Hi there! I'm currently a permanent resident with a green card. I've been considering various paths after high school, and the military has come up. I'm eager to serve, but can I do so without being a full-fledged citizen yet? Do I need a green card to join the military? Any help would be appreciated!
Yes, indeed, non-U.S. citizens can serve in the U.S. military, but there are some eligibility requirements you need to meet. First and foremost, you must be a legal permanent resident with a valid Green Card (official Permanent Resident Card). Whenever you apply, this card has to be unexpired and physically present.
The branches of the military including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and some positions within the National Guard and Reserve will accept legal permanent residents. That said, specific job opportunities within these branches might be restricted to U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements.
Note that enlisting in the military can expedite your path to citizenship: where it usually takes Naturalization applicants five years of permanent residence to apply for U.S. citizenship, members of the military can apply after just one year of service. If you're deployed during a time of hostilities, you can apply for Naturalization immediately.
All these rules considered, you absolutely can consider a military path even as a permanent resident. Make contact with a military recruiter for further details on service options and enlistment procedures, and make sure to also consult with an immigration attorney to fully understand the legal aspects and the potential implications on your immigration status.
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