NATIONALITY & Commonwealth information

COVID-19 severely disrupted the Army's ability to conduct face-to-face assessments.

Visas
Recruiting Group and HQ ARITC have worked hard to put in place measures that are now allowing us to assess large numbers of candidates whilst remaining compliant with COVID restrictions, though inevitably a backlog still remains. These delays have affected all Army candidates, both UK and Commonwealth, though we recognise the additional strain placed on Commonwealth candidates and their sponsors by their visa restrictions.

The Home Office has agreed to extend visa to 31 October, for those on the Home Office Assurance list that was submitted. Please note that this extension is only for applicants for the Army not a general Visa extension for all people visiting the UK.

Sickle Cell Trait
We are also aware that the requirement to test some candidates for Sickle Cell Trait creates a further delay. This testing is essential to ensure candidate safety in both Army Assessment Centres as well the early stages of their military career. The Army are currently in the late stages of trialling a Sickle Cell Trait testing solution that should see us able to begin to swiftly resolve the backlog.

Again, this delay may be frustrating however we are unwilling to compromise candidate safety in order to speed up the recruitment process.

We understand that delays are putting candidates under pressure, though Candidate Support Managers in the National Recruiting Centre will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on your application.

Commonwealth soldiers are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the fabric of the British Army. We thank all Commonwealth candidates and their sponsors for their patience and commitment in these uncertain times, and we wish you all the best of luck for the next step in your application.