Canadian wishing to serve the US Army...

[Rommsey]

Hello all.

A dream of mine is to serve the United States Armed Forces and one day become a US citizen. I understand that a key requirement for enlistment is a Green Card (a Permanent Resident Card for LPR). This, as I have learned, is a lengthy challenge that has a variety of obstacles all of which I am prepared to meet and exceed.

Some background information about myself. I have a Bachelors of Science in Computer Engineering Technology from the University of DeVry Phoenix (via the Calgary Alberta Campus) and this degree is recognized under NAFTA for TN Visas.

What sorts of resources would be my best bet, or at lest a good bet to utilize in making progress towards acquiring a Green Card? I've checked a few websites out, including my local Consulate (amcits), US Immigration (uscis) and recently a TN Visa site (tnvisaexpert).

I understand the process as follows:

- acquire a job offer in the US
- apply for a TN Visa or H1-B (limited lottery)
- upon acceptance migrate to the US to work
- apply for a green card after x amount of time with y sponsor
- apply for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces

On paper it looks easy. What I'm looking for is if there is a way that I can reduce the time spent on acquiring the Green Card simply because at 5 to 7 years, I feel a good portion of my working life will be burdened in a complicated legal process just so I can serve a country for which I will not shy away from commitment.

Any ideas?

Thanks for reading.

[Reba]

What's wrong with joining Canadian forces and server your own country?

[Rommsey]

What's wrong with joining Canadian forces and server your own country?

I get this quite a bit. As I stated in my prior post, I want to become a US citizen. The US Armed Forces is a great way to reaching this goal. Additionally, the Canadian Forces do not offer the same career advancement opportunities that the US Armed Forces do.

[BermudaBum]

Well, from my experience, I can attest that it is possible.
During my term in the Cdn Armed Forces, a peer of mine was given the boot from the army for being too aggressive (the Cdn Army frowns upon such a thing). A while later I heard that he ended up joining the US Marines.
The only catch to this story is that he was a Native Indian - this may or may not provide some light.

P.S. Show some pride on your own country first - the army's not all glory; particularly when the US goes to war every decade.

[Rommsey]

Well, from my experience, I can attest that it is possible.
During my term in the Cdn Armed Forces, a peer of mine was given the boot from the army for being too aggressive (the Cdn Army frowns upon such a thing). A while later I heard that he ended up joining the US Marines.
The only catch to this story is that he was a Native Indian - this may or may not provide some light.

P.S. Show some pride on your own country first - the army's not all glory; particularly when the US goes to war every decade.

Native Indian means he is free to cross the border and live on either side.

I've shown a lot of pride in my own country, then again I don't appreciate guilt trips because someone doesn't like the US' image.

[BermudaBum]

Then slap on your dress, walk across under the cover of darkness & emigrate Nancy.

[Rommsey]

Then slap on your dress, walk across under the cover of darkness & emigrate Nancy.

You're not very friendly, are you?

I come here for help and already I have someone giving me a guilt trip and insulting me.

[BermudaBum]

Read my previous posts . . . I offered you assistance, you threw the first offense.
Help me Jebus!