Guidance

Settlement – Gurkhas discharged prior to 1997: caseworker guidance

Immigration staff guidance on the discretionary policy in place for those discharged from the British Army, Brigade of Gurkhas prior to 1 July 1997.

• From: UK Visas and Immigration
• Published: 29 December 2017
• Last updated: 11 November 2025 — See all updates

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Gurkhas discharged before 1 July 1997 and their family members (accessible)

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Gurkhas discharged before 1 July 1997 and their family members

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Details

UK Visas and Immigration guidance for staff covering the following people:

• a Gurkha who was discharged prior to 1 July 1997
• family members of a Gurkha discharged prior to 1 July 1997
• widows and orphans of a Gurkha discharged prior to 1 July 1997
• adult children of former Gurkhas

Published 29 December 2017

Last updated 11 November 2025 + show all updates

1. 11 November 2025

   Updated to reflect Part Suitability replacing Part 9 in the Immigration Rules.

2. 7 November 2024

   Updated guidance to incorporate Immigration Rules changes from 10 September 2024.

3. 5 October 2023

   Updated guidance document. New guidance accompanies changes to the immigration rules being implemented on 5 October 2023 to enable pre-97 Gurkhas and Hong Kong military veterans and their family members to apply for settlement under the immigration rules. Previously, only Gurkhas were able to apply for settlement using a leave outside the rules.

4. 22 October 2018

   PDF updated - guidance no longer requires applicants to provide DNA evidence.

5. 29 December 2017

   First published.