Australian Defence Force Sets Foreign Military Entry Rules

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has published the eligibility requirements for foreign nationals seeking to join its ranks. Non-Australian citizens from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Papua New Guinea are eligible to apply, but must be permanent residents or hold a 444 sub-class visa.

Applicants must have resided in Australia for at least one full year immediately prior to application and must not have served in any foreign military within the two years preceding their application. Australian citizens must provide documentary proof of citizenship, which can include a current or expired Australian passport, an Australian Birth Certificate, or an Australian Citizenship Certificate.

The ADF allows for exceptions where the citizenship requirement may be waived if a suitable Australian citizen cannot be found for a specific role. In such cases, applications may be accepted from permanent residents who have applied for Australian citizenship or who commit to applying within 90 days of starting service.