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International Armed Forces and International Civilian Employees Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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International Armed Forces and International Civilian Employees Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 1 month

Estimated Cost

GBP £1,761

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years (varies by role)

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

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 temporary route is for members of international armed forces or international civilian employees (e.g., NATO forces, Australian Department of Defence, or NATO contractors) coming to the UK for training, study, or familiarisation.

The International Armed Forces and International Civilian Employees visa is a UK temporary route for serving members of foreign armed forces and civilian staff of NATO forces or the Australian Department of Defence invited by HM Armed Forces or the UK Ministry of Defence.

Civilian employees can stay up to 5 years (or 6 months for shorter postings), renewable for the duration of the posting. There is no pathway to permanent residency, and work is restricted to the sponsored role. Spouses may work if the grant period is 6 months or more.

This visa is ideal for military personnel and civilian employees of NATO or allied defence organisations temporarily posted to the UK for training, study, or familiarisation.

United Kingdom

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Cost Breakdown

Visa Application Fee (Non-Exempt)GBP £726
IHS (Non-Exempt)GBP £1,035
TotalGBP £1,761

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Serving member of a foreign armed force or international civilian employee.

Invited by HM Armed Forces or the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Official military movement orders or civilian posting letter.

Demonstrate adequate maintenance and accommodation.

Meet suitability requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Official military movement orders or civilian posting letter

Invitation/sponsorship letter from the UK MOD

Evidence of financial resources and accommodation

TB certificate (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Facilitates international military cooperation
  • Exemptions available for specific personnel

Worth Knowing

  • No pathway to settlement
  • Work restricted to the specific posting
  • Requires MOD sponsorship
  • Lack of official MOD invitation
  • Failure to meet suitability requirements

Application Process

1

Obtain official posting/movement orders and UK MOD invitation.

2

Complete the online application form on GOV.UK.

3

Pay the visa fee and IHS (if applicable).

4

Book and attend a biometric appointment.

5

Submit supporting documents.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
GOV.UK Visa Portal
Apply to come to the UK — online visa application portal
Fill online

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