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Commonwealth Application Update

The Army is not currently accepting applications from overseas Commonwealth candidates.


Sickle Cell Trait
We are screening all Army applicants for Sickle Cell Trait. Sickle Cell Trait is not a barring condition to entry, nor to joining a particular part of the Army. All candidates at Assessment Centres will complete a questionnaire as part of their medical that will help us assess if you are at higher risk of Sickle Cell Trait. If the doctor decides that you are a higher risk individual then the Army will arrange for you to undergo a diagnostic blood test to confirm if you have the condition or not. If you require a blood test you must have this done before you can conduct your entry fitness tests. We cannot conduct blood testing at the Assessment Centre, so your CSM will book you an appointment with our partner medical organisation as soon as possible; this will mean having to return to conduct the fitness test at a later date. We understand that any delay may be frustrating, however we are unwilling to compromise your 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.

Sickle Cell Leaflet

I'M FROM THE COMMONWEALTH

The Army is not accepting new applications from overseas Commonwealth candidates due to the high volume of applicants currently in the pipeline. This decision will be reviewed regularly and updates will be posted on this page.

Commonwealth soldiers are, and always will be, an important and value part of the fabric of the British Army. Commonwealth nationals who are currently resident in the UK, and have been for at least 3 years, may still apply. We thank all Commonwealth candidates and their sponsors for their patience and commitment in these uncertain times.

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I'M A BRITISH CITIZEN

As a British Citizen, British Overseas Territory Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British Subject, British National (Overseas) citizen and British Protect 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 A REFUGEE OR ASYLUM SEEKER

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

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

Soldier looking out of the top of an armoured vehicle

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Not sure where to start, or what you could do? Explore our guide to the different ways to join.
Female officer in the Army Medical Service

ARMY RECRUITING PROCESS

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

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