United Kingdom•Europe1-6 months
6,697 GBP
Indefinite
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Allowed
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.
Settlement (ILR) | 3,226 GBP |
Limited Leave to Enter | 2,064 GBP |
Further Leave to Remain | 1,407 GBP |
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
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).
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)
| VAF AF | Fill 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 |
| Application Steps | Gather evidence of military service, financial status, and relationship.; Complete the online applic… | gov.uk |
| Dependent Visa | Partners and dependent children can accompany and apply under Appendix HM Armed Forces. | gov.uk |
| Fee Breakdown | Settlement (ILR): 3226 GBP; Limited Leave to Enter: 2064 GBP; Further Leave to Remain: 1407 GBP | gov.uk |
| Fee Breakdown · Settlement (ILR) · amount | 3226 | legislation.gov.uk |
| Fees | £1,407 to £3,226 | legislation.gov.uk |
| Forms | GOV.UK Visa Portal (Out of Country); SET(AF) (Settlement) | gov.uk |
| Forms · FLR(AF) | name: FLR(AF), description: Extend your stay in the UK as a member of HM Forces or their dependant, … | gov.uk |
| Forms · GOV.UK Visa Portal · description | Apply for a UK visa as a member of HM Forces or their family | gov.uk |
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