Visa Lawyer Blog
Ever since the military released information about MAVNI, the new Citizenship opportunity, potential applicants are anxious to learn more about this unique program. 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, one must be legally present in the United States, and able to provide a passport, I-94 card, I-797 form, employment authorization document or other government issued documents proving legal presence in the United States.
Today I had a chance to speak in detail with the MAVNI military coordinator about the process of applying for this program. The information I was able to gather is as follows:
First of all an applicant that meets the basic requirements must file an initial application with the military online. According to the military coordinator, filing the application online is the best way to get yourself into the system and be called for further selection.
Here is a link to the only online application form for the MAVNI system where you will start the process of applying. Click here
Once the application is submitted the military will contact each applicant for further selection and review.
According to the officer that I have spoken to, there are two categories at this time. Applicants with certain language abilities (as per the military list), and health care professionals. Applicants that are not in the health care field can only apply n New York at this time. Health care professionals can apply nationwide. The program will expand to other states very soon according to our source.
Basic Qualifications
1. The applicant must be in one of the following categories at time of enlistment
a. asylee, refugee, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or
b. nonimmigrant categories E, F, H, I, J, K, L, M, O, P, Q, R, S, T, TC, TD, TN, U, or V
2. The applicant must have been in valid status in one of those categories for at least two years immediately prior to the enlistment date, but it does not have to be the same category as the one held on the date of enlistment; and
3. An applicant who may be eligible on the basis of a nonimmigrant category at time of enlistment (see 1b above) must not have had any single absence from the United States of more than 90 days during the two year period immediately preceding the date of enlistment.
Health Care Professionals
Applicants must fill medical specialties where the service has a shortfall
Applicants must meet all qualification criteria required for their medical specialty, and the criteria for foreign-trained DoD medical personnel recruited under other authorities
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English
Enlisted Individuals with Special Language and Culture Backgrounds
Applicants must commit to at least 3 years of active duty, or six years in the Selected Reserve
Applicants must possess specific language and culture capabilities in a language critical to DoD
Applicants must demonstrate a language proficiency
Applicants must meet all existing enlistment eligibility criteria
Applicants must enlist for at least 4 years of active duty
We will post more information as it becomes available, feel free to call or email with your questions.