Do I have to be a US Citizen to join?

United States citizenship is a requirement for membership.   However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join.

If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident,  you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron .   

The citizenship waiver requires documentation (ex: a US Visa) that shows the reason you are in the country and how long you are permitted to stay in the US.    If approved, the waiver will only be for the period of residence within the United States.