For any role in SIS, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be a British Citizen
In addition, at least one of your parents must be a British citizen or have substantial ties with the UK (if deceased, the parent must have had British citizenship/substantial ties with the UK). You will also need to meet our residency rule. Normally this means that you will need to have lived in the UK for the last ten years, but you may still be eligible even if you have not been here all that time.
British dual nationals may apply but must be prepared to renounce their other nationality, if required, before joining SIS.
If you are interested in applying, but are not sure whether you meet our nationality and residency criteria, we suggest that you apply anyway. We will let you know whether we can take your application forward.
You will have to pass a medical and drugs test
We will give you an in-depth medical, and you'll be tested for drugs. If you have used Class A drugs within the last 12 months, and Class B/C drugs in the last six months, your application will not be taken forward.
You will need to be Security Cleared
The nature of our work is such that our people have access to a wide amount of sensitive information. Should this information get into the wrong hands, then national security would be put at risk. Consequently, we owe it to both our staff and the public at large to insist on the most stringent security clearance procedures. You'll undergo a process of Developed Vetting, which will include an in-depth look into your life - including your finances. It's essential not to conceal or lie about any of the vetting criteria, or your application will not be taken forward. The process can take up to three months - but if you have nothing to conceal, you have nothing to be afraid of.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN DEVELOPED VETTING SECURITY CLEARANCE, YOU MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 21 AT THE TIME OF ENTRY.
We are unable to accept your application if you:
Have used Class A drugs (for example, Ecstasy, Cocaine etc) in the last 12 months.
Have used Class B/C drugs (for example, Amphetamines, Cannabis etc) in the last 6 months.
Are currently being treated for an addiction (for example to alcohol or gambling) or have received such treatment in the last 12 months.
Have ever suffered from manic depression or schizophrenia.
Are currently bankrupt or the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA).