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Can a Nepalese traveller work in the United Kingdom?

Recent change · Apr 2024

UK Skilled Worker salary thresholds raised to £38,700

UK Skilled Worker visa minimum salary jumped from £26,200 to £38,700 in April 2024 (with shortage-occupation discounts narrowed). The change excludes many roles previously eligible — confirm against the latest gov.uk salary list before applying.

1 additional warning is folded into the result card below.

Most Nepalese travellers go through the embassy or consulate before they travel when heading to United Kingdom for work.

The route most travellers use is the Skilled Worker visa. Stays of up to 1825 days, expect to pay around £1,804 in mandatory fees, processing usually takes 21–56 days.

The paperwork is heavy — approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show.

5 other routes sit below if this one doesn't fit.

Straight from gov.uk.

Work visas have major life consequences.

Long-stay visa decisions affect your right to live, work, study, or remain with family. Always verify with a qualified immigration adviser or the destination's embassy before making travel, employment, or relocation decisions.

6 options available — review and choose the one that matches your trip.

Embassy visaWork

Skilled Worker visa

Max stay
1825days
Processing
21–56days
Fee
£1,804.00≈ $2,454
Difficulty1/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
1/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Multi-week processing time (up to 56 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -1Long documentation list (7 items)
  • -1.5Sponsor licence required
  • -1Confirmed job offer required
  • -1High salary threshold (£38,700)
  • +0.5Provides route to permanent residence

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
  • +0.5Once a sponsor + job offer are secured, visa approval is generally routine

Work visa details

Sponsorship
Required
Sponsor type
Licensed employer
Minimum salary
£38,700.00 / year
Job offer
Required
Permit length
1825 days
Path to settlement
Yes

Eligible occupations (sample)

Programmers and software developersIT business analystsCyber security professionalsCivil engineersMechanical engineersArchitectsDoctors and surgeonsNursesSecondary education teachersVeterinariansGraphic designersQuality assurance professionals
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    114+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    98+ days before

    You'll need: Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor; Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer; Job at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above); Salary at or above the minimum threshold (currently £38,700 per year); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country)

    91+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    84+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 21–56 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country)

What you need

  • Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
  • Job at the required skill level (RQF 3 or above)
  • Salary at or above the minimum threshold (currently £38,700 per year)
  • English language requirement (CEFR level B1) demonstrated by approved test, degree taught in English, or majority-English-speaking nationality
  • Sufficient personal funds (£1,270 unless sponsor certifies maintenance)
  • Tuberculosis test result (some nationalities)

Fee breakdown

  • Application fee (up to 3 years, outside UK)£769.00≈ $1,046
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£1,035.00≈ $1,408
View primary source (gov.uk)
Embassy visaWork

Innovator Founder Visa — United Kingdom

Max stay
1095days
Processing
21–60days
Fee
£2,650.00≈ $3,605
Difficulty2/10·Realism6/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 60 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (5 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
6/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    120+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    104+ days before

    You'll need: Innovative, viable, scalable business idea endorsed by a UK Endorsing Body; No minimum investment requirement (replaced earlier £50k threshold in April 2023); English language at B2 (CEFR) level; £1,270 in personal savings for 28+ days; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    104+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (UKVCAS centre / VFS)

    97+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    90+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 21–60 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (UKVCAS centre / VFS)

What you need

  • Innovative, viable, scalable business idea endorsed by a UK Endorsing Body
  • No minimum investment requirement (replaced earlier £50k threshold in April 2023)
  • English language at B2 (CEFR) level
  • £1,270 in personal savings for 28+ days
  • Path to settlement (ILR) after 3 years

Fee breakdown

  • Application fee (out-of-country)£1,615.00≈ $2,197
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years)£1,035.00≈ $1,408
View primary source (gov.uk)
Embassy visaWork

Graduate Visa — United Kingdom

Max stay
730days
Processing
14–60days
Fee
£2,434.00≈ $3,311
Difficulty2/10·Realism6/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 60 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (5 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
6/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    120+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    104+ days before

    You'll need: Successfully completed a UK degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) at a Higher Education Provider with track-record of compliance; Currently in the UK on a Student visa; No English language test or savings requirement; Open work permit — work for any employer, any role; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (UKVCAS / VFS)

    97+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    90+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 14–60 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (UKVCAS / VFS)

What you need

  • Successfully completed a UK degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) at a Higher Education Provider with track-record of compliance
  • Currently in the UK on a Student visa
  • No English language test or savings requirement
  • Open work permit — work for any employer, any role
  • 2 years (3 years for PhD); cannot be extended; can switch to Skilled Worker

Fee breakdown

  • Application fee£880.00≈ $1,197
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years)£1,554.00≈ $2,114
View primary source (gov.uk)
Embassy visaWork

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa — United Kingdom

Max stay
730days
Processing
21–60days
Fee
£2,952.00≈ $4,016
Difficulty2/10·Realism6/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 60 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (5 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
6/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    120+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    104+ days before

    You'll need: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from a top-50 global university (per UK Home Office's annual list); Degree awarded within the past 5 years; English at B1 (CEFR) level; £1,270 personal savings for 28+ days; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    104+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (UKVCAS / VFS)

    97+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    90+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 21–60 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (UKVCAS / VFS)

What you need

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from a top-50 global university (per UK Home Office's annual list)
  • Degree awarded within the past 5 years
  • English at B1 (CEFR) level
  • £1,270 personal savings for 28+ days
  • 2-year visa (3 for PhD); not extendable; can switch to Skilled Worker

Fee breakdown

  • Application fee£880.00≈ $1,197
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years)£2,072.00≈ $2,819
View primary source (gov.uk)
Embassy visaWork

Global Talent Visa — United Kingdom

Max stay
1825days
Processing
21–84days
Fee
£1,995.00≈ $2,714
Difficulty2/10·Realism6/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 84 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
6/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    156+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    140+ days before

    You'll need: Endorsement from an approved body (Royal Society / Royal Academy of Engineering / British Academy / UKRI for academia & research; Tech Nation closed 2024, replaced by Department for Science, Innovation & Technology for digital tech; Arts Council England for arts & culture); Two-stage application: endorsement first (8 weeks), then visa application (3 weeks); OR direct route: senior individuals with a Prestigious Prize (Nobel, Turing, Fields, Oscar, Grammy, Booker) qualify without endorsement; No employer sponsorship required — can switch employers / freelance freely; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (UK Visa Application Centre)

    133+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    126+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 21–84 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (UK Visa Application Centre)

What you need

  • Endorsement from an approved body (Royal Society / Royal Academy of Engineering / British Academy / UKRI for academia & research; Tech Nation closed 2024, replaced by Department for Science, Innovation & Technology for digital tech; Arts Council England for arts & culture)
  • Two-stage application: endorsement first (8 weeks), then visa application (3 weeks)
  • OR direct route: senior individuals with a Prestigious Prize (Nobel, Turing, Fields, Oscar, Grammy, Booker) qualify without endorsement
  • No employer sponsorship required — can switch employers / freelance freely
  • No English requirement at application; required at settlement (ILR after 3 years for some endorsement routes, 5 years for others)
  • Spouse + children eligible as dependants

Fee breakdown

  • Endorsement fee£766.00≈ $1,042
  • Visa application fee£194.00≈ $263.90
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (per year)£1,035.00≈ $1,408
View primary source (gov.uk)
Embassy visaWork

Health and Care Worker Visa — United Kingdom

Max stay
1825days
Processing
14–56days
Fee
£304.00≈ $413.53
Difficulty2/10·Realism6/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -1Multi-week processing time (up to 56 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -1Long documentation list (8 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
6/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    114+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    98+ days before

    You'll need: Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible health or social-care role (SOC codes for doctors, nurses, paramedics, social workers, senior care workers, etc.); Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer; Salary at least £29,000 OR the going rate for the role (whichever is higher) — discounted from the Skilled Worker £38,700 threshold; English at CEFR B1 (IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, or degree taught in English); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    98+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (UK Visa Application Centre)

    91+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    84+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 14–56 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (UK Visa Application Centre)

What you need

  • Confirmed job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor in an eligible health or social-care role (SOC codes for doctors, nurses, paramedics, social workers, senior care workers, etc.)
  • Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the employer
  • Salary at least £29,000 OR the going rate for the role (whichever is higher) — discounted from the Skilled Worker £38,700 threshold
  • English at CEFR B1 (IELTS for UKVI Life Skills, or degree taught in English)
  • Maintenance funds (£1,270 unless sponsor covers)
  • TB test for nationals of countries on the TB-test list
  • No IHS payable (waived for this route)
  • Reduced visa fees (~£304 for 3 years, ~£590 for 5 years)

Fee breakdown

  • Visa application fee (up to 3 years)£304.00≈ $413.53
View primary source (gov.uk)

What you'll need

Work visa for United Kingdom

Specific to Nepalese passport holders.

Start ~0–13 weeks before your intended travel date.

Order these first — they have the longest lead time

  • Employer sponsorship / CoS

    Purpose evidence2–13 weeks

    A Certificate of Sponsorship (UK), Labour Market Impact Assessment (Canada), Form I-129 (US H-1B), or equivalent. The sponsor obtains this; you receive a reference number.

    How: Your employer applies to the destination's immigration authority. You can't start without their reference number.

  • Police certificate

    Background2–12 weeks

    A criminal-record clearance from every country you've lived in for 6+ months in the past 10 years. Universally required for work, study, family and PR routes.

    How: FBI Channeler (US), ACRO (UK), AFP National Police Check (AU), state police of each country lived in.

  • Education credentials evaluation

    Credentials4–12 weeks

    WES (Canada/US), ECE, IQAS, UK ENIC, or the destination's local equivalent — converts your foreign degree to the local framework.

    How: Order online; allow 4–10 weeks. Request your university to send transcripts directly to the assessor.

  • English- / language-proficiency test

    Credentials3–9 weeks

    IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DELE, TestDaF, JLPT — depending on the destination. Most have minimum scores per visa class.

    How: Book on the test provider's site. Test slots typically 2–4 weeks out; results 5–15 days after the test.

  • Valid passport

    Identity2–8 weeks

    Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, with two or more blank pages.

    How: Renew via your own country's passport office if expiring within 12 months.

  • Medical examination

    Medical1–4 weeks

    Conducted by a panel physician approved by the destination's immigration authority. Includes chest X-ray, blood tests, and an interview.

    How: Book directly with a panel physician — find them on the destination's immigration website.

  • Apostille / certified document copies

    Credentials1–4 weeks

    Hague Apostille on civil documents (birth, marriage, education certificates) for countries that recognise the convention. Other countries require consular legalisation instead.

    How: US: state Secretary of State or US State Dept. UK: FCDO Legalisation Office. Other: ministry of foreign affairs of the issuing country.

Then gather these

  • Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)

    Background1–4 weeks

    Captured at a Visa Application Centre (VFS, BLS, TLScontact). Walk-in is rarely possible — appointment slots fill up.

    How: Book on the VAC website after submitting your online application.

  • CV / résumé and work history

    Purpose evidence1–3 weeks

    Up-to-date résumé covering at least your last 10 years of employment. Some routes (Canada Express Entry, Australia points) require reference letters with hours per week.

    How: Self-prepared. Get reference letters from past employers on letterhead, signed.

  • Signed job offer

    Purpose evidence0–2 weeks

    A signed contract or offer letter from a sponsoring employer. Required for every work-route visa worldwide.

    How: Issued by the sponsoring employer once you've accepted.

  • Certified translation of documents

    Credentials1–2 weeks

    If your documents are not in the destination's official language, you may need a sworn or certified translator.

    How: ATA-certified (US) / ITI-qualified (UK) translators, or a sworn translator registered with the destination's consulate.

  • Proof of funds (long-stay)

    Financial1–2 weeks

    Country-specific minimum savings — e.g. ~CAD 14,000 (Canada study/work permits, single applicant), ~£1,334/month + £8,000 reserve (UK family), proof of income for digital-nomad routes.

    How: Bank statements going back 3–6 months, sometimes a sworn affidavit of support from a sponsor.

  • Passport-style photograph

    Identity1–3 days

    A recent biometric photo to the destination's specifications. Most consulates require their own dimensions, not your home country's.

    How: Any high-street photo studio, or app-based services that meet ICAO 9303 spec.

  • Online visa application form

    Application1–3 days

    The destination's online form (DS-160 for US, gov.uk for UK, IRCC portal for Canada, ImmiAccount for Australia, e-Visa portal for most others).

    How: Apply directly on the destination government website — never via a third-party paid service.

  • Application fee payment

    Application1 day

    Payable to the destination government directly. Fees range from ~$25 (e-Visas) to $2,500+ (US EB-1).

    How: Card payment on the destination's portal. Receipt required for the application.

Lead times are global averages. Country-specific channels can be faster (FBI Channeler in days vs FBI Mail in months) — always check the destination's embassy or visa portal for current timelines.

Make your case

★ Hand-written for this route

Tailored guidance — Nepalese applying for a work visa to United Kingdom

The same things a £1,000 immigration consultation would tell you — what evidenceUnited Kingdom's caseworkers actually weight, a personal-statement skeleton you can adapt to United Kingdom's framing, common mistakes that get nepalese applications refused, and when it's worth hiring a lawyer.

What caseworkers actually weight

  1. 1

    Certificate of Sponsorship + Gurkha veteran route OR standard Skilled Worker

    Nepalese have a unique UK pathway: Gurkha veterans (and their immediate family) who retired from Brigade of Gurkhas after 1 July 1997 qualify under the Tribunal Service of UK Borders Agency Gurkha Settlement scheme — settled status route, with families. For non-Gurkha Nepalese, standard Skilled Worker visa applies: £38,700 general threshold OR £29,000 for Health & Care Worker / shortage list. Nepalese nurses, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, and IT professionals are increasingly recruited; care sector recruitment from Nepal has expanded since 2022.

  2. 2

    Nepali educational certificates + Tribhuvan University / Kathmandu University verification

    Nepali SLC / SEE (10-grade), +2 (12-grade), and Bachelor / Master / Doctorate degrees from Tribhuvan University (largest Nepali university), Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, Mid-Western University, Far-Western University, Lumbini Buddhist University, Agriculture and Forestry University need: 1) issuing institution certificate, 2) MOE (Ministry of Education) attestation in Kathmandu, 3) Nepali MOFA attestation, 4) UK ECCTIS Statement of Comparability (£140 standard, £210 urgent 5-day). Most Nepali Bachelor's degrees (3 or 4-year) map to UK Level 6.

  3. 3

    TB clearance at IOM Kathmandu + Nepal Police Clearance

    All Nepalese applying for UK Student / Skilled Worker / Family visa for 6+ months need TB clearance from IOM Kathmandu (Tahachal Marg, just below Kalimati) — NPR 7,500-9,500, valid 6 months. Nepal Police Clearance from local district police via online portal (NPR 100-300, 7-21 days) — required for UK Home Office. For every country you've spent 6+ months in (including Gulf states, India, Malaysia, Korea for Nepali workers), additional police certificate required.

  4. 4

    IELTS UKVI / OET + £1,270 maintenance funds

    UK Skilled Worker visa requires IELTS UKVI Academic 4.0+ minimum (B1 CEFR) OR PTE Academic UKVI / Cambridge English Advanced / IELTS Life Skills B1. For NMC nursing registration: OET / IELTS 7.0 minimum. Test at British Council Kathmandu (Lainchaur), Pokhara, or IDP centres in Kathmandu. £1,270 maintenance must be held 28 consecutive days in your or sponsor's name (or employer A-rated cover). Nepali bank statements (Nepal Bank, Rastriya Banijya Bank, Himalayan Bank, Standard Chartered Nepal, Everest Bank, Nepal Investment Mega Bank).

Personal-statement skeleton

Fill in each section with your own facts, dates, and details. The structure mirrors what caseworkers expect to find.

  1. Your route choice — Gurkha, Skilled Worker, or Health & Care Worker

    If you are a Gurkha veteran or family member, state the Gurkha route explicitly — different documentation chain (military service record, discharge certificate from Brigade of Gurkhas, family relationship documents). For non-Gurkha applicants, state Skilled Worker vs Health & Care Worker route based on your role. Highlight specific UK employer, NHS Trust, or care provider, and your specific role + SOC code mapping.

  2. Your Nepali work history — exact, verifiable, professional body numbers

    List every Nepali employer with month-precision dates, role, salary in NPR, supervisor name + contact (mobile + email). Include any Nepali professional body registrations: Nepal Medical Council (doctors), Nepal Nursing Council (nurses), Nepal Engineering Council (engineers), ICAN (chartered accountants). UK cross-checks these registers. Document past Gulf experience: Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Malaysia, Korea contracts are common for Nepali workers — attach Iqama / QID / labour-card records.

  3. Maintenance funds + family plan

    Skilled Worker requires £1,270 maintenance OR employer A-rated cover certificate. For Health & Care Worker the £1,270 is usually waived. Document NPR source-of-funds: Nepal Bank, RBB, NIC Asia, Himalayan Bank, Standard Chartered Nepal, NMB Bank, Everest, Civil Bank. Dependent visa for spouse + each child <18 adds £285/£315 maintenance. For Gurkha-route family reunification, different financial requirements apply — primary residence and pension considerations.

  4. Future plan — ILR settlement or temporary

    Skilled Worker visa is a 5-year route to ILR. State your settlement plan including Life in the UK test prep and B1 English. Gurkha route is direct settlement (ILR from grant) for veteran + immediate family. If you want to return to Nepal after fixed period, state openly — Skilled Worker doesn't require settlement intent. Mention any UK family (Nepali Gurkha diaspora is concentrated in Aldershot / Folkestone / Kent / South London; non-Gurkha Nepali community in Reading / Birmingham / Manchester) but note: family are not 'maintenance providers' unless legally sponsoring.

Mistakes that cost real money

  • Health & Care Worker visa is IHS-exempt (saves £5,175 over 5 years) — NHS Trusts also offer £2,000-5,000 relocation bonus for international hires
  • Gurkha veterans: settlement application is free under Tribunal Service Gurkha settlement scheme — don't pay 'Gurkha advisors' charging NPR 500,000+; Gurkha Welfare Society (gurkha.org.uk) and British Gurkha Welfare Council provide free advice
  • British Council Kathmandu for IELTS UKVI: NPR 22,000-25,000; multi-attempt packages available
  • ECCTIS Statement of Comparability £140 standard / £210 urgent (5-day) — order early to avoid rush price
  • Apply for Police Clearance online at Nepal Police portal — NPR 100-300; don't pay agents NPR 5,000+
  • IOM Kathmandu TB test: book early — slot availability is the bottleneck; NHS Trusts pre-pay IOM fees for some recruitment programmes
  • Avoid Nepali 'visa agents' charging NPR 300,000-1,500,000 — UK Home Office is the only fee-charging party; your UK employer's HR handles CoS at no cost to you
  • Family in UK can act as your sponsor for £1,270 maintenance via signed Undertaking from named UK citizen / settled person — common in Gurkha diaspora communities
  • Open Wise GBP, Revolut UK, Monzo account before flying — most accept Nepali passport with UK CoS letter pre-arrival

DIY or hire a lawyer?

✓ DIY is fine if

  • Standard Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker visa with NHS Trust / named UK employer CoS
  • Gurkha veteran settlement application via Tribunal Service Gurkha scheme
  • Dependent visa applications concurrent with main applicant
  • ILR after 5 years continuous qualifying residence
  • Switching between sponsored employers within UK

⚠ Get a specialist if

  • Prior UK visa refusal (study, visit, work)
  • Care sector role with sponsor under CQC investigation / recent licence revocation (2024 affected Nepalese care workers)
  • Past UK overstay or removal
  • Nepali criminal record (even minor — disclosure to Home Office mandatory)
  • Bringing 18+ dependent or adult dependent relative
  • Maoist insurgency-era political affiliation history (2006-2008 conflict period)
  • Past Gulf state work history (KSA, UAE, Qatar) with kafala-system disputes / overstay flags
  • Gurkha veteran with complex family reunification including non-immediate family (siblings, adult children) — Tribunal Service rules need careful navigation
  • Indian-Nepali border issue affecting documentation (Madhesi community origin documents)
This guidance is general — not legal advice. For high-stakes routes (refusal history, criminal record, complex finances), spend the money on a qualified immigration adviser regulated by your destination (UK: OISC / SRA; AU: MARA; US: bar-admitted attorney).

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