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Nationality and Immigration Requirements

Nationality

In general, most posts in the Fast Stream are open to UK nationals, Commonwealth citizens, European Economic Area nationals or Swiss nationals or, in some circumstances Turkish nationals. For full details about these requirements and exceptions, including dual nationality (i.e. you are a British citizen and are also a national of another country), please check here for further information.

If you apply, you'll be asked about your nationality at birth, whether you have ever possessed any other nationality or citizenship, whether you are subject to immigration control and whether there are any restrictions on your continued residence or employment in the UK.

Certain posts, notably those concerned with security and intelligence, might be reserved for UK nationals, but this will not normally prevent access to a wide range of developmental opportunities within the Fast Stream.

Last updated - 6th November 2009

To join the Diplomatic Service, you must be a British citizen. You must have been resident in the UK for at least 2 of the previous 10 years immediately prior to your application, at least one year of which must have been a consecutive 12 month period, unless you have served overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of Her Majesty's Government, or have lived overseas as a result of your parents' or partner's Government employment. All applicants should be aware that a lack of sufficient background information may preclude an applicant from being granted security clearance. If you hold dual nationality (i.e. you are a British citizen and are also a national of another country) this should not preclude you from joining.

Immigration

Please note that it is possible to meet the above nationality requirements and still not be legally entitled to work in the UK. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) operates a points-based immigration system (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk) which applies to citizens from outside the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey. It is your responsibility to check whether this policy applies to you.

Fast Stream applications will be accepted from any candidate who meets the nationality requirements, but please be aware that employment as a Fast Streamer will only be offered to those candidates who have a legal right to work in the UK. Any employment will be contingent on this continued right and may be terminated should that right expire.

It is therefore impossible to guarantee that the UK Civil Service will offer employment to such candidates, even if successful in the recruitment process. Please also bear in mind that the application process can involve travel to the UK on more than one occasion. In these circumstances, the decision to apply is yours alone.

The UK immigration system is under review, and therefore this policy may change to reflect the changing legal framework in which employment in the Civil Service exists. Changes in the policy will be publicly posted on this website.

The Cabinet Office, which manages Fast Stream recruitment on behalf of the UK Civil Service, does not sponsor work permits, and cannot enter into correspondence about individual cases.