Immigration through military service

[Marco 72]

Is it possible for Commonwealth citizens to enlist in the British armed forces in their own countries as a way of emigrating to the UK?

[pumkin]

Is it possible for Commonwealth citizens to enlist in the British armed forces in their own countries as a way of emigrating to the UK?

There are quite a few people that are doing this, however, I know that countries such as South Africa are stipulating that you HAVE to get permission from them to join a foreign army. If you don't get this permission you can get into tremendous trouble. Further, even though you are given permission to stay in the UK during your service, there is no guarantee that they will give you citizenship, so tread carefully and do all your homework.

[Marco 72]

Thanks, I was curious about how long these foreign soldiers have to wait before applying for naturalisation on the basis of Crown service, and how difficult it is for such applications to succeed.

[JAJ]

Is it possible for Commonwealth citizens to enlist in the British armed forces in their own countries as a way of emigrating to the UK?

In general the British armed forces do not recruit people who have been resident outside the UK a long time. This can even affect some British citizens overseas who want to join the Forces:
http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers/istheraff ... idency.cfm

This document shows how residence requirements for naturalisation can be waived for those in the Armed Forces:
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/docume ... iew=Binary

[pumkin]

My brother is in the British army - he is a SA citizen. Being my half brother is doesn't have any connections to the UK at all. There are loads of foreigners in the army as they find it difficult to recruit.