Residency problem No Clue

[Cheeze]

Hey guys,
I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I seem to be getting a lot of conflicting information concerning foreign nationals joining the RMs. Some people on this forum have said the residency plan (of 3 to 5yrs) is a load of bollocks and if you pitch up in the UK looking fit, confident, with no debt, a decent amount of cash and a working visa you will be allowed to do PRMC. And if you pass you will be allowed to start training. But I have heard from others (and the official site) that you will not be allowed to do PRMC, even if fit and healthy, if you have not resided in the UK for a min of 3yrs prior to application.

Does anyone know for sure which is the correct one?
Or maybe if it differs for different commonwealth nationals eg: S.Africans from Aussies?
Some people have even suggested trying for the Army instead because they need recruits more urgently and there is a better chance of being accepted.

If anyone could help me out I would really appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks again,
Cheers
Ps: I’m from South Africa

[Cheeze]

Thanks for the help.
But I have already contacted them and they told me you do need to reside in the UK for a min of 3yrs prior to applying (although on the actual site it says "normally").
The thing is some people (who are in the application process) have told me that it is not so and that the RMs need recruits and they will turn a blind eye on the residency.

I just wanted to get a broader base of opinions before choosing to go over to the UK and trying to get around the 3yrs residency (basically what my chances are).
Thanks again and I would still really appreciate input from people who have been through the process or are in the middle of it.
Thanks and Cheers

[joshualoftus]

Hey Cheeze,
I'm certain that the residency rule doesn't apply to those from commonwealth nations such as Australia, Canada, South Africa etc.
I'm in London now, came over from Australia last month and am in the middle of my tests for the RM. I have my PJFT next week in fact. After that I'll schedule my PRMC. So I'd advise, get a 2 year working holiday visa (pretty easy to get), or even a holday visa if you have enough cash. Come over and crack on if that's what you want to do.
Good luck mate,
Josh.

[druadan]

Best bet is to personally contact the one of the main AFCOs, I'm sure the number's been posted on here recently for a good one dealing with commonwealth applicants (one in London was recommended). Better to actually speak to someone rather than rely on e-mails that can be answered by any dogsbody.

[joshualoftus]

Yeah, Arameis is correct, call the London office directly and ask them, they've been more than helpful to me. I can't remember their number off hand but I posted it a couple of months ago in a similar thread, shouldn't be too hard to find.
Josh.

[Cheeze]

Hey guys, thanks for the help.
I'm going to phone the London AFCO but see what I mean by conflicting information, I have Josh on one hand saying he is certain the residency rule doesn't apply and on the other I have Mike B saying the below (and both of you guys are in the application process at the moment)

Mike (a S.African) says:

"Hey man, hang tight. I have been here for a few years now, and RM has a 5 year residencey rule, which might be waivered under certain conditions. I have been trying since 1999, and I am just waiting for my PRMC date now. Keep training, and get a job in retail or something to tide you over until your time comes. Keep trying don't give up"

See what I mean!!!
Anyway thanks for the help everyone.
Cheers

[Kane]

It depends a lot on whether you are a British citizen or not, but for the most part they will waive the residency period IF a security check can be performed. Now I have a neighbour here in Canada from S. Africa, and he said it's quite "interesting" over there in SA, so it might be harder for the British authorities to perfrom the security check.

Your best bet would be to phone WO A T Brown at the London CO. He's extremly helpful because he deals mostly with Overseas applicants.

Cheers mate, and good luck.

[druadan]

London AFCO: 0044 207 305 3329 if it's any help.

[Mike B]

It does all depend on if 1) you are a British citizen or commonwealth etc., 2)if security checks can be carried out, 3) and residency (have you lived in the UK?). The first time I applied, I was still in sunny South Africa and I got a nice letter back saying: "Due to the country in which you currently reside, you are ineligible to proceed with you application. If, however, you have resided in any other country in the last 5 years you may enquire further." Now that shows that perhaps somewhere in the higher politcal echelons there was a little trouble, but I came across to the UK and tried again, face to face. At first all I got was the same, but then I pushed certain factors (I have been British since birth, no criminal record etc.) and managed to get halfway through the application process. Perhaps the political climate has changed? It's always changing. Just give it a try man. Give the London office a call.
If it doesn't work, swing into plan b, have some sort of contingency to get you into a position to join.

[sneaky beaky]

Why the hell don't you just walk in to the London AFCO and talk to the guys? Phoning then is a cop out!. Stop F****** around. They will know the answers to your questions and if not will find them out Pretty Damn Quick! (Notice I didn't use PDQ!!!) They are there to attract recruits - not turn them away!!
Sneaky

[druadan]

It'd be a long walk from SA, Sneaky.

[Gary_amsterdam]

Hm I have lived in Amsterdam my whole life but have always been British, they didn't seem to be botherd about it. Ive passed selection and am now currently waiting for a starting date

[sneaky beaky]

Yeah - it would be a long walk. Sorry chaps the Bacardi must have affected my eyesight (or more likely what's left of the brain)!!
Note to myself - PAY MORE ATTENTION!!
Sneaky

[joethejudge]

That is mean
My dad is a SCE teacher so we live in BFG (British Forces Germany)
Does this mean I cant join.
Because the MoD send me over here I cant join.
Stupid.