Questions from Designated School Officials: What is MAVNI?
January 7, 2013
Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each Monday, we will answer a question that will help you help your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, e-mail SEVPCommunications@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line “Questions from DSOs.” The Student and Exchange Visitor Program may edit questions for clarity and consistency. We may not feature all submissions on Study in the States.
Question: What is MAVNI?
Answer: Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) is a program that allows certain non-citizens who are legally present in the United States to join the U.S. military and apply immediately for U.S. citizenship without first obtaining lawful permanent residence. The program is only available to legal aliens holding critical skills, including physicians, nurses and experts in certain languages with associated cultural backgrounds.
An F or M student who meets requirements may apply for MAVNI. DSOs should be aware of the program to help participating students make the transition from F or M student to naturalization applicant.
You can find more information about MAVNI and download a guide for DSOson our MAVNI page.
More Questions from Designated School Officials
- Questions from Designated School Officials: Traveling Transfer Students
- Questions from Designated School Officials: Program Completion Dates
- Questions from Designated School Officials: SEVIS Access
- Questions from Designated School Officials: Changing Employers While on the 17-Month Extension
