United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa for Pakistanis
Last verified: September 2, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Government fee
- about $1,050
- Start preparing
- about 5 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–8 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Sponsored 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.
This page covers Pakistanis. For every nationality we track, see the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa overview.
Requirements for Pakistanis
| Minimum annual income | $53,000/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $1,050. Difficulty: 4/5.
Documents you'll need
- Check the role's SOC code is RQF level 6 or on the TSLAround 180 occupations lost eligibility on 22 July 2025.
- Confirm the salary clears both thresholdsGeneral floor £41,700, or £34,830 with a PhD, or £30,960 as a new entrant.
- Secure a job offer from a licensed sponsorCheck the employer appears on the Home Office register of licensed sponsors.
- Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)Assigned electronically with a reference number you enter on the visa form.
- Pass a B2-level Secure English Language TestAccepted: IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT and Trinity College London SELT.
- Complete the TB test at an IOM-approved clinicMandatory for Pakistani nationals; Home Office approved clinics only, certificate valid six months.
- Gather your passport, qualifications and evidencePassport with a blank page, sponsor-relied qualification certificates and maintenance funds evidence.
- Apply online and pay the fee plus the health surchargeFee roughly £719–£1,519, plus health surcharge of £1,035 per adult per year.
- Attend your biometrics appointment at a VFS centreVFS Global centres in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi; priority service available for an extra fee.
- Await the decision and collect your visaStandard processing around three weeks from biometrics; priority typically five working days.
- Apply for dependant visas if eligibleEach dependant pays their own fee and full health surcharge; not allowed on Temporary Shortage List roles.
- Register with a GP and set up your eVisa account after arrivalYour UKVI account gives access to the eVisa, which has replaced physical BRP cards.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Skilled Worker Visa takes about 5 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Skilled Worker Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Kingdom Skilled Worker Visa take for Pakistanis?
- Typical processing time is 3–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Skilled Worker Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $1,050. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Pakistanis need a job offer for the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United Kingdom is required before applying.
- Can I bring my family on the Skilled Worker Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Skilled Worker Visa for Pakistanis?
- The minimum income is about $53,000 a year, roughly $4,417 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other United Kingdom visas for Pakistanis
Other destinations for Pakistanis
United Kingdom visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.