Jury Service for Visa Holders and Immigrants
What you need to know
- •You must be on the electoral register and have 5 years UK residency since age 13.
- •Only British, Irish, Commonwealth, and EU citizens can register to vote and be called.
- •ILR holders from eligible nationalities can serve on juries.
- •Jury service does not affect your immigration status.
Jury service in England and Wales is open to anyone on the electoral register who has been resident in the UK for at least 5 years since age 13. This includes ILR holders and visa holders who qualify for the electoral register (British, Irish, Commonwealth, and EU citizens). If you are not eligible, respond to the summons to explain.
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Eligibility for Jury Service
In England and Wales, you are eligible for jury service if:
- You are aged between 18 and 75
- You are registered on the electoral register
- You have been ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for at least 5 years since the age of 13
- You are not disqualified (for example, by certain criminal convictions)
Being on the electoral register is the key requirement. Only British, Irish, Commonwealth, and EU citizens can register to vote in the UK. If your nationality does not allow you to register, you cannot be called for jury service. See the GOV.UK jury service page for full details.
ILR Holders and Jury Service
Having ILR does not automatically make you eligible for jury service. The eligibility depends on your nationality:
- Commonwealth citizens with ILR: Can register to vote and are eligible for jury service.
- EU citizens with ILR: Can register for local elections and may be called for jury service in some circumstances.
- Other nationalities with ILR: Cannot register to vote in UK elections and therefore are not eligible for jury service.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
If You Receive a Summons
If you receive a jury summons:
- If eligible: You are legally required to attend unless you have a valid reason to be excused. Your employer must give you time off.
- If not eligible: Reply to the summons explaining that you are not eligible (for example, because you are not a British, Commonwealth, Irish, or EU citizen). You will not be penalised.
- Language concerns: If your English is not strong enough to follow court proceedings, you can explain this when responding to the summons.
Jury Service and Citizenship
After becoming a British citizen, you become fully eligible for jury service (assuming you meet the other criteria, including the English language requirement). Some people see jury service as a civic duty and a positive sign of integration, alongside voting.
For the path from ILR to citizenship, see our ILR to citizenship journey. For more on voting rights with different immigration statuses, see our ILR rights and benefits guide.
Practical Considerations
- Jury service typically lasts 2 weeks but can be longer for complex cases
- You can claim expenses for travel, food, and loss of earnings
- Your employer cannot dismiss you or treat you unfairly for attending jury service. See our employment rights guide, ILR guide, Skilled Worker visa guide, and Life in the UK test guide
- Check the GOV.UK expenses page for what you can claim
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.