Changes to Settlement Fees For Non-UK Service Personnel

23rd February 2022

Changes to Settlement in the UK Fees

Currently non-UK Service Personnel (Commonwealth citizens, Gurkhas, Nepalese citizens who have transferred out of the Brigade of Gurkhas to serve in the wider Armed Forces, British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territory Citizens and British National (Overseas) citizens), must pay a settlement fee of £2,389 (FY21/22) when they apply to remain (settle) in the UK following their discharge from the UK Armed Forces. Last year the Defence Secretary and the Home Secretary jointly launched a public consultation seeking views on a policy proposal to remove the charge for the settlement fee.

Full information on this GOV.UK webpage

Over 6,000 responses to the consultation were received which reflected the significance many attach to this issue. After considering the consultation feedback, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary have agreed to revise the policy.

They are pleased to announce that the following policy will be implemented:

Providing all other Home Office requirements are met, non-UK Service Personnel who apply to remain in the UK will not have to pay the fee if they meet one of the following criteria:

Have served at least six years at their point of discharge from service or
Are discharged on medical grounds with a condition attributable to service irrespective of their length of service or
Are a veteran who has served for at least six years, or was discharged on medical grounds with a condition attributable to service and is currently living in the UK and has not yet regularised their immigration status

The policy will not come into effect until later this year (likely April 22). Any individuals applying for settlement prior to the implementation date will still be required to pay the fee and will not be entitled to reimbursement.

Immigration Fees Public Consultation

GOV.UK Website