The fearsome Nepalese soldiers have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, their motto is "Better to die than be a coward". One might not remember the historical facts, but, you will recall the fierce battle which took place to give retired Gurkha's the right to settle in the UK. In 2009, policies were incorporated to also allow those who had retired before 1st July 1997 to remain in the UK, together with their families.

A Gurkha Immigration must have served in the British Army for at least four years in order to apply for settlement in the UK. We believe that their dependents should be considered for the exercise of discretion under this category.

Applications may be submitted from spouses, civil partners, unmarried and same sex partners and dependent children under the age of 18, who wish to accompany or join their sponsor, the retired Gurkha, in the UK. If the Gurkha Immigration application is successful settlement of will be granted in line with their Sponsor.

Furthermore, a widow or orphan of a Gurkha discharged prior to 1st July 1997 is eligible to apply under the discretionary arrangements. The discretionary arrangements also allow for adult children of former Gurkha's to be granted settlement in certain limited circumstances.

As a result of these policies under Gurkha Immigration, many former Gurkha soldiers are now able to settle in the UK with their family members.

If you would like to consider this option, which we understand can be a difficult decision with significant changes and consequences for you and your family, we strongly recommend that you seek legal Gurkha Immigration advice. Moving is not an easy step. You may encounter many problems and pitfalls, however, we are here to help you along the way and guide you through the entire application process.

Professional fees:

Normally, instructions in respect of all UK Gurkha Immigration matters are undertaken on the basis of an agreed fixed fee having consideration of the complexity of the matter and the level of expertise involved. All disbursements are additional such as the Home Office / Visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge fee. If we are unable to agree a fixed fee, our standard hourly rate will be £300 plus VAT (if applicable).

Our agreed fixed fee usually includes meeting with one of our experienced solicitors to establish the details of your case, advice on your option(s) and merits in the matter, guidance in collating supporting and relevant documents; preparing and submitting the application/representations with the Home Office / British High Commission in your home country and advising you on the likely outcome(s) of your matter.

Time scale:

Upon receiving instructions, we will provide you with an initial Gurkha Immigration service list of documents. Thereafter, we shall provide a comprehensive list of documents tailored to your individual circumstances. If your matter is urgent it will be dealt with as a priority. As soon as we have received the requested information and supporting documents and we have reviewed your matter, we shall prepare and submit your application with the relevant Immigration department bearing in mind applicable deadlines. The timescale on when a decision will be received will depend on the type of application being made and backlog of the decision making body. We shall keep you informed of the progress of your matter throughout the entire application process.