Foreign Nationals have served in the Military since the Revolutionary War. The Military Bases Agreement of 1947 allowed Filipino nationals into the Navy. In the 1950’s the Lodge Act permitted immigrants from Eastern Europe to enlist.
Today, approximately 25,000 non citizens serve on active duty, with an additional 5,000 enlisting every year. To recognize the sacrifices made by non-citizens during times of war, they are provided with an opportunity for expedited citizenship under a July 2002 Executive Order. Approximately 80,000 members of the Armed Forces have attained their citizenship while serving.
SO WHAT IS THE MAVNI PROGRAM
Military Accessions Vital To National Interest (MAVNI) is a program that was authorized by the US Secretary of Defense. The program allows Military Recruiter’s to recruit certain legal aliens, who possess skill sets considered to be vital to our national defense. Individuals holding these critical skills would be eligible to enlist without regard to their citizenship status.
The Army is currently seeking certain non immigrant aliens with foreign language abilities. In addition Health Care Professionals (doctors, dentist, nurses), can apply to be an AMEDD Officer.
As of September 25th 2014, the MAVNI program has been reopened, and available nationwide. The program has been extended through Oct of 2016. The program was previously active for one year and closed when slots ran out in FY 2013.
The Defense Department has authorized the U.S. Army to implement, under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program, a test that permits the enlistment of certain legal aliens into the U.S. Army. To be eligible for consideration, you must be legally present in the United States, and able to provide a passport, I-94 card, I-797 form, your employment authorization document or other government issued documents proving your legal presence in the United States.
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Please complete the business reply card and submit your information. The information you provide will be screened and your eligibility for the program will be tentatively determined and sent to a Recruiter.
For more information please download this PDF.
