United Kingdom•Europe15-40 days
1,761 GBP
Up to 5 years (varies by role)
Yes
Required
Allowed
No
Not Required
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.
Visa Application Fee (Non-Exempt) | 726 GBP |
IHS (Non-Exempt) | 1,035 GBP |
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.
Job Offer
Required
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)
| GOV.UK Visa Portal Apply to come to the UK — online visa application portal | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Obtain official posting/movement orders and UK MOD invitation.; Complete the online application form… | gov.uk |
| Dependent Visa | Partners and dependent children can accompany and apply under the same route. | gov.uk |
| Fee Breakdown | Visa Application Fee (Non-Exempt): 726 GBP; IHS (Non-Exempt): 1035 GBP | gov.uk |
| Fees | £726 (Non-Exempt) | gov.uk |
| Forms | GOV.UK Visa Portal (Out of Country) | gov.uk |
| Forms · GOV.UK Visa Portal · description | Apply to come to the UK — online visa application portal | gov.uk |
| Job Offer Required | true | gov.uk |
| Application Portal | https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk | gov.uk |
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