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The Australian government has listed four countries whose citizens can join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) without first obtaining Australian citizenship, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
The four countries are New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.
Under the policy, citizens of these countries who meet the Australian Defence Force’s eligibility criteria can apply to join the military without first becoming Australian citizens.
According to the announcement made on June 4, 2024, New Zealanders living in Australia became eligible to apply in July 2024, while permanent residents from the UK, US and Canada gained access to the recruitment pathway in January 2025.
Conditions for joining Australia’s military
Although the policy allows eligible non-citizens to apply, prospective recruits must meet specific residency, service and security requirements.
Applicants must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately before submitting their applications. They must also not have served in a foreign military during the two years preceding their application.
Additionally, applicants must be eligible to obtain Australian citizenship and satisfy the Australian Defence Force’s standard entry and security requirements.
The policy does not automatically guarantee admission, as candidates must still meet the military’s recruitment criteria.
Why Australia is recruiting foreign permanent residents
The Australian government said the decision was part of efforts to increase military personnel and address recruitment challenges by expanding the pool of eligible applicants.
Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh explained that the government was adopting a broader approach to recruitment to strengthen the country’s armed forces.
“We’re being bold in order to grow the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
Keogh added that recruiting from a wider pool of people would help the military reflect Australia’s diverse population and benefit from the skills available across society.
Director of Military Recruiting at Defence Force Recruiting Group Captain Chris Ellison also welcomed the development, noting that New Zealand permanent residents had expressed interest in serving in the Australian military for years.
“For many years, Defence Force Recruiting personnel have been approached by New Zealand permanent residents expressing their keen interest to serve the nation that had adopted them, but we had been unable to accept their applications,” Ellison said.
He added: “I am very pleased that ADF Careers can now help New Zealanders who have made a clear commitment to call Australia home to make their impact through service in the ADF.”
Australia seeks to strengthen military capacity
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the expanded recruitment policy would create more opportunities for eligible residents while strengthening Australia’s relationship with its allies.
He highlighted the longstanding ties between Australia and New Zealand, saying the move would reinforce the Anzac bond between the two countries.
The government also said the recruitment changes support its National Defence Strategy, which requires the military to develop and retain a skilled workforce capable of responding to future security challenges.
Alongside the expanded eligibility rules, the Australian Defence Force plans to simplify its Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme. The programme allows it to recruit experienced personnel from foreign armed forces to fill specific skills and capability gaps.
Age requirements for joining Australia’s military
Meanwhile, prospective applicants should note that the Australian Defence Force has separate age requirements for enlistment.
According to the ADF Careers portal, candidates can begin submitting applications at 16 years and six months. However, they must be at least 17 years old to enlist and begin military service.
The age requirements apply across Australia’s three military branches: the Navy, Army and Air Force.