International Students And Military Service: Is It Possible?

International students face various restrictions when it comes to joining the military. In the US, for instance, individuals on a student visa cannot join the army, but other non-US citizens may be eligible if they meet certain criteria. These criteria include age, education, physical fitness, and moral character standards. Previously, 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. While international students may not be able to directly join the army, they can participate in certain parts of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program or attend West Point Academy. Similar requirements apply to international students as their US counterparts, including age and sponsorship by a national government official.

Can international students join the military?

International students on a student visa cannot join the US Army

Another option for international students to join the US military was previously available through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. This initiative allowed non-citizens to join the military and earn citizenship through their service. However, MAVNI was suspended in 2016, and as of 2021, the Department of Defense is not accepting MAVNI applications while it revises its implementation plan.

While waiting for the MAVNI program to reopen or pursuing permanent residency, international students can consider participating in certain parts of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program or attending West Point Academy. Although international students are not eligible for the associated scholarships, some ROTC programs only require full-time university enrollment to take classes. West Point also accepts some international students, but graduates return to their home country to complete their military service rather than becoming commissioned officers in the US Army.

Given the complexities of immigration and military enlistment regulations, it is advisable for international students to consult with immigration attorneys or military recruiters to explore their options and receive guidance tailored to their specific circumstances. These professionals can provide the most current and detailed information regarding eligibility and alternative pathways to joining the US military.

Non-US citizens may be eligible if they have a green card and meet other criteria

International students on a student visa cannot join the US Army. However, non-US citizens with a green card may be eligible to join the Army if they meet other criteria. These individuals must be permanent residents, be at least 17 and no more than 35 years old, be fluent in both spoken and written English, and live in the US.

One way to become a permanent resident is to change one's visa status, which often requires specific circumstances such as family sponsorship or employment. Another option is to attend a US military service academy, such as West Point, which accepts some international students. However, graduates of these academies do not become commissioned officers in the US Army but instead return to their home country to complete their military service.

International students may also be able to participate in some parts of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, which offers scholarship opportunities to attend college and serve in the Army as an officer after graduation. However, international students are not eligible for these scholarships as they cannot serve in the Army.

Previously, there was another option for non-citizens to join the military and earn citizenship through their service called Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI). However, this program was suspended in 2016.

MAVNI, a program for non-citizens to join the military, was suspended in 2016

International students on a student visa cannot join the US Army. However, other non-US citizens may be eligible if they meet certain criteria. The Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program was a route for non-citizens to join the military and earn citizenship through their service. The program was designed to recruit legal non-immigrants with critical skills, such as specific language abilities or healthcare expertise. MAVNI was initiated in 2008 as a one-year pilot program with a cap of 1000 recruits.

In 2014, the program was extended until 2016 with an increased cap of 5000 recruits. However, in December 2016, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) was notified by the Department of Defense (DoD) that it would no longer accept applications for benefits under the MAVNI program for fiscal year 2017. The suspension was intended to allow for revisions to the MAVNI implementation plan and the addition of new security protocols for applicants.

The MAVNI program has been under review and closed to new recruits since 2016, with limited updates on its status. While there were initial expectations for the program to resume in 2017, it remains suspended as of 2025. The suspension of MAVNI has led to a relaxation of requirements for native citizens, with more waivers being granted to individuals with criminal backgrounds or histories of drug use.

International students may participate in some Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs

While international students cannot join the U.S. Army, they may participate in some Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs. 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. The Coast Guard offers a similar program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI).

ROTC is offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities, and students can receive a two-, three-, or four-year scholarship in exchange for a service commitment. The four-year curriculum combines classroom and leadership work, and students receive basic military training and officer training for their chosen branch of service through the ROTC unit at or near the college. Students participate in regular drills during the school year and off-campus training opportunities during the summer.

International students are not eligible for the scholarships as they are unable to serve in the Army. However, some ROTC programs do not have any requirements or prerequisites to take ROTC classes other than being enrolled full-time in the university. The Basic Course normally involves one elective class and lab each semester, along with the required physical training and field training exercises. Students learn basic Army skills and what it takes to become a leader, and they practice becoming leaders in a team setting while receiving helpful feedback.

After graduation, ROTC students attend the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), which prepares them for their career as an Army Officer through classroom and field training. Upon graduation from college and successful completion of Advanced Camp, they are commissioned as officers in their choice of the Army, Army Reserve, or Guard.

West Point Academy accepts some international students, but graduates return to their home country

International students can join the U.S. military, but the process is different from that of US citizens. International students cannot apply directly to the Air Force Academy. Instead, they must apply through their government, typically through their ministry of defence. Only a limited number of countries can nominate students, and these nominations are processed through the US Defence Attaché Office or the American embassy serving the student's country. The student's country may require them to commit to serving in their military.

West Point Academy, a US military service academy, accepts international students, but graduates are required to return to their home country. The eligibility requirements for international students differ from those for other applicants. Each international candidate must be nominated by their home country's government and be unmarried. They must also be a citizen of the nominating country, be of good moral character, and demonstrate strong leadership potential and academic performance. International students must also meet physical and medical standards and be at least 17 years old but not past their 23rd birthday on July 1 of the year of entry.

The application process for international students interested in attending a US military academy can be complex and competitive. Students should check with their home country's government to determine their country's eligibility to nominate and the specific nomination procedures. Nominations must be received by the academy by December 14 for the class entering the following June.

While West Point Academy does offer the opportunity for international students to receive a top-notch military education, it is important to note that graduates are expected to return to their home countries to serve. This provides a unique opportunity for international students to gain valuable skills and knowledge that they can then take back to their home countries and contribute to their military forces.

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