Hi all, I am currently a permanent resident of the US looking into joining the Air Force National Guard, however my Permanent Resident Card is conditional and expires in 2 years, I learned that people holding a "Green card" are eligible to join the military but I also heard that the card must not expire within 2 years from the date you enlist. I would like to confirm that information and if it's true, then is there any waiver to make it possible for me to enlist? In 2 years I'll get my 10 years green card, and in 3 years I am going to be eligible for US Citizenship, but I am almost 25 years old and I want to start a career now, hopefully with the ANG. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rio87,
I'm an Active Duty recruiter so it's possible but highly unlikely this will be different, I uncourage you to contact an ANG recruiter on this.
2.20. Requirements for Non-US Citizens: (Note: This information applies to EA programs only; all OA program applicants must be US citizens.) 2.20.1. Non-US citizens will not enter AD without their INS Form I-551 status in their possession, solely indicating permanent resident status. Applicants may process with (1) an INS Form I-551 with an expiration date greater than 2 years from date of issue (a ―permanent‖ card); (2) an INS Form I-551 without expiration date and an INS Form G-845, Document Verification Request, with no restrictions; or (3) an INS Form G-845 with no restrictions, proof that a ―permanent‖ card was ordered, and proof of permanent alien status (that is, a stamped passport; an INS Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record; or an old INS Form I-551with temporary stamp).
Hi, first of all thank you for the tips. I actually talked to a recruiter and I have all the documents you mentioned however he said that the green card couldn't expire within 2 years from the date you enlist so I have been trying to find out if there is any waiver to make it possible for me to extend my green card in at least 1 year. Seems like with a 2 years green card It's possible to join the Army but not the Air National Guard, but my interest is really making a career with the Air Guard. Anyway, I called the USCIS and they advised me to talk to an immigration officer to see my options. I have an appointment scheduled with the officer in this upcoming week and I'll update this topic once I get to know more information on this matter, I am sure I'm not the first one in this situation nor the last so I'll be glad to share whatever I find out.
Originally posted by Rio87: Hi, first of all thank you for the tips. I actually talked to a recruiter and I have all the documents you mentioned however he said that the green card couldn't expire within 2 years from the date you enlist so I have been trying to find out if there is any waiver to make it possible for me to extend my green card in at least 1 year. Seems like with a 2 years green card It's possible to join the Army but not the Air National Guard, but my interest is really making a career with the Air Guard. Anyway, I called the USCIS and they advised me to talk to an immigration officer to see my options. I have an appointment scheduled with the officer in this upcoming week and I'll update this topic once I get to know more information on this matter, I am sure I'm not the first one in this situation nor the last so I'll be glad to share whatever I find out.
Hello RIO87, I am in the same boat as you and was wondering how you went about yours and if they were able to extend it for you? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hello! Actually I had an appointment with the immigration officer and he said there is nothing really they can do, it is up to the Air Guard to grant us a waiver but if they decline, the immigration officer advised me to look for other branches. If you are in the same situation as I am, then we are eligible to enlist in the Army and if I am not mistaken in the Navy as well, seems like only the Air National Guard has such rules. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you hear anything different.
