onedayatatime:
Thank you for posting this information. The link to the US army isn't working, you might want to check that.

How does one apply for an exemption to join the military?

You mentioned that you helped two people through the process, do you mind sharing what you did exactly? Thanks!

onedayatatime:
Thank you for posting this information. The link to the US army isn't working, you might want to check that.

How does one apply for an exemption to join the military?

You mentioned that you helped two people through the process, do you mind sharing what you did exactly? Thanks!

1stGenAmerican:


Thanks for the heads up. Try www.goarmy.com to make contact t with a recruiter.
The first thing I did was convince both my little cousin who came here from Nigeria to school and her male friend to prepare for and take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Education Battery). Information can be reviewed here’s:
https://www.officialasvab.com/
Neither of them were interested in taking it but they finally did and both had very good scores. The scores alone made them extra attractive so I had both of them reach out to military recruiters who discussed their fields of studies and how expertise in those fields could fill a critical need in the military. Both recruiters helped them fill and submit the exemption forms and both got accepted.
I’ll suggest that you contact recruiters and prepare to take the ASVAB and you’ll receive assistance with applying for assistance. If you’re currently on a US College campus, you can make an appointment to meet with your campus recruiter who will walk you through the process. After all, military recruiters get huge incentives and bonuses by successfully helping new recruits enlist.

onedayatatime:
Hi 1stGenAmerican,

I've been reading around the topic you raised. It looks like the program has been suspended for now due to security concerns (please see link below on the suspension). The program is called MAVNI, and like you rightly said it's meant to recruit international students with critical skills. However, it hasn't reopened since 2015 or so when it was temporarily suspended. Out of curiosity, when did your cousin and friend enroll for the program? What skills did they possess to enlist in the military? Thank you!


https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/additional-resources/what-is-mavni-information-for-designated-school-officials

1stGenAmerican:


I understand the linked information and know about MAVNI but while very similar, it isn’t the same thing I discussed. If you are already in the US on an F1 and enrolled in school full-time, I still suggest you contact a recruiter to discuss a possible exception. Both began the process in 2021 and the critical skills came from clinical training in a BSRN degree program and a Robotics Technology program.

1stGenAmerican:


I understand the linked information and know about MAVNI but while very similar, it isn’t the same thing I discussed. If you are already in the US on an F1 and enrolled in school full-time, I still suggest you contact a recruiter to discuss a possible exception. Both began the process in 2021 and the critical skills came from clinical training in a BSRN degree program and a Robotics Technology program.

1stGenAmerican:
I chose to post this information because I’ve been invited to naturalization ceremonies for my little cousin who came here on a student visa and her male friend because I helped them through the process!
While everyone may not fit the criteria there are those that may. Please read the information provided in the body and at links carefully to find out if you may qualify. Please keep any questions on the board so that others can benefit from answered questions

Who may qualify : Male and female F1 visa holders that possess critical skills. Normally, these students wouldn’t qualify but if the student is 35 years of age or under (39 years of age for the Navy and Airforce) and are gaining or have already gained a critical skill through your education in the US, you can apply for an exemption to join the military and become a US Citizen using Form N-400 after one year of military service. Critical skills usually include medicine, specific IT concentrations, certain types of engineering, etc. If you have a legal spouse and/or dependents (children, parents, and sometimes siblings) they may also qualify. Graduate students and Green card holders may also qualify.

Benefits of joining the military while an F1 visa or green card holder : signing bonuses, tuition exemption/reimbursement, housing stipend, health, dental, and vision for you, your spouse, and minor dependents, salary while still a student of approximately $25,876/year (which will increase after earning a degree), eligibility for VA loans, pension, life insurance, possible access to GI Bill for dependents.

Steps : if you’re here on a valid F1 visa or have a valid green card, contact a recruiter to find out if your skill is considered critical here:
www.recruiting.army.mil
www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter
www.navy.com

If your skill is found to be critical and you join the US military, read about becoming a citizen here: https://www.uscis.gov/military/naturalization-through-military-service

Good luck!

1stGenAmerican:


I understand the linked information and know about MAVNI but while very similar, it isn’t the same thing I discussed. If you are already in the US on an F1 and enrolled in school full-time, I still suggest you contact a recruiter to discuss a possible exception. Both began the process in 2021 and the critical skills came from clinical training in a BSRN degree program and a Robotics Technology program.

tellwisdom:


No CIA, NSA or FBI recruitment?

Lotusflowerbomb:
Seems this person no longer has the answers to our unending questions. Perhaps her brother was just lucky.

Albertone:


Please what do you suggest is the fastest way to get US greencard/citizenship for we that don't have anybody there.

It's fine if you can't say it publicly,I can email you if you want.

Seventhheaven:
Is nursing among any of the critical skills please?

onedayatatime:


I've tried multiple ways but green card is a necessity for joining according ti ng recruiter. Please look into this information, I'm not sure about F1 visas holder, except state by state enrollment differs.

1stGenAmerican:


I never mentioned my brother anywhere in this thread. What question do you have for me, I’ll be happy to answer?

Lotusflowerbomb:


Can you pls help answer this? Cos the last time I checked, you need a green card to join the Army. “Please what do you suggest is the fastest way to get US greencard/citizenship for we that don't have anybody there.

It's fine if you can't say it publicly,I can email you if you want.“

1stGenAmerican:


Are you or are you not in the US as a student/F1visa holder?

1stGenAmerican:


Did you read any of the information at the links I provided that helps those without a green card? Are you already here in the US?

Lotusflowerbomb:
Yes I perused the Go Army website, and filled the form to speak with a recruiter since I read those are the first steps In enlisting as a Soldier. I am not currently in U.S.

Albertone:


Please what do you suggest is the fastest way to get US greencard/citizenship for we that don't have anybody there.

It's fine if you can't say it publicly,I can email you if you want.

Albertone:


1stGenAmerican
Please you didn't answer this question.

1stGenAmerican:


https://www.uscis.gov/green-card

Tinubuofemmanu:
Poster,Stop creating posts that u don't have adequate information for people that will ask questions.
Am currently serving in the US Army and I joined with a green card because I live in America.
Firstly, nobody, I repeat nobody from Nigeria resident in America can join US Army with no green card even if you have F1 visa. Green card is the password for journey to the Meps.

Also, if you currently live outside America or specifically live in Nigeria, forget about joining US Army, it's not possible.

1stGenAmerican:
I chose to post this information because I’ve been invited to naturalization ceremonies for my little cousin who came here on a student visa and her male friend because I helped them through the process!
While everyone may not fit the criteria there are those that may. Please read the information provided in the body and at links carefully to find out if you may qualify. Please keep any questions on the board so that others can benefit from answered questions please check your pm, I’m interested in this program and currently in the us. Please kindly check your pm

Who may qualify : Male and female F1 visa holders that possess critical skills. Normally, these students wouldn’t qualify but if the student is 35 years of age or under (39 years of age for the Navy and Airforce) and are gaining or have already gained a critical skill through your education in the US, you can apply for an exemption to join the military and become a US Citizen using Form N-400 after one year of military service. Critical skills usually include medicine, specific IT concentrations, certain types of engineering, etc. If you have a legal spouse and/or dependents (children, parents, and sometimes siblings) they may also qualify. Graduate students and Green card holders may also qualify.

Benefits of joining the military while an F1 visa or green card holder : signing bonuses, tuition exemption/reimbursement, housing stipend, health, dental, and vision for you, your spouse, and minor dependents, salary while still a student of approximately $25,876/year (which will increase after earning a degree), eligibility for VA loans, pension, life insurance, possible access to GI Bill for dependents.

Steps : if you’re here on a valid F1 visa or have a valid green card, contact a recruiter to find out if your skill is considered critical here:
www.recruiting.army.mil
www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter
www.navy.com

If your skill is found to be critical and you join the US military, read about becoming a citizen here: https://www.uscis.gov/military/naturalization-through-military-service

Good luck!