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The formidable Nepalese soldiers have been integral to the British Army for nearly two centuries, upholding their motto "Better to die than be a coward." While historical facts may fade, the fierce battle to grant settlement rights in the UK for retired Gurkhas remains unforgettable. In 2009, policies were implemented to allow those who retired before 1st July 1997 and their families to stay in the UK.

To be eligible for settlement in the UK, a Gurkha Immigration applicant must have served in the British Army for at least four years. Their dependents should also be considered for discretion under this category.

Applications are open to spouses, civil partners, unmarried and same-sex partners, and dependent children under 18 who wish to accompany their retired Gurkha sponsor to the UK. If the Gurkha Immigration application is successful, settlement will be granted in alignment with their sponsor's status.

Additionally, widows or orphans of Gurkhas discharged before 1st July 1997 can apply under discretionary arrangements. These arrangements also extend the possibility of settlement to adult children of former Gurkhas in specific limited circumstances.

Thanks to these Gurkha Immigration policies, many former Gurkha soldiers now have the opportunity to settle in the UK with their families.

If you're considering this option, we understand it can be a difficult decision with significant consequences for you and your family. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice from our team to navigate the process smoothly. Moving is no easy task; you may encounter challenges, but we are here to guide you and assist with the application process.

Professional fees

Typically, all UK Gurkha Immigration instructions are undertaken based on an agreed fixed price, considering the matter's complexity and the level of expertise required. Additional disbursements, such as the Home Office/Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge fee, are not included. Our standard hourly rate will be applied if a fixed fee cannot be agreed upon.

Our agreed fixed fee generally covers meeting with one of our experienced solicitors to understand your case's details, advice on your options and merits, guidance in collecting relevant supporting documents, and preparing and submitting the application/representations to the Home Office/British High Commission in your home country. We will also provide insights into the likely outcomes of your matter.

Time scale

Upon receiving your instructions, we will provide an initial Gurkha Immigration service list of documents. A comprehensive list tailored to your specific circumstances will be provided. Urgent matters will be given priority. Once we have received the requested information and supporting documents and reviewed your case, we will submit your application to the Immigration Department, considering applicable deadlines. The decision's timing will depend on the type of application and the decision-making body's backlog. Throughout the application process, we will inform you of your matter's progress.