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Understanding the
application process

Stretch your skills. Lead the future.

Contents

Understanding the application process

Before you apply, you need to choose which schemes you want to apply for. Fast streamers cannot choose their department, specific role, or location – you may be placed anywhere in England, Scotland and Wales.

The application process includes multiple stages and not everyone who applies will be accepted.

Use this guidance to learn more about each stage of the application process so that you’re ready to apply when the application window opens.

The application window is open between midday 10 October 2024 and midday 07 November 2024. You must apply while the application window is open for entry to the Fast Stream in 2025.

Reasonable adjustments

The Civil Service Fast Stream is committed to supporting you through the application process by offering a range of reasonable adjustments. 

A reasonable adjustment is a change in the assessment process to help remove or reduce disadvantages that might prevent certain people from effectively applying for a job. 

Read about reasonable adjustments

Who can apply

Nationality requirements (Civil Service Nationality Rules)

You are eligible to apply if you are:

  • UK National
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
  • Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

You must be a British citizen to apply for some posts, particularly those related to security and intelligence. Please check on the individual scheme pages.

Please read the eligibility requirements carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the required criteria to start the scheme.

Nationality requirements are explained in more detail in the Civil Service nationality rules.

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Initial application stage

Grow your ability. Enjoy the journey.

Discover the Fast Stream

Read about the Fast Stream

Explore the schemes

See all Fast Stream schemes

Using AI

Read about the use of AI during the assessment process