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HM Armed Forces Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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HM Armed Forces Visa

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–6 months

Estimated Cost

GBP £6,697

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
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Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

This route is for members of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces discharging from service ("service leavers"), foreign or Commonwealth citizens discharged from HM Forces, and their partners or children to live and settle in the UK.

The Appendix HM Armed Forces route lets regular service leavers from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, or Royal Air Force — and foreign or Commonwealth citizens discharged from HM Forces — settle in the UK with their families. It directly recognises the Armed Forces Covenant and leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Applicants need at least 4 years' reckonable service (or medical discharge) and must apply within 18 weeks before or 28 days after discharge. Partners and dependent children can apply jointly; partners may work without restriction. The minimum income requirement is £23,496. IHS is waived.

This visa is ideal for regular HM Forces service leavers and their non-UK families seeking to settle permanently in the UK after military service.

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Cost Breakdown

Settlement (ILR)GBP £3,226
Limited Leave to EnterGBP £2,064
Further Leave to RemainGBP £1,407
TotalGBP £6,697

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Regular member of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, or Royal Air Force.

Completed at least 4 years of reckonable service (unless medically discharged).

Service leavers must apply within 18 weeks prior to or 28 days after discharge.

Meet suitability requirements (criminality, etc.).

Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) of £23,496 (or adequate maintenance test).

English language requirement for partners/children over 18 (CEFR Level A1).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Evidence of military service (MOD discharge papers, certificate of service)

Evidence of relationship

Financial evidence (payslips, bank statements)

Tuberculosis (TB) certificate (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Direct pathway to settlement
  • Full work authorization
  • IHS exemption

Worth Knowing

  • Strict service length requirements
  • Financial requirements apply
  • Limited to regular forces
  • Reserve forces membership
  • Failure to meet suitability/criminality requirements
  • Failure to meet minimum service length without medical discharge

Application Process

1

Gather evidence of military service, financial status, and relationship.

2

Complete the online application form on GOV.UK.

3

Pay the application fee.

4

Book and attend a biometric appointment.

5

Upload supporting documents and await a decision.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
VAF AFFill online
SET(AF)Fill online
GOV.UK Visa Portal
Apply for a UK visa as a member of HM Forces or their family
Fill online
SET
Settle in the UK as a former member of HM Forces
Fill online

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