UK Visa for Pakistanis: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Do Pakistani Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?

Yes, Pakistani passport holders require a visa to enter the United Kingdom for any purpose. Pakistan is not part of the UK's visa-free countries list, which means you must obtain a visa in advance before traveling.

The UK has strong historical and cultural ties with Pakistan, and there's a thriving Pakistani community in cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, and London. Many Pakistanis apply for family visas to join relatives already settled in the UK.

Types of UK Visas Available for Pakistanis

1. Family Visa (Spouse, Partner, Child) - Most Popular

If you're joining a family member who is a UK citizen or has settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain), you'll apply for a Family visa. This is the most common visa type for Pakistanis.

Spouse/Partner Visa:

• Requirement: Married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen/settled person, OR in a relationship for 2+ years
• Financial requirement: Sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (or have £88,500 in savings)
• English language: Must pass an approved English test at A1 level (IELTS Life Skills A1 or equivalent)
• Accommodation: Must have adequate accommodation in the UK
• Cost: £1,846 (from outside UK) + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Processing time: 12 weeks
• Validity: 2.5 years (renewable for another 2.5 years, then eligible for settlement)

Child Visa:

• Requirement: Parent is UK citizen/settled person
• Age: Under 18
• Cost: £1,846 + Immigration Health Surcharge
• Processing time: 12 weeks

Parent Visa:

• Requirement: Adult child in UK who is British citizen/settled and requires long-term care
• Financial requirement: £29,000/year (or £34,600 if bringing a partner)
• Cost: £1,846 + Immigration Health Surcharge

2. Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, business meetings, short courses, or visiting family and friends (without settling).

• Maximum stay: 6 months per visit
• Validity options: 6 months, 2 years, 5 years, or 10 years
• Cost: £115 (6 months), £432 (2 years), £771 (5 years)
• Processing time: 3 weeks

What you can do: Tourism, visit family/friends, attend business meetings, short-term study (up to 6 months), receive private medical treatment

What you cannot do: Work, access public funds, marry (need Marriage Visitor visa), stay longer than 6 months

3. Student Visa

If you've been accepted to a UK university or college.

• Requirement: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your institution
• Proof of funds: Course fees + £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months
• Cost: £490 + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year for students)
• Processing time: 3 weeks

4. Skilled Worker Visa

If you have a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor license.

• Requirement: Certificate of Sponsorship from UK employer
• Minimum salary: £38,700/year (or "going rate" for your job)
• Cost: £719 (up to 3 years) or £1,420 (more than 3 years) + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Processing time: 3 weeks

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK Family Visa from Pakistan

Since family visas are the most common for Pakistanis, here's the complete process:

Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Requirements

Relationship Requirement:

• You're married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen/settled person, OR
• You've been in a relationship (living together) for at least 2 years

Financial Requirement:

Your UK sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (gross income before tax). This increases if you're bringing children:

• £29,000 for you (spouse/partner)
• + £3,800 for first child
• + £2,400 for each additional child

Alternative: If your sponsor doesn't earn enough, you can use savings. You need £88,500 in savings (held for at least 6 months) to meet the requirement without any income.

English Language Requirement:

You must prove your English language ability by:

• Passing an approved English test at A1 level (IELTS Life Skills A1, Trinity GESE Grade 2, etc.), OR
• Having a degree taught in English (from UK NARIC-recognized institution), OR
• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country

Accommodation Requirement:

You must have adequate accommodation in the UK where you and your family can live without relying on public funds.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Your Documents (Applicant):

1. Valid Pakistani Passport (at least 6 months validity)
2. TB Test Certificate (mandatory—get tested at approved clinic in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore)
3. English Language Test Certificate (IELTS Life Skills A1 or equivalent)
4. Relationship Evidence:
   • Marriage certificate (original + certified translation if in Urdu)
   • Nikah Nama (original + translation)
   • Photos together (at wedding, holidays, family events—at least 10-15 photos spanning your relationship)
   • Communication history (WhatsApp logs, call records, emails—showing regular contact)
   • If you've met in person: Travel documents, hotel bookings, photos from visits
5. Passport-sized photographs (45mm × 35mm, color, white background)

Sponsor's Documents (UK Partner):

1. UK Passport or BRP Card (proving UK citizenship or settled status)
2. Financial Evidence:
   • If employed: Last 6 months of payslips + employer letter confirming employment, salary, and job permanence
   • If self-employed: Last 2 years of tax returns (SA302) + business accounts
   • If using savings: Bank statements showing £88,500 held for 6+ months
   • Bank statements (last 6 months, showing salary deposits)
3. Accommodation Evidence:
   • If renting: Tenancy agreement + landlord's permission letter
   • If homeowner: Mortgage statement or property deed
   • Property inspection report (if required)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Go to gov.uk/apply-uk-visa and create an account. Select "Family of a settled person" visa type.

The form will ask about:

• Your personal details and passport information
• Your relationship with your UK sponsor
• Your sponsor's details (name, nationality, income)
• Your English language qualification
• Your accommodation in the UK
• Your travel history

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

• Visa fee: £1,846
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year (usually 2.5 years = £2,587.50)
• Total: Approximately £4,433.50

Payment is made online via debit/credit card.

Step 5: Book Your Biometrics Appointment

After paying, you'll book an appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Pakistan:

• Islamabad: VFS Global, Plot 1, Street 13, F-8/3
• Karachi: VFS Global, Bahria Complex III, M.T. Khan Road
• Lahore: VFS Global, 3rd Floor, Ali Trade Centre, Gulberg

At your appointment, you'll:

• Have your fingerprints and photograph taken (biometrics)
• Submit your supporting documents
• Hand over your passport (unless you paid for "Keep My Passport" service)

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Standard processing time for family visas is 12 weeks (60 working days). Priority services available:

• Priority Service: £500 (decision in 6 weeks instead of 12)
• Super Priority Service: £800 (decision in 5 working days—limited availability)

Step 7: Collect Your Passport

Once approved, your passport will be returned with a visa vignette (sticker) valid for 30 days. You must travel to the UK within this 30-day window to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.

Common Mistakes That Lead to UK Visa Rejections (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Insufficient Sponsor Income (Family Visas)

The problem: Your UK sponsor doesn't earn £29,000/year, or you can't prove it with proper documentation.

How to avoid it:

• Calculate exact income: Use last 6 months of payslips (if employed) or last 2 years of tax returns (if self-employed)
• Include all sources of income: Employment + rental income + dividends (if applicable)
• If using savings: Show £88,500 held for at least 6 months in a single account
• Provide employer letter confirming permanent employment and salary

2. Weak Relationship Evidence (Spouse/Partner Visas)

The problem: You can't prove your relationship is genuine and subsisting.

How to avoid it:

• Provide 10-15 photos together spanning your entire relationship (not just wedding photos)
• Show communication history: WhatsApp logs, call records (at least 6 months)
• If you've met in person: Travel documents, hotel bookings, photos from visits
• Include letters from family/friends confirming your relationship
• If married: Original Nikah Nama + certified translation

3. Missing or Invalid TB Test Certificate

The problem: You didn't get a TB test, or you got it from a non-approved clinic.

How to avoid it:

• Book appointment at IOM clinic in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore
• Get tested at least 2 weeks before your visa appointment
• Upload the certificate with your application

4. Inadequate English Language Proof

The problem: You didn't take an approved English test, or your test doesn't meet A1 level.

How to avoid it:

• Take IELTS Life Skills A1 (most common) or Trinity GESE Grade 2
• Book test at approved center (British Council in Pakistan)
• Ensure your test is from an approved provider (check gov.uk list)

Processing Times & Fees for Pakistanis (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I work on a UK spouse visa?

Yes, a UK spouse/partner visa gives you full work rights. You can work for any employer, be self-employed, or study without restrictions.

How much does my UK sponsor need to earn for a spouse visa?

Your UK sponsor must earn at least £29,000 per year (gross income before tax). This increases to £32,800 if you're bringing one child, and £35,200 for two children.

Can I bring my children on a spouse visa?

Yes, you can include your children (under 18) in your application. Each child requires an additional visa fee (£1,846 per child) and increases the financial requirement by £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child.

Do I need to take an English test if I studied in English?

If you have a degree taught in English from a UK NARIC-recognized institution, you may be exempt from the English language test. You'll need to provide your degree certificate and a letter from UK NARIC confirming your qualification.

What if my UK visa is rejected?

You'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can:

• Reapply: Address the issues and submit a new application (pay fee again)
• Request Administrative Review: If you believe the decision was wrong (£80 fee, must request within 28 days)
• Appeal: For some visa types (like family visas), you may have a right to appeal

How long can I stay in the UK on a spouse visa?

Your initial spouse visa is valid for 2.5 years. You can then extend it for another 2.5 years. After 5 years total, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR/settlement). After 1 year of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.

Can I apply for a UK visa if I was previously refused?

Yes, a previous refusal doesn't automatically disqualify you. However, you must address the reasons for refusal in your new application and provide stronger evidence.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to the UK Starts Here

The UK welcomes Pakistani families, but the process is strict. The 22% rejection rate is largely due to preventable mistakes: insufficient sponsor income, weak relationship evidence, or missing TB certificates.

If you're applying for a family visa, start early (at least 4-6 months before you plan to travel). Make sure your UK sponsor meets the financial requirement, gather comprehensive relationship evidence, and don't forget your TB test and English language certificate.

Last updated: January 2026 | Sources: UK Home Office, GOV.UK, VFS Global Pakistan