visit visa for parents from pakistan to uk

Available Courses
Register for FREE!
Sign up Today
NHS Jobs Profile Review
Full Job Profile Writing

UK Visa Guidance: Visitor Visa for Parents and Family

As an international medical graduate (IMG) working in the UK, one of the toughest things that we have to deal with is homesickness, distance, and our separation from friends and family back home. There are only two ways you can alleviate that- 1) Racking up your annual leaves to visit home. 2) Apply for the UK visitor visa for your family and parents. Let’s talk about the second option in detail.

Table of Contents

What type of UK visa can parents apply for?

It is commonly misunderstood that parents of an independent child (i.e. you) can apply for ‘UK Family Visa’ . No, they can not. UK family visa as a parent can only be applied for if the child is <18 years of age and has either British citizenship or has ILR or some other specific circumstance.

For parents of an independent child who doesn’t hold a permanent visa in the UK (most of us), the only way they can come to the UK is via the ‘Standard Visitor Visa’ . It is the same visa you may have applied for if you took the PLAB 2 exam .

Previously there was a separate family visitor visa which is now all absorbed in the standard visitor visa .

How to apply for a UK visitor visa for parents

The process of UK visa application is all very streamlined via the GovUK website. This is the link where you have to click ‘apply now ‘ to start a standard visitor visa application . The whole process has the following steps:

Online application fill-up

Once you click apply now in the above link it will ask you a series of questions and finally, you will be able to submit that.

Registering with your local visa application centre (VAC)

GovUK will determine which service deals with UK visa applications in your country and will forward you their service/website once you have submitted the online application.

Submitting supporting documents and biometrics

VAC in your country will give you the option to either upload or submit the evidence and supporting documents as well as let you book an appointment to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

UK visitor visa requirements for parents

Online application form fill-up.

The following information is needed to successfully complete the online application form. Remember these questions have to be answered from your parents’ point of view , not yours, even if you are filling the application form.

Parent’s name (according to passport) and address (an address that you can provide evidence for)
How long have you lived at this address? – In my mother’s case, it was in the years since she got married
Passport details
Nationality, country and date of birth
What is your employment status? – If you say one of your parents is employed , remember you will have to show no objection certificate for travel from their employer as well as sufficient bank statement and employment certificate to prove employment.
Do you have another income or any savings? – It is very likely your parents will have some sort of savings.
How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK? – For a 6 months visit it’s safe to assume that the total cost will be £4000 – £5000. Even if you are sponsoring the whole amount as they have some savings, they personally can plan to spend one-fourth or one-fifth .
What is the total amount of money you spend each month? – For my mother, it is around 15000 BDT taking into account different bills, food, and medications.
Will anyone be paying towards the cost of your visit? – Yes. Someone I know (for example, family or friend) – then you add your name and address and the put the rest amount three-fourth or four-fifth of the total amount.
Your planned travel information – This is very important . The visa will very likely start from the date as you put as planning to arrive in the UK. So make it as close to the real travel date as possible.
What is the main reason for your visit to the UK? – Tourism and then Visiting Family.
Give details about your first parent – So you have to know the details of your grandparents. Names and dates of birth.
Do you have any family in the UK? – Yes. Give your details here again. And if you have a Tier 2 visa like me – you have a temporary visa.
Will you be travelling to the UK as part of an organised group? – In my mother’s case, it was no as she will travel independently.
Staying with family – Tick box your name and provide your contact details. The date you will arrive at this address can easily correspond to the date of arrival in the UK.
International travel history
Breach of immigration law, war crimes, terrorist and extremist views, employment history, a question about good character etc will all hopefully be no.

That’s it. These are all the information you need to have prior to starting this online application.

What’s the duration I should apply for?

If it is the first application, I would go for a 6-month visa. Later on, you can apply for a longer duration (2, 5, or 10 years) to minimize the hassle of the visa application. Remember- your parents cannot make the UK their main home by frequent and successive visits. If they are caught, they may get banned from visiting the UK entirely.

UKVI has no strict rule that states you can only stay ‘6 months in a year’, but for any visit the maximum your parents can stay is six months at a stretch . So the safe frequency will be a few months in a year and clearly spending more time outside the UK than inside.

Required documents for visitor visa application

The list of documents that I attached for my mother’s visit visa to the UK :

Cover letter
Her bank statement showing her savings
Her nationality certificate proving her address
An invitation letter from me
My passport copy
My last 6 months bank statement (which serves as a proof of my address)
If you are renting , then also add a copy of your tenancy agreement.
An employment letter from my trust.

Cover letter for UK visitor visa for parents

It does not have to be elaborate. Keep it simple, keep it short. If your parents have any income or major transaction, make sure you explain it here in brief.

You can download a template of cover letter for parent’s UK Visa here.

Invitation letter from you

This also does not have to be lengthy. You should explain the nature of their visit, which is a short family visit and mention your visa status and accommodation arrangement currently.

Find a redacted copy of my invitation letter here .

Employment letter from your trust

If you drop a line to your HR representative that you will require an employment letter because you are sponsoring a visit visa for your parents, they will happy to do so.

Make sure you ask them to mention the following:

The date of your job commencement
The contract duration
Your job title
Your salary

The letter has to be addressed to whom it may concern and printed in a headed paper containing trust’s official seal and HR rep’s contact information.

Visa fees for parents’ visitor visa

A standard visitor visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

2 years – £361
5 years – £655
10 years – £822

There are also other costs associated with the services that you can buy from your local visa application centre.

How long does it take to get a UK visitor visa for parents?

The time frame may vary from country to country, but generally, a standard visitor visa application only takes 2 weeks to give you a verdict. You should not apply more than three months before the intended travel date.

You may get a verdict on the application early if your VAC has the option of a premium visa application.

Can I bring my parents permanently in the UK?

As long as you have a temporary visa (tier 2) , you can’t think of that. Why? You are not even permanent.

After working for 5 years you can apply for a settled visa (indefinite leave to remain) and 1-2 years after that, you can apply for UK citizenship. So, after 5-6 years of service in the UK, you can think about bringing your parents permanently.

But this elderly dependent visa application has a high threshold and evidential bar to be reached. The list below is not exhaustive, but you have to prove the following:

Any parent or grandparent who is wholly dependent financially and emotionally on the permanent UK resident
There is constant contact with the parent and grandparent
The applicant has no close relatives in their home country that can be relied upon for support (very difficult to prove as close relatives may be sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, uncles, aunts and possibly nephews, nieces or in-laws)
The UK relative has appropriate accommodation for the applicant as well as any dependents the applicant may bring to the UK

Evidence under this category needs to be provided by the applicant to prove that their circumstances are true and, most importantly, there is either financial dependency on the sponsor or most exceptional circumstances exist.

More often than not this type of applications are done via immigration agencies in the UK to the court. So the bottom line is, there is a way to bring you elderly parents to bring permanently in the UK, but it may not be applicable or achievable by many.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zhow quickly i can apply for this visit visa for my parents and family.

I would wait to have a minimum of 6 months’ salary into your UK account before sponsoring your parents to visit the UK.

How long parents can stay on a visitor visa in the UK?

As mentioned already, for any visit, the maximum a visitor can stay is for 6 months. But utmost care should be taken so that the UK does not appear to be their home by frequent and successive visits.

What is the maximum stay a UK visitor visa allows?

How much bank statement is required for uk visit visa.

The key here is to prove you have regular income in your bank account which is quite easy as you are getting paid from the NHS every month. There no hard and fast amount that has to be in your account to sponsor.

A maximum of 6 months at a stretch.

Can I extend the visitor visa for my parents while they are in the UK?

The only case that applies to your parents would be if they paid for any private medical treatment and they have to stay for that. Read more here.

Is a return ticket required for my parents to come to the UK with a visitor visa?

Yes. For any visit, having a return ticket solidifies your intention to visit only, not for breaching immigration law.

Can I sponsor a visit visa for my other family members (siblings, cousins etc)?

Yes. It will be the exact same process.

Can my parents avail of NHS services while on a visitor visa?

As they are not residents, the NHS will not be free for them, so it’s a good idea to bring overseas travel health insurance with them when they come to visit.

visit visa for parents from pakistan to uk

A Doctor’s Pay in the UK: NHS Salary Structure

How to open a UK bank account

Your First Home Abroad in the UK as an IMG

Stay in the know.

Our newsletter and updates are tailored to keep you abreast of everything related to your Road to UK!

I agree to receive your newsletters and accept the data privacy statement.

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/

📩 Right to your inbox 📆 Days in our lives 🎧 Music we like 🎯 Latest news 📺 TV Shows 🏖 Holidays 📖 Books

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Search the site

Visa application fees

1 select the country you are making your application from.

Change this answer

2 Select the visa category you would like to see fees for

Join family

3 Select the visa type you would like to see fees for

Parents of children at school, family of settled people (settlement), settlement for current and former members of hm armed forces, and their dependants, members of armed forces and their families (non-settlement), family members of european economic area (eea) and swiss nationals.

Find out about visa application processing times

Getting a visa for your adult family member to join you in the UK

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK

There are special rules for family members who are Ukrainian nationals. Check the rules about bringing family members from Ukraine to the UK .

Your adult family member can only apply to join you in the UK if they have long-term care needs and they can show they need your support in the UK.

They’ll need to apply for an ‘adult dependent relative visa’. These visas are very hard to get and they cost over £3,000 - your family member won’t get their money back if their application is refused.

The rules are different if you want to sponsor your partner. Check if your partner can get a visa to live in the UK .

If your family member applies as an adult dependant you’re called their ‘sponsor’.

If their family member’s application is successful, they’ll usually get the right to stay in the UK permanently. This is called ‘indefinite leave’.

You’ll need to check:

if you can sponsor your adult family member

who can apply as an adult dependant

if you have enough income and savings to sponsor your adult family member

that where your adult family member will live is safe and suitable

Check if you can sponsor an adult family member

You can sponsor your adult family member to apply as an adult dependant if you have one of the following:

British citizenship

Irish citizenship - you must be living or have lived in the UK

indefinite leave to remain or right of abode

settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme

pre-settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme - you must have come to the UK by 31 December 2020

refugee status or humanitarian protection

If you’re a citizen of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland or Liechtenstein

Your parent, grandparent or child might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme. It’s free and easier than applying for an adult dependent relative visa.

They might be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020.

You can check if your adult family member can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

You can check which countries are in the EU on GOV.UK .

If you arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020

If you applied and got pre-settled status as a family member, your adult family member can’t apply as an adult dependant or apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

If you’re in this situation, you’ll need to wait until you get settled status before your adult family member can apply as an adult dependant. Check the rules about switching from pre-settled to settled status .

If you were born in Northern Ireland

Your parent, grandparent or child might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme. It's free and easier than applying for a visa.

Your adult family member might be able to apply for pre-settled or settled status if you have British or Irish citizenship - or both. When you were born one of your parents must have had either:

British or Irish citizenship - or both

an immigration status that let them live in the UK permanently - for example, indefinite leave to remain

You must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020.

If you were born in Northern Ireland, check how your adult family member should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme on GOV.UK .

Check who can apply as an adult dependant

Your adult family member can only apply as an adult dependant if they’re your:

grandparent

brother or sister aged 18 or over

child aged 18 or over

Your adult family member must need long-term care. For example they might need someone to cook them meals or help them get dressed.

Your adult family member must not be able to get or afford the care they need in the country they live in - even with your help. There must be no-one else who could reasonably care for them, like a partner or close relative.

Your adult family member can’t apply if they owe £500 or more to the NHS.

Your adult family member can only apply for a dependent adult visa if they’re outside the UK. Get help from a specialist adviser if they’re already in the UK.

Check the rules about your income and savings

You must show you’ll have enough income to look after your adult family member. This is called the ‘adequate maintenance’ test.

You’ll need to sign a form that says you’ll support your adult family member - this is called a ‘maintenance undertaking’. If you’re a refugee or you have humanitarian protection, you only have to sign a maintenance undertaking if you have indefinite leave.

You can get a copy of the maintenance undertaking on GOV.UK .

To check if you can pass the adequate maintenance test, you need to first work out how much income the government says you need each week. You then need to check if you have enough income.

Work out how much income you need each week

To work out how much income the government says you need each week, add together:

£77 if you’re single or £121.05 if you live with a partner

£77 if your adult family member is aged 25 or over, or £61.05 if they’re aged under 25

£70.80 for each child aged under 18 who lives with you

your housing costs - these are your rent or mortgage payments plus your council tax

When you’re working out your housing costs, don’t include any part of the costs that will be covered by Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

The Home Office will look at the amount of benefits you’ll get and the council tax you’ll have to pay when your adult family member lives with you.

When your adult family member lives with you, a ‘non-dependant deduction’ will be taken off your benefits. If you get the housing element of Universal Credit, the non-dependant deduction is £17.97 each week. If you get Housing Benefit, the non-dependant deduction is at least £16.45 - it will be more if your adult family member will be earning when they live with you.

If you get a single person discount on your council tax at the moment, it will usually stop when your adult family member moves in.

Monique’s father is applying for a visa to come to the UK - he is 65 years old. Monique lives with her wife and their son, who is aged 8.

The total weekly income Monique needs to sponsor her father is £121.05 plus £77 for her father, plus £70.80 for her son, plus her housing costs.

Monique’s rent is entirely covered by the housing element of Universal Credit. When her father lives with her there will be a non-dependant deduction - this means she’ll have to pay £17.97 of her rent each week.

Monique’s council tax is £30 each week. She gets Council Tax Reduction of £10 each week. £30 minus £10 is £20. This means she needs £20 income for council tax each week.

Monique’s housing costs are £17.97 plus £20. This is £37.97.

The total income Monique needs each week is £121.05 plus £77 plus £70.80 plus £37.97. This is £306.82.

Check if you have enough income

Work out how much income you’ll get each week after tax. If you live with a partner, you can add their income to yours. You can include earnings, pensions and income from things like rent or shares.

If you have any savings, you can add them to your income - you must have had the savings for at least 6 months. Divide the amount of your savings by 52 - this is how much you can add to your weekly income.

If your total income is high enough, you meet the adequate maintenance test.

Monique’s father is applying for a visa to come to the UK. The total weekly income she needs to sponsor her father is £306.82.

Monique’s weekly earnings after tax are £120. Her wife’s weekly earnings after tax are £150. They have no other income.

£120 plus £150 is £270.

Monique and her wife have had £2,600 in savings for the last 6 months. £2,600 divided by 52 is £50. This is added to their income.

£270 plus £50 is £320. Monique’s total weekly income is £320. This is more than the government says she needs, so Monique can sponsor her father.

If your total income isn’t high enough

When you work out your total income, you might be able to include other benefits you get - for example some parts of Universal Credit. It depends on your circumstances.

If you need help working out if you meet the adequate maintenance test, talk to an adviser .

Check that where they'll live is safe and suitable

Your adult family member will have to show that there’s somewhere they can live in the UK that is safe, suitable and large enough for them and anyone they will live with.

Your adult family member needs somewhere they can stay long term. For example they might have a tenancy agreement or a room of their own in your home.

If you live in council housing or your landlord is a housing association, you can check how many people are allowed to live in your home. This is called the ‘permitted number of persons’ (PNP). The PNP is usually on your tenancy agreement, or you can ask your landlord. Children under 1 year old aren’t included in the total, and children between 1 and 10 years old count as half a person.

If your landlord isn't a council or housing association, check your local council’s guidance about overcrowding. You can find your local council on GOV.UK .

Check how long your adult family member’s visa will last

If your adult family member’s application is successful, they’ll usually get ‘indefinite leave’. This means they can stay in the UK permanently.

They will usually only lose their indefinite leave if they’re outside the common travel area for more than 2 years in a row. The common travel area is the UK, Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

The rules are more complicated if both of the following apply:

you have refugee status or humanitarian protection

you don’t have indefinite leave

In this situation, your adult family member will get a visa which lasts until the end of your leave. When you’re able to apply for indefinite leave, your adult family member can also apply - it doesn’t matter how long they’ve been in the UK. They’ll need to show exactly the same things as when they first applied for their adult dependent relative visa. You’ll have to sign a maintenance undertaking.

Check your adult family member’s rights if they get a visa

Your adult family member will have the right to:

work or study

rent or buy somewhere to live

use the NHS

leave the UK and return as many times as they want

Getting benefits and help with housing

Because you have to sign a maintenance undertaking, there are special rules if your adult family member wants to claim benefits or help with housing. The rules end 5 years after they arrive - or earlier if their sponsor dies.

The rules depend on whether your adult family member has indefinite leave.

If they have indefinite leave, they can’t claim the following benefits:

Universal Credit

Pension Credit

Housing Benefit

tax credits

income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Income Support

They also can’t apply for council housing, or make a homeless application to your local council.

They can claim any other benefits, for example Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.

If your adult family member doesn’t have indefinite leave, they can’t claim any public funds. This is called having a ‘no public funds condition’. They’ll only be in this situation if you’re a refugee who didn’t have indefinite leave when you signed the undertaking. Check what counts as public funds and what they can still claim .

Applying for a dependent adult visa

Check how your adult family member can apply as an adult dependant .

It can be very difficult to get an adult dependent relative visa. Get help from a specialist adviser before applying.

Help us improve our website

Take 3 minutes to tell us if you found what you needed on our website. Your feedback will help us give millions of people the information they need.

Page last reviewed on 11 July 2022

Mon - Sun, 8.30 am - 6pm

UK Visa From Pakistan

Pakistani nationals will need a visa to visit, work or study in the UK. Depending on your travel purposes and length of stay, you will have to apply for a UK visa suitable for your circumstances.

For more information about the various UK visa types, which visa will be appropriate for your purposes, whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the same, and how to apply, call us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online , to receive bespoke advice from our expert immigration lawyers.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Do Pakistani Citizens Need a UK Visa?

Whether or not an individual will need a visa to travel to the UK depends on a) their nationality and b) their intended length of stay in the country.

EU/EFTA nationals, citizens from a few Commonwealth countries, and citizens from certain visa-exempt countries for the UK (such as the US, Japan, Singapore or Israel) will not need a visa to enter the UK if they are going to stay in the country for less than six months.

They will still be required to carry the required documents for a UK visa with them, and show those documents to the UK immigration officers at the port of entry. Moreover, they can stay in the UK without a visa for only three months if they are entering the country from Ireland.

However, if they intend to stay in the UK for six months or more, they will have to apply for a visa regardless of their nationality. Citizens from all other countries will need a visa to travel to the UK, irrespective of their proposed length of stay in the country.

Pakistan is a visa-required nation for the UK. So, Pakistani citizens will have to obtain a valid visa to enter the UK, whether they are planning to stay in the country for less than six months or longer.

Page Contents

Types of uk visas from pakistan, required documents for uk visas from pakistan, how to apply for uk visa from pakistan, processing time for uk visa from pakistan, uk visa cost from pakistan, what if my uk visa application has been rejected, how can total law help, frequently asked questions.

Pakistani citizens will have multiple UK visa options to choose from, depending on their reasons to travel to the UK and intended length of stay. The main categories of UK visas are:

Health and Care Worker visa and Skilled Worker visa , for skilled overseas workers with a UK job offer
Senior or Specialist Worker visa, Overseas Domestic Worker visa, Graduate Trainee visa, Secondment Worker visa, Service Supplier visa, UK Expansion Worker visa, or Representative of an Overseas Business visa for overseas employees working in the UK for their employers abroad
British National (Overseas) visa, Graduate visa, Youth Mobility Scheme visa, India Young Professionals Scheme visa, Global Talent visa , UK Ancestry visa, or High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for eligible foreign nationals without a job offer in the UK
Temporary work visas such as Seasonal Worker visa, Government Authorised Exchange visa, Creative Worker visa, Religious Worker visa, Charity Worker visa , International Agreement visa etc.
Others such as International Sportsperson visa, Minister of Religion visa (T2), Scale-up Worker visa, Frontier Worker permit etc.
Business visas such as a Business Visitor visa or an Innovator Founder visa
Study visas , such as a Student visa, a Child Student visa, or a Short-term study visa
Standard Visit visa for tourism, business, study and other permitted activities, for a maximum period of up to six months (long-term Standard Visitor visas are available for foreign nationals who come to the UK regularly, but they can stay for a maximum of six months per visit)
Family visa to live in the UK for more than six months with a UK resident family member
Transit visa for passing through the UK to another country

Foreign nationals fearing persecution in their home countries may also seek asylum in the UK. However, there is no UK asylum seeker visa. After arriving in the UK without any legal approval in the form of a valid visa, asylum seekers will have to apply for refugee status or humanitarian protection in the country.

The Nationalities and Borders Act 2022 introduced a provision for temporary refugee permission to stay, which would be valid for a minimum of 30 months and renewable thereafter, for Group 2 refugees (i.e. whose entry in the UK is considered unlawful). However, the Home Office paused the categorisation of refugees into such groups in July 2023.

The supporting documents you will be required to submit while applying for a UK visa from Pakistan will vary depending on your chosen visa type. We have provided here a list of general documents required for every UK visa application as well as certain documents specific to visa type.

The supporting documents for Pakistani nationals include (but not limited to):

A valid passport, with at least one blank page
Proof of financial means, such as bank statements etc.
Tuberculosis test results, which is mandatory for people coming to the UK for six months or longer, if they have been living in Pakistan or another listed country within the last six months (or lived in Pakistan or another listed country for six months or more in the past)
For work visas, UK job offer or employment contract, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number and the name and sponsor licence number of the UK employer, criminal record certificate in case of certain job categories etc.
For student visas, acceptance letter from a UK educational institution, parental consent to study in the UK for child students etc.
Proof of relationship with the UK resident family member for family visas
Business plan and endorsement from an approved body in the UK for an Innovator Founder visa
Travel itinerary, medical insurance and proof of accommodation in the UK for Standard Visitor visas
Proof of residence in case the visa applicant is currently living outside Pakistan
Details of criminal, civil or immigration offences, if any
Any other relevant documents depending on their specific circumstances etc.

However, please note that this is not an exhaustive list by any means. Please get in touch with VFS Global, the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in Pakistan, to obtain a list of supporting documents specific to your circumstances.

Alternatively, you may reach out to the British High Commission in Islamabad or the British Deputy High Commission in Karachi, to get a complete list of supporting documents required in your case.

Please also note that you will have to submit certified translated copies in case your supporting documents are not in English.

Find out which UK visa from Pakistan would best suit your situation; reach out to our immigration experts today. Contact Us

Application for a UK visa from Pakistan will start with identifying the visa type appropriate in your circumstances. Please visit the UKVI website to determine what type of visa you will have to apply for, and what supporting documents you will be required to submit along with your visa application depending on your chosen visa type.

The UK visa application is an online process. You will have to create an account on the UKVI site to start with your visa application process, and follow the instructions carefully as provided on the site while filling up the online application form.

You may be required to pay the visa fees as well as a healthcare surcharge, if applicable, while filling up your online application. You may use a debit or credit card to pay the fees. Please note the reference number after paying the fees, which may be required for any future amendments to your application or visa appointment.

You will also have to upload your supporting documents online while applying for your UK visa. For people who do not have a scanner available or who are not comfortable using the internet, VFS Global can help them with uploading their documents in exchange for a service charge.

Once your online application is complete, please book an appointment with your nearest VFS Global centre in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi or Mirpur. On the date of your appointment, please visit the centre in person where your biometric information, i.e. fingerprints and facial image, will be taken. You will also have to submit your original passport (or any other travel document as applicable) at the centre.

The centre will get in touch with you once they have received your visa decision for collecting your passport. You may do so in person by visiting the centre, or VFS Global will send it to your address by courier for an additional fee.

Your UK visa processing time will vary depending on the visa type, the time of year, the volume of applications being handled by the visa authorities at the time of your application, and your personal circumstances.

In general, while visit, work, study and business visas take up to three weeks for processing, you may have to wait for up to 24 weeks to receive a decision on your UK family visa application. If UKVI will need more information for processing your visa, your waiting time will increase further.

UK visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, and whether the application is being made from within the UK or outside.

Applying for a UK visa from Pakistan will cost you:

£115 for a Standard Visitor visa
£400, £771 and £963 for long-term visit visa, valid up to two, five or 10 years, respectively
£35 for a Transit visa (direct airside transit) and £64 for a Transit visit visa (landside transit)
£1,191 for an Innovator Founder visa
£192 for a Global Talent visa (or £716 where Approval Letter is not required)
£719 for a Skilled Worker visa (or £1,420 where a CoS has been issued for over three years)
£551 for a Skilled Worker – shortage occupation visa (or £1,084 where a CoS has been issued for over three years)
£284 for Skilled Worker – Health and Care Visa (or £551 where a CoS has been issued for over three years)
£719 for a Representative of an overseas business visa
£298-£1,420 for different Global Business Mobility visa categories
£719 for a T2 Minister of Religion visa
£298 for an International Sportsperson visa (or £719 where a CoS has been issued for over 12 months)
£490 for a Student or Child Student visa, and £200 for a Short-term study visa etc.

You may also have to pay an additional healthcare surcharge while applying for a UK visa.

We can make your UK visa application process smooth and hassle-free. Contact Us

Your UK visa application may be rejected for various reasons, such as submitting incomplete application form, not submitting required supporting documents or submitting insufficient information/evidence, not being able to convince the visa authorities of the genuine purpose of your visit, history of immigration abuse, criminal offences or previous conviction record etc.

Your visa refusal decision letter will inform you of the reason(s) behind your visa refusal, as well as whether you have the right to appeal the decision, or if you can seek an administrative review instead.

Please consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you are unsure about your course of action in case your UK visa application has been refused. Dial +44 (0)333 305 9375 today to speak with one of our legal team members.

Obtaining a UK visa is a challenging and fairly time-consuming task. Each UK visa application goes through a rigorous scrutiny by the Home Office or the British consular authorities in your country of residence, and any reasonable doubt whatsoever on their part may jeopardise your chances of success for the current visa application or affect any future UK visa application.

Moreover, the eligibility criteria, application process and required documents will vary widely depending on the type of UK visa as well as your circumstances.

At Total Law, our team of sympathetic immigration lawyers have the required expertise and legal knowledge to assist you, even if your case is complicated.

If you are seeking overall advice with your UK visa application from Pakistan or you would like an immigration expert to complete your application on your behalf, we are happy to help.

We offer a document and application checking service as well, in case you just need us to conduct a final check to confirm that your documents and application adhere to the Home Office guidelines. We also have an appeal package if you would need to appeal your visa refusal.

Get in touch with our expert immigration advisers today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online , to discuss further about how we can help you.

Advice Package

Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.

Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.

The Advice Package

During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.

The Application Package

With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package

Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.

The Appeal Package

By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone. Learn more

How Long Can Pakistani Citizens Stay in the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa?

A Standard Visitor visa to the UK will allow Pakistani nationals to stay in the country for a maximum period of up to six months, or till the visa validity end date as mentioned on their visa sticker/document, whichever is shorter.

In certain circumstances, however, it may be possible to apply for a longer stay, e.g. for receiving medical treatment in the UK.

Disclaimer: Total Law operates under different capacities in the various countries we cover, including as immigration consultants or lawyers; We connect clients with our network of immigration lawyers if we are not registered as a law firm in a particular country

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Azad Kashmir
Balochistan
Travel Tips
Dos and Don’ts
Solo Female Travel
Travel Safety Tips
What To Wear
Travel Guide
Visa to Pakistan
Visa from Pakistan
Itineraries
Emergency Resources
Guide Books
Trip Reports
Food Reviews
List of Tour & Travel Companies in Islamabad
55 Things to do in Lahore
K2 Base Camp Trek - A Complete Guide
75 Things to do in New York City
Submit Guest Post
Request A Review
Invite to your event
Collaborate
Store Inquiry

How To Get UK Visit/Tourist Visa From Pakistan?

The UK is a famous destination for Pakistani visitors, due to its beautiful and colorful culture, which attracts tourists from all over the world. There are more than a million Pakistanis living in the United Kingdom, and the relatives in Pakistan want to visit them as well.

If you are visiting the UK on a visit visa this year, and looking forward to getting information about the UK visa requirements and application process, UK visa fees, documents requirements, and processing time than you are at the right place. The whole process is given below.

The visa process is done online, which means you have to fill the forms online and provide the supporting documents in person at the UK Visa Application center Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Mirpur. The biometric is required for all applicants, and additional charges will be paid by the applicant for biometric and visa processing by UK Visa Application Center.

Table of Contents

Procedure to apply for United Kingdom UK visa from Pakistan

Uk visa application centers in pakistan, other information, additional information, requirements for uk tourist visa from pakistan.

Visit the UK government website for visas and immigration in Pakistan and apply for a visa online at AccessUK (link is given below)
Original passport with at least six months’ validity and must have one blank page.
Copies of all old/expired passports.
One (1) photocopy of the front page of the current passport
Photo Copy of Nadra issued CNIC
Two (2) current photos, not more than 6-month-old as per UKBA standards
Evidence of arrangements made. Such as tour details/flight details/letter of invitation/evidence of sponsors immigration status in the UK
Letter of your employment, which should include your salary, position, date hired, and the approved leaves dates should be mentioned clearly. If you are dependent (Housewife, student, or child) then give the evidence of husband or father’s employment.
Evidence of the employment and all income stated on the application form. Such as: letter from employer / payslips / tax returns / business registration documents / business bank account statements
Evidence of being in education (where applicable)
Evidence of qualifications obtained
Evidence of the monthly income stated on the application form. Such as: Bank statements / bank books / bank letter / balance certificate / tax returns / crop receipts
Evidence of ability to meet costs of the trip, as stated on the application form such as the bank statements of the person paying for the trip
Evidence of assets like property or land. Such as: Property deed / mortgage statements / tenancy agreements / accountant’s letters / land registration documents
Evidence of UK accommodation and travel details such as hotel booking confirmation/travel booking confirmation/travel agent confirmation/sponsor accommodation details.
Evidence of your marital status, such as marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate/divorce certificate/death certificate
Evidence of family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel
Any other documentation. Example: evidence of any correspondence/ TB certificate
Children under the age of 16 who are traveling alone must provide the consent from both parents. If there is a minor with the subject of the custody order, evidence of custody and the other parent’s consent must also be provided. If only one parent is traveling with a minor child, a letter of consent from the other parent allowing the child to travel is required.
Copy of “B” form-Nadra- computerized (in case of traveling with children)
Nadra Marriage form in English (in case of traveling with wife or husband)
Bank Statement of the last 6 months
Air ticket reservation Print out
Hotel Reservation Or
If you have an invitation from a sponsor, then the following documents are required along with it: Copy of Passport of the sponsor, Bank Statement of the sponsor of the last 6 months
Any other documentation/information showing your ties to Pakistan, like property documents, any wealth certificates, etc

UK Visa Application Centre Islamabad Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar Chak Shahzad, Islamabad

UK Visa Application Centre Lahore 20 Ex American Centre Building, Opposite Ganga Ram Hospital, Queens Road, Lahore

UK Visa Application Centre Karachi 43/1/D, Razi road PECHS, Shahrah-e- Faisal Karachi

Nau Mahal Plaza,Near Foot Ball Square, Defense Road From 11 May UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will implement changes to the User Pays Visa Application Centre (VAC) Network. The User Pay VAC fee will be GBP 55.

Visa application submission Timings

Monday to Friday, 08:00am to 03:00pm

Document collection

Monday to Friday, 08:00am to 05:00pm

Note: You will be contacted by Gerry’s to arrange a time to collect the decision on your visa application, documents and passport.

Ramadan Opening Hours

Visa application submission: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 13:00

Document collection: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 14:00

UK Visa from Pakistan Tracking

Online visa application tracking is NOT AVAILABLE on UK Visas and Immigration website. To know the status of your UK visa application, you must use their email or phone option, which unfortunately is NOT FREE. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing them.

GWF number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your UK visa application submission. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update.

UK Visa Rejection Appeal from Pakistan

You can only appeal to the tribunal if you have the legal right to appeal – you’ll usually be told if you do in your decision letter. Talk to a solicitor or an immigration adviser if you’re unsure whether you can appeal. You have 28 days to appeal after you get your decision. If you have to leave the country before you’re allowed to appeal, you have 28 days to appeal once you’ve left the country. If you apply after the deadline, you must explain why – the tribunal will decide if it can still hear your appeal. Apply online if you can – online appeals are quicker than a post or fax appeals.

Disclaimer: Although the information on this website has been prepared with the utmost care, we can not accept any responsibility for inaccuracies contained herein.

Remain honest while submitting the applications, do not enter wrong information or submit fake or forged documents, if the visa is rejected in the past than enter proper reason or rejection. The visa rejection rate for UK from Pakistan is very high. Provide as many documents as possible to convince the visa counselor that you are going for a visit and will return back on time. The more ties to Pakistan you will show, the more it will be easier for you to get the visa.

If you are paying taxes to FBR in Pakistan than submit your tax returns of the current year and several earlier years, but make sure the income you mention in your forms should match the income you have shown in your tax returns. If you have some property, property or land than submit its documents as well. If you are staying at some one’s house than mention how many bedrooms they have in their house, the visa counselors check the accommodation seriously, and if the sponsor does not have enough space or bedrooms to keep you or your family than your visa will be rejected.

Its recommended that you book hotels online from any big site like Booking.com, Agoda, etc, and attach the booking confirmations along with the applications. You can cancel the bookings if your visa is rejected.

Pin It on Pinterest

Featured on

What is a visa?
Electronic Visa (eVisa)
Visa on Arrival
Appointment Required Visa
Invitation Letter
Arrival Card
Passport Renewal
Project Kosmos: Meet the man with the world's most challenging travel schedule
Australia Visa and ETA requirements for US citizens explained
Brazil eVisa for US citizens
India Tourist Visa for UK citizens
Possible B1/B2 Visa questions during the interview

Select Your Language

Nederlandse
中文 (Zhōngwén), 汉语, 漢語

Select Your Currency

AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
AFN Afghan Afghani
ALL Albanian Lek
AMD Armenian Dram
ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
AOA Angolan Kwanza
ARS Argentine Peso
AUD Australian Dollar
AWG Aruban Florin
AZN Azerbaijani Manat
BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
BBD Barbadian Dollar
BDT Bangladeshi Taka
BGN Bulgarian Lev
BIF Burundian Franc
BMD Bermudan Dollar
BND Brunei Dollar
BOB Bolivian Boliviano
BRL Brazilian Real
BSD Bahamian Dollar
BWP Botswanan Pula
BZD Belize Dollar
CAD Canadian Dollar
CDF Congolese Franc
CHF Swiss Franc
CLP Chilean Peso
CNY Chinese Yuan
COP Colombian Peso
CRC Costa Rican Colón
CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
CZK Czech Republic Koruna
DJF Djiboutian Franc
DKK Danish Krone
DOP Dominican Peso
DZD Algerian Dinar
EGP Egyptian Pound
ETB Ethiopian Birr
FJD Fijian Dollar
FKP Falkland Islands Pound
GBP British Pound Sterling
GEL Georgian Lari
GIP Gibraltar Pound
GMD Gambian Dalasi
GNF Guinean Franc
GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD Guyanaese Dollar
HKD Hong Kong Dollar
HNL Honduran Lempira
HTG Haitian Gourde
HUF Hungarian Forint
IDR Indonesian Rupiah
ILS Israeli New Sheqel
INR Indian Rupee
ISK Icelandic Króna
JMD Jamaican Dollar
JPY Japanese Yen
KES Kenyan Shilling
KGS Kyrgystani Som
KHR Cambodian Riel
KMF Comorian Franc
KRW South Korean Won
KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK Laotian Kip
LBP Lebanese Pound
LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD Liberian Dollar
LSL Lesotho Loti
MAD Moroccan Dirham
MDL Moldovan Leu
MGA Malagasy Ariary
MKD Macedonian Denar
MNT Mongolian Tugrik
MOP Macanese Pataca
MUR Mauritian Rupee
MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK Malawian Kwacha
MXN Mexican Peso
MYR Malaysian Ringgit
MZN Mozambican Metical
NAD Namibian Dollar
NGN Nigerian Naira
NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK Norwegian Krone
NPR Nepalese Rupee
NZD New Zealand Dollar
OMR Omani Rial
PAB Panamanian Balboa
PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP Philippine Peso
PKR Pakistani Rupee
PLN Polish Zloty
PYG Paraguayan Guarani
QAR Qatari Rial
RON Romanian Leu
RSD Serbian Dinar
RUB Russian Ruble
RWF Rwandan Franc
SAR Saudi Riyal
SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
SCR Seychellois Rupee
SEK Swedish Krona
SGD Singapore Dollar
SHP Saint Helena Pound
SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS Somali Shilling
SRD Surinamese Dollar
SVC Salvadoran Colón
SZL Swazi Lilangeni
THB Thai Baht
TJS Tajikistani Somoni
TOP Tongan Pa anga
TRY Turkish Lira
TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TWD New Taiwan Dollar
TZS Tanzanian Shilling
UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
UGX Ugandan Shilling
USD United States Dollar
UYU Uruguayan Peso
UZS Uzbekistan Som
VND Vietnamese Dong
VUV Vanuatu Vatu
WST Samoan Tala
XAF CFA Franc BEAC
XCD East Caribbean Dollar
XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
XPF CFP Franc
YER Yemeni Rial
ZAR South African Rand
ZMW Zambian Kwacha

We've updated our app!

Download it now

UK Standard Visitor Visa for Pakistani citizens: Complete guide

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom from Pakistan? This guide is tailored to give Pakistani travelers essential information for a smooth and successful UK Visitor Visa application process.

In this complete article, we delve into all you need to know about the UK Standard Visitor Visa application process, requirements, UK visa fees, and benefits.

Do Pakistani citizens need a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

Pakistan passport holders need this visa to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business ventures, and reconnecting with family and friends . This visa is sometimes called a tourist visa.

The UK Standard Visitor Visa application involves completing an online application form, paying the UK Visa application cost, and attending an in-person appointment at a UK visa application center or embassy . During this appointment, you'll be required to give biometric information, submit essential documents, and potentially participate in an interview if necessary.

How do you apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa from Pakistan?

There are two ways to apply:

Government process: Go to the official government website and follow the steps. The process includes answering questions, paying the visa fee, making an appointment, and dropping off documents.

Via iVisa: It's also possible to get our guidance for this application. This means a shorter application form and an expert review, and we'll make an appointment at the earliest available date on your behalf!

To apply for the United Kingdom Standard Visitor Visa with our guidance, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Provide your personal details on our website or by downloading the iVisa app . Double-check all info carefully to avoid errors and proceed with paying the visa fees.
Step 2: Complete the UK Visa application form and upload the required documents. Our iVisa Experts will review it and schedule a visa appointment.
Step 3: Attend the visa appointment at the UK Embassy or Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide biometric data and undergo the interview. We'll assist you in finding the nearest location, preparing for the interview, and providing tips for a successful appointment.

After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will need your passport to issue a valid visa.

Costs and processing times for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Pakistan

When applying with us, the application cost includes our service fee of USD $209.99 and the government UK visa fee of USD $127.00 at the time of writing. Check the most up-to-date fees by starting the application here .

The processing time also consists of two parts:

iVisa processing time: 30 days , during which our iVisa Experts will carefully check your form and schedule a visa appointment on your behalf.

Government processing time: After the visa appointment, the government processing time is typically up to 3 weeks to analyze your visa application.

Need more information about the UK Visitor Visa for Pakistan citizens?

For more questions about the UK Standard Visitor Visa or other travel documents for Pakistani citizens, contact us via online chat or WhatsApp . We're ready to assist you every step of the way!

My experience of London Gatwick Airport: What to expect on arrival

UK Work Visa: Eligibility, Types, and How to Apply

UK ETA for US citizens

iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Spouse Visa
Fiance Visa
Unmarried Partner Visa
Dependant Visa
Child Dependant Visa
Adult Dependent Relative Visa
UK Ancestry Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Scale-up Visa
Global Talent Visa
High Potential Individual Visa
Health and Care Worker Visa
Sports Person Visa
Minister of Religion Visa
Temporary Work Visa
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
Start-up Visa
Sponsor Licence
Immigration Compliance and Audits
Entrepreneur Visa Extension
Investor Visa Extension
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
British Naturalisation
EUSS Family Permit
British Citizenship By Marriage
British Citizenship By Birth
British Citizenship By Decent
British Citizenship For Child Born Abroad
Administrative Review
Judicial Review
Blog & News

How to Bring Elderly Parents to the UK

By Amar Ali, Immigration Solicitor

The Adult Dependent Relative visa is a common immigration pathway to bring your dependent elderly parents to the UK. Here we will discuss who the Adult Dependent Relative visa is for, the main requirements, the documents required for an application, and your options if the visa application for your elderly parents is refused.

Can I bring my parents to the UK permanently?

Yes, you can bring your parents to the UK and sponsor their stay by applying for the Adult Dependent Relative visa. We are often asked “can I bring my mother to the UK?” or “can I bring my mother-in-law to the UK?” and how to secure a UK visa for parents from India. Under the Adult Dependent Relative visa route, it may be possible for you to sponsor your overseas parents to live with you in the UK where the requirements outlined below are met.

Where an elderly parent is successful in gaining an Adult Dependent Relative visa, they may be able to stay permanently if the person providing care is British (i.e. a UK visa for parents of British citizens), Irish, or settled in the UK (i.e. they have Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme ). If the person who will provide care has pre-settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme or they have refugee status or humanitarian protection, the elderly parent coming to the UK can stay as long as their family member remains here. This means the parent will need to apply to extend or settle when their family member does.

UK Adult Dependent Relative Visa for Elderly Parents

There are several eligibility requirements that must be met in order for an elderly relative to gain an Adult Dependent Relative visa. We discuss these in detail on our dedicated Adult Dependent Relative visa page. The main requirements for a Dependent visa UK for parents are as follows:

The person sponsoring parents to the UK must be a British or Irish national or have settled in the UK.
The elderly parent coming to the UK must be able to demonstrate that they need long-term care for daily tasks and this is not available or affordable in their home country.
There is suitable accommodation and sufficient financial resources to support the person coming to the UK without claiming benefits.

The challenge when applying for this particular type of visa is providing enough evidence that the elderly parent needs long-term care. It is also vital to prove that they are not able to receive the care they need in their home country. Without sufficient evidence that the type of care needed is not available or affordable in their home country, the UK Home Office is likely to refuse the application.

Our immigration solicitors understand the level and type of evidence needed to make a successful Adult Dependent Relative visa application. Speak to our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected]

Documents required to bring parents to the UK

Adult Dependent Relative visa applications require several items of documentation and evidence, including (but not limited to):

your current passport or other valid travel ID
applicant’s date of birth and nationality
evidence of the relationship between the applicant and the person living in the UK (e.g. birth certificate)
evidence of nationality, settlement, EU pre-settled or settled status, refugee status, or humanitarian protection for the person who will provide care in the UK
evidence that the applicant requires long-term care (e.g. letter from their primary physician)
evidence that the applicant is not able to receive the type of care they need in their home country (e.g. a letter from their primary physician or from a care provider confirming such care is not available)
evidence that the type of care required is not affordable in the applicant’s home country (e.g. a letter showing a breakdown of estimated costs and bank statements to show this is not affordable)
evidence that the person providing care has sufficient accommodation and funds to support the applicant without seeking public funds (e.g. a diagram of the home in which the applicant will be living showing the number, size, use, and type of rooms, and bank statements showing sufficient income or savings). TB test results (only required for nationals of some countries)
a certified translation where a document is not written in English or Welsh

If you are unsure if the documents you have prepared for your Adult Dependent Relative visa are sufficient to satisfy the Home Office, or how to apply for a visa for parents over 65, it is advisable to have these checked by an immigration solicitor before these are submitted.

Adult Dependent Relative Visa exemptions for elderly parents

Those applying for an Adult Dependent Relative visa are typically exempt from meeting the English language requirement if they are over 65 years. If they are under 65 years, they may still be exempt from this requirement if it can be shown they have a physical or mental health condition that may prevent them from meeting the requirement. In this case, the applicant would need to provide evidence from their doctor setting out their physical or mental condition and confirmation they should be exempt from the English language requirement.

Adult Dependent Relative visa for parents refused

It may be possible to appeal a refusal of an Adult Dependent Relative visa if the application was originally based on their right to private and family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

There are several reasons for refusal of an Adult Dependent Relative visa, including:

the Home Office believes that the applicant can receive the care they need in their home country
insufficient evidence has been provided that the applicant has long term care needs
the person who would provide care in the UK does not have sufficient accommodation or funds

Given the very high bar set for eligibility under the Adult Dependent Relative visa, without providing sufficient evidence of how each requirement is met, the Home Office will issue a refusal.

Where an application for an Adult Dependent Relative visa is refused, the refusal letter will explain if the person has a right of appeal. If not, they can still apply for an Administrative Review (AR) if it is believed that a mistake was made by the Home Office. Alternatively, it may be possible to apply for a Judicial Review (JR) to challenge the legal basis for the refusal.

Other ways to bring elderly parents to the UK

If it is not possible to bring an elderly relative requiring care to the UK on an Adult Dependent Relative visa, other visa routes which may be considered include:

Long term visit visa
Multi-entry family visitor visa
Family visa – as a parent
EU Settlement Scheme as a family member
British Nationals (Overseas) visa
Refugee/asylum

If your overseas parent is not eligible for an Adult Dependent Relative visa, speak to our team who will be able to explain all of the other available routes. Contact our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected]

Get In Touch

Reiss Edwards Awards

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with them, our solicitor was Zarish Aslam. Zarish was very attentive, organised, and a good communicator. Overall I am very happy with their service and wholeheartedly recommend their services.

Mohamed Mansour

"Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team with great experience.

Ms Zarish is one of the best consultants at Reiss Edwards who has great knowledge and extensive experience.

Totally recommended!"

Simon Daniels

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous other immigration attorneys. Thank you to Ben Inigo-Jones and Kader Gulbahce for all their support with our children's application for citizenship. You made the impossible, possible. We received their citizenship in under 3 months and couldn't be happier. Thank you from the Daniels Family

Simran Luthra

Amazing service from Baris, very informative and polite! 10/10

Reiss Edwards Reviews

This was my first time using Reiss Edwards and I had a great experience with the...

Reiss Edwards provides professional services. The team is a world-class team wit...

Absolutely amazing!! We were told our application wasn't possible with numerous ...

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more about our privacy policy

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Entering and staying in the UK
Visas and entry clearance
Visit and transit visas

Visit visa: guide to supporting documents

This guidance explains the documents you should provide to support your application to visit the UK.

Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

Use this guidance to find out which documents you need to support your application for a standard visitor visa.

The guidance has been updated in line with current policy.

Added Chinese translation.

New content relevant from 1 December onwards.

Updated to include a html version of the English and Chinese language guidance

Updated guidance.

New Chinese translated guidance.

updated guidance

First published.

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Pakistan to UK Visa

There are various types of UK visa available for Pakistani Nationals. You should choose the visa that is most suitable for your travel.

Important Travel Document Information – Please Read

In order to visit, work, study, or settle in the United Kingdom, Pakistanis must apply for a visa. However, the visa requirements for Pakistani citizens vary by application type.

The most common visa for Pakistani visitors to the United Kingdom is the ordinary visitor visa. Pakistani citizens may apply for different sorts of visitor visas, such as short-term English language, marriage, medical, approved paid engagement, etc., depending on the reason for their travel.

Depending on your motives for applying for a UK visa, you can apply for the following:

Standard Visitor Visa
Student Visa
Family Visas
EU Settlement Scheme

To start your application process, please click below.

Spouse Visa From Pakistan

In accordance with Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, Pakistani nationals may apply for a spouse or partner visa for the United Kingdom via the 5-year route. If Pakistani citizens fulfil the conditions for a UK spouse visa under the 5-year route, they are eligible for an entrance clearance as a spouse, civil, unmarried, same-sex partner for an initial term of 33 months without access to public funding. After 30 months, Pakistani citizens must apply for an extension of their spouse visa in order to remain in the United Kingdom.

After five years (60 months) in the UK on a spouse visa, Pakistani nationals may be eligible for indefinite permission to remain (settlement).

UK Parent Visa

Pakistani Nationals may apply for a Parent of a British Child Visa if they have exclusive custody or direct access to the child following the dissolution of their relationship with the other parent. The cost of a UK visa for a parent of a British kid and a dependent child via the family route in Pakistan in 2022 is Rs385,377 (£1,538).

The family path is for Pakistanis who can apply for a UK visa based on their relationship to a British citizen or established individual. This covers visas for spouse settlement, adult dependent relatives, and parents of British children, among others.

Pakistan Skilled Workers

If a Pakistani citizen is sponsored by a Home Office-licensed sponsor to do a specified skilled profession, they are eligible to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa. In 2020, the Skilled Worker visa has replaced the Tier 2 General (also known as a work permit). In contrast to Tier 2 General, this new path for skilled workers can result in permanent settlement (ILR) in the United Kingdom.

The UK Skilled Worker visa costs are dependent on the period of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) for the principal applicant and any dependents.

If the COS was issued for less than three years, the UK Skilled Worker Visa Fees in Pakistan for 2022 are Rs156,606 (£625).

If the COS is for more than three yea

How Can Pakistanis Apply For a UK Visit Visa?

Pakistani citizens who wish to obtain a UK visitor visa in 2022 must fill out the online visa application form in its entirety and provide the necessary supporting documents. A Pakistani can supply supporting documentation for a UK visa sponsor. However, under the General Grounds for UK Visa Refusal, if a Pakistani presents fraudulent or fabricated supporting papers, they may be subject to a 10-year Deception Ban.

Pakistanis have a visa denial rate between 30 and 40 percent. The most prevalent causes for denial of a UK visitor or tourist visa application from Pakistan are questionable motives and significant, unexplained bank transactions.

UK Visitor Visa Requirements For Pakistanis

At the visa application centre, a Pakistani visa applicant may be required to provide the following supporting documents for a UK visit visa:

Create a printout of the online application
Current valid Pakistani passport
Previously had Pakistani passport, if relevant
Translation of non-English/Welsh-language texts
Invitation letter, if applicable
Address in Britain
Address for living in Pakistan
Telephone number or mobile phone
Certificate of marriage, if relevant
Certificate of family status, if relevant
Business/Employer info
Tax registration certificate
Tax returns
Bank statements
Salary slips (for employed persons)
The conveyance/mortgage deed or rental agreement for the Pakistani address.
Verification of assets

A Pakistani visitor to the United Kingdom is not permitted to work. Pakistanis travelling to the United Kingdom on a visitor visa must adhere to the restrictions of their stay. If the Home Office discovers that a Pakistani visitor has violated the rules of their stay, they may cancel the visa and issue a re-entry ban.

After rejection, a Pakistani may reapply for a UK visitor visa or file a Judicial Refusal against the UK visa denial. There is no right of appeal or administrative review for visitor visa denials in the United Kingdom. However, if a Pakistani has applied for a UK visa on the basis of human rights, he or she may appeal the refusal decision.

For detailed information on specific parts of the EU visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any detailed information, please contact us via email .

Useful Resources

Uk visa types, breakdown of other pakistan to uk visas, health and care visa.

A Pakistani citizen who is sponsored by a Home Office-licensed sponsor to work in the United Kingdom as a qualified doctor, nurse, or allied health professional may apply for a Health and Care Visa. This Health and Care visa path can lead to permanent settlement (ILR) in the United Kingdom for qualified employees.

The Health and Care visa costs for the United Kingdom are dependent on the period of the Certificate of Sponsorship (COS). The UK Health and Care Visa Fees in Pakistani Rupees 2022 are Rs61,891 (£247) if the COS has been issued for three years or less. However, if the COS has been given for at least three years, the UK Health and Care Visa Fees in Pakistan for 2022 are Rs120,023, or £479.

Global Business Mobility

In accordance with Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1118 of 15 March 2022, the Home Office has implemented three New Points-Based Routes, namely: Global Business Mobility Visa, High Potential Individual Visa, and Scale-up Visa UK

The New Global Business Mobility Visa route is comprised of six new sponsored categories for firms wishing to establish a presence in the United Kingdom, transfer foreign employees, or travel to the United Kingdom for a specific business purpose. The five sub-categories of Global Business Mobility Visa United Kingdom are as follows:

Senior or Expert Employee

Graduate Trainee

UK Expansion Employee
Service Provider
Secondment Worker

A Pakistani can obtain the Global Business Mobility visa if a British company sponsors his or her employment in the United Kingdom. Global Business Mobility visas are based on a point system. Accordingly, a Pakistani must earn between 40 and 60 points based on the subcategory of the Global Business Mobility Visa UK. none of the five subcategories of the Global Business Mobility visa lead to permanent residence (ILR) in the United Kingdom.

Senior or Specialist Worker

Beginning 11 April 2022, the Intra-company Transfer route will be replaced by the Global Mobility Business Senior or Specialist Worker Visa UK. This path is for top managers or specialists who are appointed to a UK company that shares common ownership with their foreign employer.

The UK Global Business Mobility Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Fees from Pakistan vary according to the application duration. If the application is for three years or less, Rs156,606 (£625) is required. The charge increases to Rs309,454 (£1,235) if the application is for three years or longer.

The Global Business Mobility Graduate Trainee Visa UK will replace the Intra-Company Graduate Trainee route on April 11, 2022. This option is for those who are obliged to complete a work experience in the UK as part of a graduate training programme leading to senior management or specialty positions. The Global Business Mobility Graduate Trainee Visa Fees are Rs64,898 (£259) in Pakistani Rupees.

Global Talent Visa

A Pakistani national may submit an application for a UK Global Talent visa if they are a leader or future leader in academics or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa has been replaced by the Global Talent visa. The following are the UK Global Talent Visa Fees in Pakistani Rupees for 2022:

Letter of Approval from a Competent Body for an Initial Application Rs114,260 (£456)
Principal Applicant – when an Approval Letter is necessary Rs41,845 (£167)
Principal applicant – when no Approval Letter is required Rs156,105 (£623)
Dependants ₨156,105 (£623)

Start-Up Visa

If a Pakistani citizen wishes to establish an innovative firm in the United Kingdom for the first time, they are eligible to apply for the Start-up visa. In March 2019, the Start-up visa superseded the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur route. The UK Start-up Visa Fees in Pakistani Rupees for 2022 are Rs94,716 (£378) for the principal applicant and their dependents.

Investor Visa

The Investor visa is for Pakistani nationals of high net worth who wish to invest in the United Kingdom. Tier 1 Investor visa has been replaced with Innovator visa. The UK Investor Visa application cost for Pakistani principal applicants and their dependents is Rs410,434 (£1,638).

Immigration Visas

Challenge refusal, visa services, uk immigration from pakistan in 2022【complete guide】.

The UK Visa Refusal Fever

Uk visa consultants, jan 16, 2019, a guide to uk immigration from pakistan.

The highly developed economy of the United Kingdom is the fifth-largest economy in the world providing great employment, business opportunities, healthcare services, and other fringe benefits to its natives.

People from all around the world visit the UK as it has many tourist attractions and also to settle there in order to enjoy the benefits given by the government. For this reason, many people wish to immigrate to the UK. Most people from Pakistan migrate to the UK for work or UK settlement purposes.

The UK Home Office immigration policies have become stringent making it difficult for the applicants to enter the country however, a person with a genuine reason to enter and authentic documentation would not be barred from entering the UK.

Quick Links

UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur
UK Tier 2 General
UK Spouse Visa / Settlement Visa UK

UK PLAB visa for doctors

Appeals against the refusal, uk tier 1 entrepreneur:.

UK Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is a point-based system that permits an applicant with his / her family members (spouse/partner and children under 18 years of age) to reside in the UK by investing a minimum of £ 200,000. The funds of £200,000 could be owned by the applicant or arranged by a third party.

Under this business category, a Genuine Entrepreneur test has to be cleared along with other requirements such as maintenance and English Language Test Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

Learn more: UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa

UK Tier 2 General:

An applicant intending to work in the UK could apply under UK Tier 2 General and obtain entry clearance or leave to remain, provided a UK-based employer has sponsored him/her.

The employer has to be licensed in the UK in order to sponsor an overseas applicant. The main requirements to qualify for this work visa category is having a licensed sponsorship, maintenance funds, and passing of English language test at CFER level B1.

UK Spouse Visa / Settlement Visa UK:

An applicant whose spouse is a British national or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK could apply for a UK spouse visa or settlement visa UK from Pakistan.

The sponsor and the spouse have to meet certain criteria set by the Home Office in order for the UK spouse visa to be successful. Evidence of per annum earning of at least £18,600, with additional £3800 for the first child and an additional £2400 for each additional child, of being 18 years of age or above, with both having met in person, of being in a genuine and subsisting relationship, and intending to live together permanently and with the applicant has passed an English Level Test at A1 Level is required.

For complete guidance on Spouse Visa UK from Pakistan , Check This

UK Tier 5 visa is classified into subcategories which are Youth Mobility Scheme, Religious Workers, Charity Workers, Sporting and Creative, Government Authorized Exchange, and International Agreement.

Each category has specific requirements and an applicant has to meet the criteria set by the Home Office when applying for any of the subcategories.

UK Visit Visas:

If you are planning to visit the UK for any reason, you need a visa.

To get a visit visa, you must satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer at the British High Commission in Pakistan of your intentions of returning from the UK after the completion of the visit. Once you are in the UK any breach of the visa restrictions would have dire consequences.

UK General Visit Visa for tourism:

Every year, the British High Commission receives a great number of General Visit Visas applications from Pakistan.

The applicants who desire to visit the UK for tourism purposes are advised by the UK immigration lawyers to apply under this category and not the UK family visit visa category. The General Visit Visa to the UK can be of different durations; for example for Long Term Visa UK, you can apply from two to ten years of visa.

Read more: General Visitor Visa UK from Pakistan

UK Family Visit Visa

The Family Visitor Visa allows Individuals from Pakistan to travel to the UK with the intention to meet their family and friends living in the UK. Documents required for the UK Family Visit Visa depend upon the applicant’s personal circumstances therefore a list of documents is different for everyone. The duration of stay should not be more than six months in one go.

Check This: Family Visitor Visa UK

UK Business Visit Visa:

Many businessmen from Pakistan travel to the UK on Business Visit Visa to carry out certain economic activities.

Those visitors, who intend to visit the UK for a short period of time for business activities, may apply under the following categories:

✓ Academic visitors

✓ Religious workers

✓ Visiting professors

✓ Film crew

✓ Teachers traveling with students

✓ Consultants, Advisers, and Trainers

✓ Representatives of overseas news media

The applicants are advised to meet all the necessary requirements set by the Home Office before applying for Business Visit Visa UK. UK Visa Consultants is one of the best UK immigration lawyers in Pakistan who could assist you with the preparation of the UK Business Visa application. A detailed consultation is provided to the applicants to gauge their economic, personal, and familial circumstances in Pakistan in order to maximize approval chances of the UK Business Visit Visa application.

For complete guidance on Business Visitor Visa UK from Pakistan.

Medical Visitors from Pakistan to the UK

The United Kingdom is known for its advanced healthcare services and modern medication.

Healthcare facilities provided by the government and private medical institutions have a world-class reputation in terms of technology and quality of services.

Therefore, patients who want to travel to the UK for private medical treatment may apply for a UK medical visitor visa from Pakistan.

Applicants are asked to meet the specific requirements, according to their circumstances. They are advised to provide evidence of their medical history, treatment to be undertaken in the UK, and the expenses to occur.

Their treatment process must not be more than six months. Moreover, the applicants of the Medical Visit Visa for the UK will not have permission to take paid or unpaid jobs in the UK.

For complete guidance on Medical Visitor Visa UK from Pakistan.

Entertainer visitors from Pakistan

This is the category of visa that allows entertainers, artists, designers, performers, assessors, media personnel from Pakistan to partake in any charity event, art festival, or music competition declared by the Home Office.

Visitors entering the UK on the entertainer visa must be above 18 and should not stay for more than 6 months. All the expenses must be endured by the applicant without having to recourse to the public funds. The immigration lawyers at the UK Visa Consultants provide assistance on every step.

For complete guidance on Entertainer Visitor Visa UK from Pakistan.

Permitted Paid Engagement visa UK from Pakistan

An applicant invited by a UK-based organization, client, or company without having to be sponsored under the points-based system can apply for Permitted Paid Engagement Visa UK from Pakistan.In order to obtain a Permitted Paid Engagement visa UK, the applicant has to comply with the Home Office criteria. For complete guidance on Permitted Paid Engagement visa UK from Pakistan.

Medical graduates, who wish to take the PLAB (Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board) examination, can apply for the PLAB Visa UK from Pakistan.The General Medical Council stipulates the doctors pass PLAB 1 prior to taking PLAB 2 examination.

Applicants would have to give documentary evidence of the test date and their eligibility to qualify for PLAB 2. PLAB Visa UK is granted for six months however, an extension could be made for undertaking clinical attachment if the applicant has passed the Professional & Linguistic Assessment Board Test.

For complete guidance on PLAB Visa UK from Pakistan.

In the case where the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) has refused a UK visa application and no right of appeal is granted, the applicants can still challenge the refusal by opting for Judicial Review in the Upper Tribunal of the Asylum, within 90 days of the refusal.A Pre-Action Protocol notice is required to be sent to the Home Office in the UK prior to the Administrative Review.We at UK Visa Consultants provide complete solutions to our client for Judicial Review in the UK High Court.

Our team of lawyers and barrister in the UK are fully equipped to deal with such matters. We not only assess your documents meticulously but also provide you with a step-by-step procedure to follow. Our experienced and qualified professionals at UK Visa consultants have expertise in the UK immigration laws and are apt at providing the best possible solutions for the clients seeking to obtain UK entry clearance.

COMMENTS

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you're ...
How to apply for a visa to come to the UK
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example: for a holiday or to see family and friends. for a business trip or meeting. to do a short course of study. You ...
Getting a visitor visa for family and friends
If your visitor doesn't need a visa, they might need to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before they travel to the UK. You can check if your visitor needs an ETA on GOV.UK. Some visitors can scan their own passport at an 'eGate' instead of speaking to an immigration officer. Check who can use the eGates on GOV.UK.
UK Visa Guidance: Visitor Visa for Parents and Family
Visa fees for parents' visitor visa. A standard visitor visa costs £95. The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length: 2 years - £361. 5 years - £655. 10 years - £822. There are also other costs associated with the services that you can buy from your local visa application centre.
UK Family Visitor Visa Requirements and Application
How to apply for a UK family visitor visa. To apply for a UK family visitor visa, you need to complete the following steps: Complete and submit the online application form 2. Pay the application fee (see below) Book and attend an appointment at your nearest UK visa application centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprint scan and photo ...
Family Visitor Visa UK from Pakistan
The UK Family visitor visa is a standard visitor visa ideal for citizens of Pakistan who plan to visit their family in the UK for six months at one visit. 0204 502 8582 (local rate) Mon - Sun, 8.30 am - 6pm
UK Visit Visa from Pakistan
How to Apply for a UK Visit Visa from Pakistan. To apply for the Standard Visitor Visa, you must begin the process online. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your intended travel date. First, visit the UK government website and create an account.
Visa application fees
Standard Visitor visa - for UK, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. Visa types. Visa application fee (PKR) Visa application guide. Short-term (up to 6 months, single or multiple entry) 41031. Visa application guide. Longer-term (valid for up to 2 years) 154134.
Visa application fees
Pakistan. Change this answer. 2 Select the visa category you would like to see fees for. Join family. ... Parent of a Student child visa (up to 12 months) (Tier 4 Isle of Man) 227276: ... fee (PKR) Visa application guide Family visas - Joining your partner, parent, proposed civil partner or child (also applicable to EC to the Isle of Man ...
Getting a visa for your adult family member to join you in the UK
To work out how much income the government says you need each week, add together: £77 if you're single or £121.05 if you live with a partner. £77 if your adult family member is aged 25 or over, or £61.05 if they're aged under 25. £70.80 for each child aged under 18 who lives with you.
UK Visa From Pakistan
UK Visa Cost From Pakistan. UK visa fees vary depending on the type of visa, and whether the application is being made from within the UK or outside. Applying for a UK visa from Pakistan will cost you: £115 for a Standard Visitor visa. £400, £771 and £963 for long-term visit visa, valid up to two, five or 10 years, respectively.
How To Get UK Visit/Tourist Visa From Pakistan?
Requirements for UK Tourist Visa From Pakistan. Visit the UK government website for visas and immigration in Pakistan and apply for a visa online at AccessUK (link is given below) Original passport with at least six months' validity and must have one blank page. Copies of all old/expired passports. One (1) photocopy of the front page of the ...
UK Visa From Pakistan
UK Visa from Pakistan Requirements - 2024 United Kingdom Visit Visa, Business, Permanent Residence and Family Sponsorship England Visa requirements, UK Visa Fees in Pakistan 2024, Processing time & UK visa application center Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad details. ... If only one parent is traveling with a minor child, a letter of consent from the ...
UK Standard Visitor Visa for Pakistani citizens
After your interview, the UK immigration authorities will need your passport to issue a valid visa. Costs and processing times for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Pakistan. When applying with us, the application cost includes our service fee of USD $209.99 and the government UK visa fee of USD $127.00 at the time of writing.
How to Bring Elderly Parents to the UK
Contact our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or by email at [email protected]. You can bring your elderly parents to the UK and sponsor their stay by applying to the Adult Dependent Relative visa. Learn about the requirements and your options for other routes.
Visit visa: guide to supporting documents
Details. Use this guidance to find out which documents you need to support your application for a standard visitor visa. Published 1 October 2012. Last updated 1 February 2024 + show all updates ...
UK General Visitor
A lot of General Visitor Visa for the UK from Pakistan are received by the Home Office every year. The applicants who wish to visit the UK for holidays, tourism or visit friends must apply under this category that is General UK Visitor Visa. It is one of the types of UK Visit Visas.
Pakistan to UK Visa
The cost of a UK visa for a parent of a British kid and a dependent child via the family route in Pakistan in 2022 is Rs385,377 (£1,538). ... Breakdown of Other Pakistan to UK Visas Health and Care Visa. A Pakistani citizen who is sponsored by a Home Office-licensed sponsor to work in the United Kingdom as a qualified doctor, nurse, or allied ...
A Guide to UK Immigration from Pakistan
An applicant whose spouse is a British national or has indefinite leave to remain in the UK could apply for a UK spouse visa or settlement visa UK from Pakistan. The sponsor and the spouse have to meet certain criteria set by the Home Office in order for the UK spouse visa to be successful. Evidence of per annum earning of at least £18,600 ...