Note: The Department of Defense is not currently accepting MAVNI applications for FY 17 while it is revising its MAVNI implementation plan. Once it begins to accept enlistments, SEVP will provide additional information at that time. For more information please visit the What is MAVNI? Resource page.

Questions from Designated School Officials is a blog series on Study in the States for designated school officials (DSOs). Each month, we will answer a question that will help you advise your F and/or M students. If you are a DSO and would like to submit a question, you can email us or ask us via social media, your Field Representative or the SEVP Response Center. We may edit questions for clarity and consistency and 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 DSOs on our MAVNI page.