Residency question

[flatout]

Hi everyone,

I am wanting to apply to join the RAF but I'm not sure if I'm eligible to.

I'm originally from the Isle of Man but moved to Cyprus when i was 13. I was there for nearly 5 years and have been living in Ireland the last 2 and a half. I was wondering if I'm still eligible to join up.

I have looked on the careers website and have phoned up the careers line aswell, but i have to wait until the 4th of January to phone again to get a definitive answer.

Just thought I'd ask around here in the meantime. Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

[busby1971]

Hi Fella

Hi Fella

You wouldn't be considered a standard case with that type of history, so you'll have to wait until the 4th to ring the AFCO.

 

[Stevienics]

I understand that the general rule is still residence in the UK for the preceeding 5 years. They may or may not consider your application if you can obtain certificates of good conduct from the police or the consulates in the UK from the countries of residence, covering the previous 5 years - and depending on what side of the bed they got out of..........

There is a department that they hand this over to if they feel so disposed, and it is called the defence vetting agency.

The final word is with the recruiters and right now, they are not going the extra mile to pull people in, so don't be surprised if they say no.

 

[flatout]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I have been looking into this for a few years now but have always been hampered by the 5 year rule. Recently i went onto the careers website and it gave an option of less than 3 years.


UK Resident less than 3 years

If you have been resident in the United Kingdom for less than 3 years, but fall into one of the following categories then we will need to complete further checks on your eligibility during the application process. In the meantime, you should register you interest as normal.

• You spent time abroad for travel/ study gap year reasons.
• You lived abroad because your parents were employed by the UK government (including HM Forces) in a foreign country.
• You are a British citizen with at least one parent who is a British citizen and you lived with your parents abroad and you attended secondary school within the European Economic Area or a Commonwealth Country.

I think i fall into this category and am hoping i'll be able to join.

 

[FOMz]

Which passport/nationality do you have?

 

[flatout]

I have a British passport

 

[littlered]

I understand that the general rule is still residence in the UK for the preceeding 5 years. They may or may not consider your application if you can obtain certificates of good conduct from the police or the consulates in the UK from the countries of residence, covering the previous 5 years - and depending on what side of the bed they got out of..........

There is a department that they hand this over to if they feel so disposed, and it is called the defence vetting agency.

The final word is with the recruiters and right now, they are not going the extra mile to pull people in, so don't be surprised if they say no.

As stated, they really aren't that eager to recruit right now. I have a very similar situation; I lived abroad for over a year in the last five years. Initially I thought I was unable to apply. However, after making contact with some really helpful careers people who put me in contact with someone, who put me in contact with someone else, etc. I have been advised to get a Police Clearance certificate from abroad and all documents showing my movements during the year I was out of the UK.

The reasons why I am still advised still to apply are;
1) I have specialist skills and experience for my branch
2) If I get through the entire selection process by that time, I would've have been back in the UK permanently for 3 years - the absolute minimum they will make an exception for (so I'm told)

3) I can get hold of all paper work and references needed


I was also lucky to catch the right people on the right day.
See if you find what the rules of exception (if any) are for you role/situation.


Hope that helps.