What will happen to my contract??????

Question

I joined the ARMY in april. Ship date is Oct. 3 2008, FT. Benning. Counselor said I cant go till I get my citizenship, because my green card expired. The citizenship hasn't come in yet. Will I be able to ship out with an expired green card? Recruiter cant help me with this. Will my contract expire or will I get a new ship date.? Has anyone been through this?

Thanks

Answer 1

Since you're ineligible, your contract is probably void, which would mean you'll have to repeat the entire process.

Answer 2

You might be able to ship out.

This is from the Air Force Regulations - which because of the type of qualification is similar/identical to the Army's regs.

In reading the regulations, it might be possible to enter without it as long as it has been ordered.  This would require a waiver.  See your recruiter and have him/her contact MEPS as they would have the exact details.

2.20. Requirements for Non-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 an

(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, Verification Request, with no restrictions; or

(3) an INS Form G-845 with no restriction, no proof that a “permanent” card was ordered, and no 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).

2.20.2. Under unusual circumstances, the local squadron commander and HQ AFRS/RSO may approve an INS Form I-551 exception to policy (ETP) in AFRISS on an applicant going EAD who has ordered, but not received, an INS Form I-551.

NOTE: Applicants who do not have a permanent INS

Form I-551 at the time of MEPS processing will be reserved to EAD no earlier than 8 months from the date the permanent card was ordered. There is no exception to the 8-month rule.

2.20.3. Applicants who had a permanent INS Form I-551 at the time of processing and reordered the card, but did not receive it prior to EAD (15 duty days), must request an ETP from the squadron commander.