Nationality

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I'M A BRITISH CITIZEN

As a British Citizen, British Subject under the Nationality Act 1981 or British Protected Person, you're able to apply to join the Army.

I'M AN IRISH CITIZEN

As an Irish Citizen, you can apply to join the regular Army. If you're hoping to join the Army Reserve, you need to be already living in the UK.

I'M FROM THE COMMONWEALTH

The Army currently offers limited places for Commonwealth applicants. You don't require UK residency.

I'M A REFUGEE OR ASYLUM SEEKER

Unfortunately, you're not able to join the British Army.

JOINING FROM THE COMMONWEALTH

Currently there are a limited number of places and roles available in the British Army to candidates from Commonwealth countries. To apply to join one of these roles please begin your application by registering. Once you have registered, we will be in contact with you and progress your application.

Start your application

For a list of Commonwealth countries, please visit thecommonwealth.org

Please note: We will not ask you for a fee or any costs to apply to join. Candidates are asked to report any 'agents' who ask for money.

PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU APPLY

It is the responsibility of individual applicants to ensure that they have permission to be in the UK. This must be valid for the entirety of the recruitment and selection process up until the point they are enlisted
All applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least 2 years from your start date in the Army
You must be applying to join the Regular (full time) Army. You cannot join as a Reservist (part time) from the Commonwealth

BEFORE YOU JOIN

Until the day you join, you're responsible for making sure that your visa is valid and you're in the country legally.

If your visa runs out, you will need to pay for yourself to go back home to apply for a new visa, before carrying on with your application.

WHEN YOU JOIN

You'll be given 'exempt immigration control' status while you're serving. You'll need to pay to regularise your immigration status yourself, if you want to stay in the UK after your service ends. It is easier to apply whilst you are serving, as long as you have served for at least four years.

BECOMING A BRITISH CITIZEN

If you want to naturalise while you're serving, you'll need to pay all the costs and make sure you meet the Home Office's requirements. Your service can count towards the residency part of the requirements.

CAN MY FAMILY JOIN ME?

Yes, your family can join you, as long as:

You and your family can meet the immigration rules
You can pay for their visa and travel costs

Make sure that you talk to your recruiter about your immigration circumstances.

For your family to come to the UK, you and your family must meet the minimum income and English language requirements.

The current minimum income requirements to bring in entitled family members are:

Partner (no children) £18,600
Partner + 1 child £22,400
Partner + 2 children £24,800
Partner + 3 children £27,200

It might take you several years to earn enough to bring your family to the UK.

You'll also need to pay their travel and visa costs. Entry visa costs are changed every April. A visa for 2019/20 costs £1,523 per person.

NEXT STEPS

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Not sure where to start, or what you could do? Explore our guide to the different ways to join.

ARMY RECRUITING PROCESS

Learn about the recruitment process and how to prepare for the Army assessment.