Skip to main content
Banner image for Sir Edward Leigh MP

Sir Edward Leigh MP

Member of Parliament for the Gainsborough constituency
Site logo

Main navigation

  • Home
  • News
  • About Sir Edward Leigh
  • About the Constituency
  • Campaign Responses
  • In Parliament
  • Contact

Commonwealth Soldiers & Citizenship Fees

  • Tweet

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about Commonwealth soldiers and citizenship fees.

I welcome the fact that Commonwealth citizens serving in Her Majesty's Forces, including Gurkhas, are exempt from immigration control under the Immigration Act 1971, throughout their service. The consequence of this exemption means that they are free from immigration conditions during the time they remain enlisted in HM Forces.

Those who have served as regulars are in a position to apply for settlement upon discharge, under Appendix Armed Forces of the Immigration Rules. In order to meet the requirements of the rules for indefinite leave to enter or remain, the veterans must meet certain requirements of the immigration rules, which include an application and the payment of fees.

The Home Office has said that while some veterans may want to apply to become British, there is no requirement for those wishing to remain indefinitely in the UK to naturalise as British citizens. It is good news that when an individual settles in the UK, and as a consequence ceases to be subject to immigration conditions, they are free to remain in the UK indefinitely.

I support the need for the Home Office to set visa, immigration and citizenship fees at a level that provides the resources needed to operate the border, immigration and citizenship (BIC) system. It is worth noting that general public taxation provides the remainder of the funding for the system. I believe the Government should continue to ensure the system is fair and equitable. Therefore, it is only right that those who use and benefit from the BIC system should make an appropriate contribution towards meeting the associated costs.

I welcome the fact that the Government has committed to supporting service personnel and their families. I understand that the Home Office is in discussions with the Ministry of Defence on this important issue.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

EDWARD LEIGH MP

Campaign Responses

  • Business and Trade
  • Constitution
  • Coronavirus (Covid-19)
  • Defence
  • Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
  • Education
  • Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
  • Equalities
  • Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs
  • Health & Social Care
  • Home Affairs
  • Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities
  • International Development
  • International Trade
  • Justice
  • Parliament
  • Transport
  • Treasury
  • Work & Pensions

Sir Edward Leigh MP MP for Gainsborough

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About the Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP
  • In Parliament
  • The Gainsborough Constituency
ConservativesPromoted by Sheila Bibb on behalf of Edward Leigh, both at Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association, P.O. Box 295, Gainsborough, Lincs DN21 9EZ.
Copyright 2025 Sir Edward Leigh MP MP for Gainsborough. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree