🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas for Pakistanis 2026
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Pakistanis moving to United Kingdom from Pakistan have 2 main visa routes: Skilled Worker Visa and Student Visa. The fastest is the Student Visa at 3–6 weeks. 1 of them needs no job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Just visiting? United Kingdom tourist visa for Pakistanis covers tourism, family visits, conferences and business trips.
Compare United Kingdom visas for Pakistanis: cost, processing time, and requirements
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visawork | 3–8 weeks | $1,050 | Required | Yes | Yes |
| Student Visastudy | 3–6 weeks | $620 | Not required | Yes | No |
United Kingdom visa guides for Pakistanis
Skilled Worker Visa
workSponsored work route leading to settlement after five years. Since 22 July 2025 the job must sit at RQF level 6 (degree level) — that test applies to the role's SOC code, not to you, so you can qualify without a degree if the occupation does. The general salary floor is £41,700 or the going rate for the code, whichever is higher; PhD holders £34,830 and new entrants £30,960. Since 8 January 2026 new applicants must prove B2 English, up from B1. Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge at £1,035 per person per year, paid upfront for the whole visa length — for a five-year visa with a partner that alone exceeds £10,000. Roles on the Temporary Shortage List are eligible only until 31 December 2026 and cannot bring dependants.
Student Visa
studyStudy route for a licensed sponsor course, with the Graduate visa afterwards allowing work in the UK without sponsorship. You need a CAS from your university, English at the level your course requires, and evidence of full first-year tuition plus nine months of living costs — roughly £10,224 outside London or £13,347 in London. The funds must sit in the account for 28 consecutive days, and the Home Office scrutinises Pakistani applications closely for source of funds: keep salary slips, business income records or property sale deeds whose names, dates and amounts match exactly. A TB test certificate from an approved clinic is mandatory.
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Can Pakistan citizens move to United Kingdom?
- Yes. Pakistan citizens have 2 main routes into United Kingdom: the Skilled Worker Visa and the Student Visa. Each has its own requirements, fees, and processing time, compared on this page.
- What is the fastest United Kingdom visa for Pakistanis?
- The Student Visa typically processes in 3–6 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Pakistanis move to United Kingdom without a job offer?
- Yes. The Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United Kingdom employer.
- What is the cheapest United Kingdom visa for Pakistanis?
- The Student Visa has the lowest government fee at about $620. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which United Kingdom visas let Pakistanis bring family?
- The Skilled Worker Visa and the Student Visa allow accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which United Kingdom visas lead to permanent residency for Pakistanis?
- The Skilled Worker Visa offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- How much does a United Kingdom visa cost for Pakistanis?
- Government fees for Pakistanis are about $1,050 for the Skilled Worker Visa and $620 for the Student Visa (USD equivalents). Translations, apostilles, medicals, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- How long does a United Kingdom visa take for Pakistanis?
- Typical processing is 3–8 weeks for the Skilled Worker Visa and 3–6 weeks for the Student Visa, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.