🇬🇧 United Kingdom visas for Pakistanis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Pakistanis moving to United Kingdom 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.
Compare United Kingdom visas
| 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
- 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.