Commonwealth citizen and the Royal Marines?

Question

I want to become a Royal Marine. But, their website seems to make it difficult for someone living in North America to get information, and I just want some help clearing up some.

"To be eligible to be processed, at the time of application, a candidate must be a British citizen, or a citizen of a Commonwealth country."

So would I, as a Canadian citizen, be allowed to apply?

Also, will service count toward to necessary time required to become a British citizen?

Your help is appreciated greatly.

Answer 1

Because your a commonwealth citizen, you are eligible to join immediately (no need to have residency in the UK). I know dozens of Canadian lads in HM forces (RM in particular) who completed their applications whilst living in Canada and only came over for the selection tests. Once you pass the selection tests, your recruitment officer should have you in basic pretty much instantly, as they don't see the point in sending you back home to then come back again to start basic.

Good luck - you're making one of the best decisions of your life.

Answer 2

go for it

Answer 3

Get a visa and come over here then bowl up to a RM recruiting office and take it from there. Yes you will shorten the time taken to become a citizen

Good luck

Answer 4

Yes and Yes, I served with a South African who did what you are thinking about. You would need a visa to come across and do the entrance exams, so your first port of call needs to be a letter or Email to the British embassy nearest to your current location.

Citizenship used to be automatic, but I think it involves an exam now.

Good luck :0)

Answer 5

Well you are a citizen of a commonwealth country so as a Canadian you will be eligible to apply. Can't help with your second question though, sorry.