Are you eligible?
This page describes the criteria that all successful applicants to the UK Border Agency must meet.
On this page
As well as the specific educational qualifications we often ask for, all successful applicants to the agency must meet a number of other criteria.
Nationality
For most posts you must be a British citizen, a national of a state in the European Economic Area, or a Commonwealth citizen with no employment restriction or time limit on your stay in the UK. In addition, you should normally have lived here continuously for the last three years.
Reserved posts
Reserved posts (including immigration officers and assistant immigration officers) are open only to nationals of the UK (under the terms of the 1996 Nationality Act, unless in a civil service post on or before 31 May 1996). You should be:
- a British citizen;
- a British subject under Part IV of the British Nationality Act 1981 having the right of abode in the UK; and/or
- a British Dependent Territories citizen acquiring citizenship from a connection with Gibraltar.
In addition, you should also normally have been resident in the UK for five years before you apply.
Security
Because of the sensitive nature of the work we do, security clearance is required for all posts. If you are selected for interview, you will be asked to complete a security questionnaire which will explain the government's vetting policy.
Health standard
For all permanent appointments, you must be able to give regular and effective service. You will therefore be asked to complete a health declaration and, if necessary, to attend a medical examination.
Age
Most roles are open to those aged between 18 and 64.5 when they take up the appointment. For certain roles where there is a substantial training commitment, such as immigration officer, there is an upper age limit of 63 at the time of taking up the appointment.
The normal age of retirement for UK Border Agency staff is 60, but staff have the option of working to the age of 65, subject to the normal performance, attendance and disciplinary requirements applicable to all staff. At the age of 60, civil servants may retire or be retired with, if applicable, the immediate benefits under the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fit do I need to be to join the Agency?
You must be able to give regular and effective service. You will be asked to complete a health declaration form as part of the recruitment process. See the Are you eligible? section for more information on health standards. Some assistant immigration officers (AIOs) are required to pass a health and fitness test and must have a full United Kingdom driving licence. These roles involve a significant level of physical activity and therefore you must be in good health and sufficiently fit to undertake the work safely and effectively. More details of the test will be provided in the candidate information for these posts, as and when they are advertised.
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How old do I need to be to join the Agency?
Most roles are open to those aged between 18 and 64½ at the time of taking up appointment. See the Are you Eligible? section for more information on age requirements.
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What qualifications do I need to join the Agency?
There are no formal educational requirements for many of our recruitment campaigns but qualifications may be required for specific roles depending on the skills and experience required. In most instances where qualifications are not required, candidates will be required to complete a competency-based application form and must undergo a written test to ensure they have a reasonable standard of literacy and numeracy. Our advertisements will clearly set out whether qualifications are required. You will also need to be able to pass our selection process and complete initial training.