibility requirements for international students to participate in the ROTC program may vary, it is worth noting that the program is open to both scholarship and non-scholarship students. Scholarship students are typically ranked based on criteria such as SAT or ACT scores, civil participation, academic performance, and other awards and recognitions. Non-scholarship students can participate in the ROTC program for the first two years without any service obligation.

International students interested in the ROTC program should be aware that it is a commitment. The program typically requires four years of active duty and four years in the Army Reserves. During the summer between junior and senior years, there is also a four-week Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, which is a requirement for graduation and commissioning as an officer.

While international students may face different eligibility requirements, they can still benefit from the ROTC program's mentorship, shadowing opportunities, and real-world leadership training. The program allows students to earn an undergraduate degree while also training for military service and developing valuable skills that will benefit them in their future careers.

International students with permanent residency in the US may be eligible to join the US military

The MAVNI program has specific requirements that applicants must meet. Firstly, applicants must possess language and cultural skills deemed vital to military interests. They must also pass a thorough background check and demonstrate good moral character, including a willingness to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. Additionally, applicants must be nominated by their home country's government and have been in valid status for at least two years prior to the enlistment date.

It is worth noting that the US military's elite universities, including the US Military Academy, US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, and US Coast Guard Academy, may accept F-1 international students. However, the admissions process for these academies is highly competitive and governed by strict federal regulations. International students enrolled in these academies will not be commissioned for service in the US military upon graduation.

While the MAVNI program provides an opportunity for international students with permanent residency to serve in the US military, it is important to stay updated with the Department of Defense's plans regarding MAVNI applications.

Frequently asked questions