Defence Community Organisation

Before lodging an expression of interest, you will need to consider whether you meet the minimum eligibility criteria. For example, age and education standards are provided under the Migration Regulations 1994.

Who can apply?

You can apply to be considered for the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme if you satisfy the following minimum eligibility criteria:

1. You do not hold any form of Australian citizenship, including dual citizenship.
2. You are serving in a foreign military service or have been separated from a foreign service for no longer than three years.
3. You can obtain an Australian Government security clearance.
4. You meet the skills, qualifications and English language requirements.

Eligibility criteria

Key criteria stipulated in Migration Regulations include:

• a maximum age on appointment/enlistment of 50 years
• the education requirements for officers and enlisted applicants which also include vocational proficiency in English, and
• a written undertaking to apply for Australian Citizenship as soon as you are eligible (usually after three months of service in the ADF).

You should also confirm with your preferred Service that the ADF is presently targeting your occupation group. Detailed information about eligibility criteria and a listing of available workgroup occupations can be accessed through the Defence Jobs website:

• Navy
• Army
• Air Force

Expression of interest

If you satisfy the minimum eligibility criteria and hold the necessary skills and experience in one of the occupation groups, you are encouraged to complete the expression of interest (EOI) online.

Once received, your EOI will undergo initial assessment against recruiting targets and criteria provided for in the Labour Agreement between the Australian Department of Defence and the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Significantly, the Agreement states that Defence cannot employ an applicant under the Labour Agreement if they require significant re-training. Applicants must not already hold Australian citizenship, including dual citizenship.

During this phase, you may be contacted by members of the Service’s International Recruitment team seeking further information for this initial assessment.

You should expect to be advised of the outcome of your EOI within one month from submission. If successful, you will be invited to submit an application for entry into the ADF.