If you want to join the U.S. Army and you have an F1 visa, you can do so. The process for joining is the same as for any other applicant.
No, you are not eligible to join the U.S. Army with an F1 visa.
Can international students join the U.S. military?
The MAVNI program was created in 2008 in order to help the US military recruit individuals with critical skills. The program allows non-citizens who are legally present in the United States and who hold critical skills to join the US military. In order to be eligible for the MAVNI program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
-Be between the ages of 17 and 34
-Be a legal resident of the United States
-Have critical skills that are deemed vital to the national interest
Individuals who are interested in serving in the military and who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply for the MAVNI program.
You may enlist in the military as a non-citizen, but you will have fewer options compared to US citizens. In order to enlist, you must have a permanent resident card (also known as a Green Card).
Can you join the U.S. military with a visa
In order to join the United States military, non-citizens must be living permanently and legally in the United States. Non-citizens must also have permission to work in the United States, possess an I-551 (Permanent Residence Card), have obtained a high school diploma and speak English.
A student on an F1 visa can go from an F1 visa to a green card as a family preference immigrant if they are a family member of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. This allows them to become a lawful permanent resident and obtain a green card.
Who Cannot join the US military?
If you have three or more convictions related to driving while intoxicated, drugged, or impaired in the past five years before joining the company, you will not be eligible for employment. If you are convicted for five or more misdemeanors, you will also not be eligible for employment. If you are unable to pass a drug or alcohol test, or if you have current charges pending against you, you will not be eligible for employment.
If you’re a student on an F-1 visa, you can get married to a US citizen. The law states that you have to file the appropriate forms with USCIS before your F-1 visa expires.
How long does it take to get citizenship through military?
The total processing time for naturalization can be quite lengthy, taking anywhere from 185 to 24 months. However, some individuals may be eligible for expedited naturalization if they meet certain criteria, such as being the spouse of a US service member. By taking into account the interview, the decision, and the Oath of Allegiance, the total processing time can be reduced significantly for those who qualify.
In order to enlist in the US military, you must be between the ages of 17 and 39, a US citizen, and have either a high school diploma or GED with 15 college credits.
Can I join the military if I overstayed my visa
In order to join the Army, you must have legally been living in the US for at least 2 years. If you have been granted DACA, this requirement may be waived. However, you cannot have had any single absence from the US that lasted longer than 90 days.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you plan on changing from an F1 to an H1B student visa. You can either change directly to an H1B, or take the F1 to OPT to H1B path. Many F1 students choose to participate in OPT (optional practical training) before applying for an H1B. Keep in mind that you will likely need a job offer from a US employer before you can apply for the H1B. The OPT can give you a chance to gain some work experience in your field and make connections in the US. Once you have an H1B, you will be able to stay and work in the US for up to 6 years.
How do I switch from F-1 to green card?
There are five common ways to turn an F-1 visa into lawful permanent residency: self-petitioning as a person of extraordinary ability, receiving employer sponsorship, adjusting status to a dual-intent visa, becoming an investor, or marrying a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. Each of these options has its own requirements and process, so it’s important to understand all of the options before deciding which one is right for you.
F1 Visa holders can marry while in school and apply for a Change of Status without seeking a waiver. Under such circumstances, the foreign student will most likely be able to remain in the United States.
Why would the Army reject you
There are many reasons why the military may not accept an individual. The reasons can include age and weight restrictions, medical and criminal histories, and even certain tattoos. Each branch of the military has different standards that need to be met in order for an individual to be accepted.
There are a number of things that can disqualify you at MEPS. These can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, among others. If any of these disqualifications appear during your MEPS physical exam or interview, it may prevent you from joining the Army.
How tall is too tall for the military?
If you are looking to join the military, it is important to note that the ideal height requirement for men is between 60-80 inches / 152-203 cm. Anyone above or below this requirement is likely to get rejected. This is important to keep in mind when making your decision to join the military, as you want to make sure that you meet all the requirements in order to be accepted.
If you are filing for a change of status to your current immigration status, you may be able to work or travel while you wait for your petition to be processed. The processing time for change of status applications can take up to 12 months, but if you file Forms I-765 and I-131, you may be able to work or travel while you wait for your petition to be processed. These two forms have a shorter processing time than the green card.
Conclusion
No, you cannot join the U.S. Army with an F1 visa.
There is not currently a way for someone with an F1 visa to join the United States Army. However, there are many other ways for immigrants to join the Army, such as through the Military Accessions Vital to National Interest program.
