Moving to the UK from Nepal: Complete Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Student and Skilled Worker visas are the main routes for Nepali nationals.
- •Former Gurkhas and their families have special settlement provisions.
- •TB test is mandatory at an IOM-approved clinic in Kathmandu.
- •MOFA attestation required for Nepali documents (no apostille).
- •VFS Global operates the visa application centre in Kathmandu.
- •Nepal is not an English-speaking country. SELT required for most applicants.
Nepal and the UK share a distinctive bond through the Gurkha regiments, and today Nepali nationals are among the fastest-growing groups of UK visa applicants. Student and Skilled Worker visas are the primary routes, while former Gurkhas and their families benefit from special settlement provisions. This guide covers document attestation through MOFA, TB testing, English language requirements, and the practical steps for moving from Nepal to the UK.
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Visa Routes for Nepali Nationals
Student Visa
The Student visa is one of the most popular routes for Nepali nationals. The number of Nepali students in the UK has grown significantly in recent years. You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution and must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
After completing your degree, the Graduate route allows 2 years of work without a sponsor (3 years for PhD). Many Nepali graduates then switch to a Skilled Worker visa.
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is used by Nepali professionals in healthcare, IT, hospitality, and other sectors. You need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a UK employer with a sponsor licence. The Health and Care Worker variant is popular with Nepali nurses and care workers, offering reduced fees and no IHS.
Gurkha Settlement Provisions
The UK has special immigration provisions for former Gurkha soldiers and their families, reflecting the long military relationship between Nepal and Britain:
- Former Gurkhas discharged before 1 July 1997. Can apply for settlement (ILR) in the UK under a special policy. This recognises that pre-1997 Gurkhas were based in Hong Kong and the Far East rather than the UK, and therefore did not have the same settlement rights as other British Army soldiers.
- Former Gurkhas discharged on or after 1 July 1997. Eligible for ILR after 4 years of service, in line with other members of HM Armed Forces.
- Adult dependants of settled Gurkhas. Spouses, civil partners, and dependent children (including adult dependent children in some circumstances) can apply to join settled Gurkhas in the UK.
The Gurkha settlement scheme has brought tens of thousands of Nepali nationals to the UK, particularly to areas around Aldershot, Folkestone, and other towns near military bases. If you are a Gurkha family member, seek specialist legal advice as the rules can be complex.
Spouse and Family Visa
The Spouse visa is used by Nepali nationals joining partners in the UK. The UK sponsor must meet the £29,000 financial requirement.
Nepali Document Requirements
MOFA Attestation
Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents must be attested through the following process:
- Verification by the issuing body. Educational certificates must be verified by the relevant body (e.g., Tribhuvan University, the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, or the relevant education board).
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation. Submit verified documents to MOFA in Kathmandu for official attestation. MOFA confirms the document is genuine.
- British Embassy legalisation. After MOFA attestation, some documents may need further legalisation by the British Embassy in Kathmandu.
- Certified translation. Documents in Nepali must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Nepal Police Clearance
Apply for a police clearance certificate at the Metropolitan Police Range in Kathmandu or District Police Offices outside the capital. You need your citizenship certificate (Nagarikta) and passport. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. The certificate confirms you have no criminal record in Nepal.
Citizenship Certificate (Nagarikta)
The Nepali citizenship certificate (Nagarikta) is a fundamental identity document in Nepal. You may need to provide this alongside your passport for document verification purposes. Ensure the details on your Nagarikta match your passport exactly. If there are discrepancies (particularly in spelling of names transliterated from Devanagari to Roman script), obtain a correction from the relevant District Administration Office.
Financial Documents
Key points for financial evidence from Nepal:
- Bank statements from Nepali banks should be on official letterhead with the bank's stamp.
- The Home Office converts NPR to GBP at the OANDA rate. As of early 2026, £1 is approximately NPR 175–185.
- If parents are sponsoring a student, provide a sponsorship letter, proof of relationship, and the sponsor's bank statements and income evidence.
- Remittance income (common for Nepali families with members working abroad) should be supported by remittance receipts and the sender's employment evidence.
- Nepal Rastra Bank (central bank) regulations may apply to large outward remittances. Check current rules before transferring funds.
TB Test Requirement
Nepal is on the Home Office's mandatory TB testing list. You must get a certificate from an IOM-approved clinic in Kathmandu before applying. The test involves a chest X-ray and costs approximately NPR 5,000–7,000. Results are usually available within 2 to 5 working days. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
English Language Requirement
Nepal is not a majority English-speaking country. You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT):
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- Student visa: CEFR B2 (or university requirement)
- Skilled Worker: CEFR B1
- Spouse visa (initial): CEFR A1
- ILR: CEFR B1
IELTS for UKVI is available through the British Council in Kathmandu. PTE Academic is also available. Degree holders from recognised English-taught institutions may be exempt from the SELT. Test places fill up quickly during peak season, so book early.
VFS Global in Nepal
After completing your online application on GOV.UK, book a biometric appointment at:
- Kathmandu: The main UK visa application centre in Nepal, operated by VFS Global. Full services including priority processing are available.
Processing Times from Nepal
- Student visa: 3 to 6 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority)
- Skilled Worker visa: 3 to 8 weeks (standard)
- Spouse visa: 12 to 24 weeks
- Visitor visa: 3 to 6 weeks
Costs in Nepali Rupees (NPR)
Approximate costs as of early 2026 (£1 ≈ NPR 180):
- Student visa fee: £490 (NPR 88,200)
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719–£1,420 (NPR 129,400–255,600)
- Health and Care Worker visa fee: £284 (NPR 51,100)
- Spouse visa fee: £1,846 (NPR 332,300)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035/year (NPR 186,300/year) — student rate £776/year (NPR 139,700)
- TB test: NPR 5,000–7,000
- IELTS for UKVI: NPR 35,000–38,000
- Police clearance: NPR 500–1,500
See our UK visa fees guide and IHS guide for full details.
Common Issues for Nepali Applicants
- Name transliteration discrepancies. Nepali names transliterated from Devanagari to Roman script can vary between documents (e.g., "Shrestha" vs "Shresth", "Raj" as first name on one document and middle name on another). Ensure consistency across your passport, Nagarikta, and all supporting documents. If discrepancies exist, provide an affidavit explaining the variations.
- Genuine student intent. The Home Office assesses whether you genuinely intend to study. Nepali student visa applicants should be prepared to explain why they chose the UK, the specific course, the university, and their career plans after graduation.
- Financial evidence from remittances. Many Nepali families fund education through remittances from family members working in the Gulf states, Malaysia, or other countries. Provide clear evidence of the source of funds, including the sender's employment contract, salary slips, and bank statements showing regular remittance transfers.
- Document attestation delays. MOFA attestation and education board verification can take several weeks. Start the process at least 2 months before your planned visa application date.
- Seasonal challenges. Political events, festivals (especially Dashain and Tihar), and the monsoon season can affect government office operations and travel to Kathmandu. Plan your application timeline around these periods.
Practical Tips for Moving from Nepal
Flights
There are no direct flights from Kathmandu to London. Most routes connect via the Gulf (Qatar Airways via Doha is one of the most popular), Delhi, or other Asian hubs. Total journey time is typically 12 to 18 hours. Some budget travellers transit through Delhi and connect to a separate London flight.
Nepali Community in the UK
The UK has a growing Nepali community of over 100,000 people, centred around areas with Gurkha military connections. The largest concentrations are in Aldershot and Farnborough (Hampshire), Folkestone (Kent), Reading, Rushmoor, and parts of southeast London. Gurkha welfare organisations, Nepali community centres, Hindu and Buddhist temples, and restaurants are well established in these areas. The community celebrates Dashain, Tihar, and other Nepali festivals and provides strong support for new arrivals.
First Steps After Arrival
- Collect your BRP or set up your eVisa.
- Apply for a National Insurance number.
- Register with a GP.
- Open a bank account.
- Register for Council Tax.
Path to Settlement and Citizenship
Most work visa routes lead to ILR after 5 years. Gurkha veterans may have faster or direct routes to settlement. You must pass the Life in the UK test and meet the B1 English requirement for ILR. After ILR, you can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
Nepal does not allow dual citizenship. If you naturalise as a British citizen, you will lose your Nepali citizenship. This is a significant decision, as it affects property ownership rights and other matters in Nepal. Many Nepali nationals choose to retain ILR indefinitely rather than naturalise, or they take legal advice on the practical implications before deciding.
Next Steps
Identify your visa route. If you have a Gurkha family connection, investigate the special settlement provisions. Otherwise, start gathering your documents, MOFA attestation, and police clearance well in advance.
For official information, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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