Non US Citizens

[pc1342]

Are there any procedures for non US citizens applying to police departments within the US or is this a no go.

[Delta_V]

I'm not personally familiar with them, but there really are only a handful of departments in the country who will accept non-citizens. At the least you'll have to be a resident alien, which still takes time to establish.

[jnhdrac]

I think I saw a job announcement several years ago for a department in Hawaii that would accept non-citizen permanent residents. Other than that, I do not recall any departments that will take non-citizens. After you are a permanent resident, I think it takes about 3 years to get citizenship.

[thebat79]

I work with a guy who started his career as a Bobbie (sp?) in England. He was a UK citizen and decided to move over here. He started at Bakersfield PD and then moved up here to Federal Way PD. I know that he would be open to giving you advice on his path to here. Email me at keith.schenkel@cityoffederalway.com if you are interested.

[Delta_V]

There's an officer here who used to work for the Met in London and he made the jump over here.

He did it the easy way though...he married an American. ;)

[co911]

It's a "go", but not an easy "go". There are depts here which will accept your application even if you do not have a green card (permanent residency). The easiest way to become legal is to marry a US citizen. Otherwise, look into employer-based sponsorship. It's a long, expensive road, but it is possible. PM me if you want more info.

[pc1342]

Thanks a lot for all your help and advice guys. Will need to take a little time out to look at all the options. Like the idea about marrying an American Lady, the wife wasnt too keen on that option though, cant understand why not myself.