The main reasons Fijians join the army are to have the opportunity to see the world, to meet new people, experience new cultures and earn money to support the family back home - many have no intention of applying for a passport and living here forever. Most Fijians miss their home terribly and a number wish to return home after some time.

It is advisable to apply for a Schengen visa in order to travel freely throughout most European countries during your stay here. Remember, you will not always be allowed to travel just on your army stamp in your passport.

Fijians often arrive believing that, after 5 years of serving the British Army, they will receive a British Passport. Unfortunately, it is not that simple and even after loyally serving this country, obtaining a passport is a lengthy and expensive procedure.

Nina, Fijian wife and mother states:

"We were told that after five years in the army we can automatically switch to the red passport, but all this was not true. Imagine families with 2-4 kids, they must be really struggling to pay and this visa (Spouse Visa) only runs for 3 years. It's so unfair whereas our husbands have the indefinite stay visa...... "

Many Fijian soldiers joining the Army believe that they will acquire the passport, but this is not true. You do not automatically obtain a British Passport.

Marika applied 2 years ago, at the Home Office and was charged 200 GBP just for someone to look at his application. The rejection letter sent back stated three incorrect rejection reasons. We sent three complaint letters but, to this day, no one has ever responded. Easy money for them, but very expensive for us!

You need to comply with certain requirements:

• 18 years or over;
• not be of unsound mind;
• be of good character;
• have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
• have sufficient knowledge about life in the United Kingdom
• intend to have his or her home (or main home if there is more than one) in the United Kingdom.
• meet certain residential requirements

Please click here to find out more about the requirements.

It is, of course, not for free and the minimum fee for naturalisation is 655 GBP or for husbands and wives together 735 GBP. When Marika applied the fee was 268 GBP and when rejected 68 GBP was refunded. Please click here to check the fees from the Home Office.

To become a British Citizen you need to complete Form AN. Please click here to view the form.

Please make sure that all details are correct and all required information is completed; also include all required documents with your application. If you do not complete this properly your application may be rejected and, as in Marika's case, can be very costly.

There is plenty of literature available, for study purposes, to assist with proving that you have sufficient knowledge of English:

The following books may be helpful. They are available at http://www.amazon.co.uk/ or in bookshops.

Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship 2007: A Journey to Citizenship
by Home Office
Click here to buy at Amazon

Life in the UK Test: Practice Questions: Questions and Answers for British Citizenship and Settlement Tests (Paperback)
by Henry Dillon
Click here to buy at Amazon

British Citizenship Test for Dummies (For Dummies) (Paperback)
by J. Knight (Author)
Click here to buy at Amazon