International Armed Forces and International Civilian Employees Visa

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.