Hello,

Firstly no need to apologise and its great that your son wants to enlist. Commonwealth soldiers are, and always will be, an important and valued part of the fabric of the British Army. Commonwealth nationals who are currently resident in the UK, and have been for at least 5 years, may still apply. We are no longer inviting applications from Commonwealth nationals who have not resided in the UK for more than 5 years. I sorry this may not be what you wanted to hear but keep checking as it may re-open to commonwealth applications in the future.

Thanks.

16 October, 2023 14:04

Hi Deegan, thank you for your response. This is indeed bad news. Would you perhaps know when applications will open?

16 October, 2023 14:15

Hi Deegan, Sorry, another question, does this rule apply to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy as well?

16 October, 2023 14:26

Sorry i don't know when the British Army will start accepting applications again. I've spoken to the RAF recruiters and I'm afraid yes, you would have to have British citizenship or a commonwealth national who currently resides in the UK and has done so for 5 years.

The good news is you may be able to join the Royal Navy. Their website says this: "If you’re a Commonwealth citizen, you no longer need to be a UK resident to apply, which means a career in the Royal Navy is more accessible than ever."

I will add the link here so you can have a look: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/joining/commonwealth-and-non-british/royal-navy

Good luck.

17 October, 2023 10:32