I only know as much as you know. But I understood it differently. I think we will get an update on the MAVNI program in May and the updated process will take the majority of this year.

Yea, there is no interview process for DA.

@lili Nothing is certain about the MAVNI program this year. My suggestion is not to plan around it and think of it as a backup. Stay in status and wait is all I can say now.

@mohdfaraz The only way is to check constantly if the MAVNI program reopened or not. The US army does not put you in pipeline.

@Faustob By arrival order. It is first come, first served.

@sjgold2001 Your process is technically suspended until the MAVNI program reopens for Korean speakers.

@ketan.dosi I had a valid status with an approved I-797 when I applied. I believe it is okay as long as the approved I-797 is not expired.

@BLMADHUKUMAR Please wait for the part 2. It will be posted soon.

All the MAVNI enlistees who are out of status can now ask for "Deferred Action" from USCIS. You can get work authorization before you get shipped out to BCT. Your parents also can get benefits from this memorandum. Please read the memo carefully and ask for legal advice before applying.

KEY TERMS:
DA – Deferred Action
DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DEP – Department of Defense Delayed Entry Program
LPR – Lawful Permanent Resident
MAVNI – Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest
PIP – Parole in Place
TPS – Temporary Protected Status

What is Parole in Place?

Parole in place allows a foreign national who came into the United States without authorization by an immigration officer to stay for a certain period of time. Parole in place is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole is considered a lawful immigration status for purposes of certain immigration benefits, such as a Green Card. Parole, however, does not excuse any periods of unlawful presence outside of the parole period.

Why would I need parole in place? If you are in the United States without authorization by an immigration officer, you may be ineligible for several immigration benefits. If your request for parole in place is approved, you:

• Do not accrue unlawful presence during the period specified;
• May apply for a work permit for the specified period (see Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization); and
• May be able to apply for an immigration benefit that requires a lawful entry, including a Green Card, if you are eligible. Note that parole by itself does not lead to any immigration status or other immigration benefit.

Am I eligible for parole in place? You may be eligible for parole in place in one-year increments if you are the spouse, widow(er), parent, son, or daughter of:

• An active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces;
• An individual in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve; or
• A military veteran (whether living or deceased, as long as he or she was not dishonorably discharged) who served in active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.

How do I request parole in place?

• You will need to complete Form I-131,Application for Travel Document, and submit it (without fee) to your local USCIS office.
• You will also need to provide copies of documents that show you are eligible for parole in place (do not submit originals). This includes evidence of the family relationship, and proof that your relative is or was an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve.
• For complete details on how to request parole in place, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/military/discretionary-options-military-members-enlistees-and-their-families.

What is Deferred Action?

Deferred action is a discretionary decision to postpone someone’s removal from the United States for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status, and it does not excuse any periods of unlawful presence outside of the deferred action period.

Why would I need deferred action? If you are subject to removal and are not eligible for parole in place or a lawful status, deferred action would allow you to stay in the United States for a certain period of time. If your request for deferred action is approved, you:

• Are considered to be lawfully present in the United States for the period specified; and
• May apply for a work permit for the specified period if there is financial need (see Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization).

Am I eligible for deferred action? You may be eligible for deferred action in two-year increments if:

• You are the spouse, widow(er), parent, son, or daughter of:
  • An active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces;
  • An individual in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve; or
  • A military veteran (whether living or deceased, as long as he or she was not dishonorably discharged) who served in active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve; or
• You are an enlistee - or the spouse, parent, son, or daughter of an enlistee - in the Department of Defense Delayed Entry Program (DEP), including through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program

How do I request deferred action?

• You will need to provide a letter to your local USCIS office explaining why you are requesting deferred action
• You will also need to provide copies of documents that show you are eligible for deferred action (do not submit originals). This includes evidence of the family relationship (if applicable), and proof that your relative is or was an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve, or that you or your relative is a DEP enlistee
• For complete details on how to request deferred action, please visit https://www.uscis.gov/military/discretionary-options-military-members-enlistees-and-their-families.

References:
USCIS memorendum - https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2016/PIP-DA_Military_Final_112316.pdf

Brochure - https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/images/Brochure-Immigration_Options_for_Family_of_Certain_Military_Members_and_Veterans.pdf