Those who are a citizen of Pakistan and wish to have employment in the United Kingdom may be required to apply for a UK work visa. It is essentially a type of authorization for immigration that permits one to enter and remain within the territory of the UK under specified circumstances and duration.
UK work visa for Pakistan requirements 2024
Pakistani nationals can apply for different UK work visas, depending on their skills, qualifications, job offer, and sponsorship. Pakistani students who complete their studies can also benefit from post-study work facilities.
General requirements
These are some general requirements that you usually need when applying for a work visa in the UK as a Pakistani:
• Certificate of sponsorship reference number – your employer will give you this
• Proof of your knowledge of English
• A valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality
• Job title and annual salary
• Job’s occupation code
Name of your employer and their sponsor license number – this will be on your certificate of sponsorship
Suppose your documents are not in English; you must provide a certified translation. Moreover, you might be asked to provide additional requirements based on your situation:
• Evidence that you have enough personal savings to support yourself in the UK, for example, bank statements (unless your certificate of sponsorship shows your employer can support you)
• Proof of your relationship with your partner and children if they’re applying with you
• Tuberculosis test results, if you’re from a listed country
• Criminal record certificate – if you’re working in specific jobs
• Valid ATAS certificate if your employer tells you that you need one because your job involves researching a sensitive subject at PhD level or higher
• Your unique Ecctis reference number (formerly unique UK NARIC reference number). Since your qualification is from outside the UK – you’ll need to apply through Ecctis
A blank page in your passport for your visa
Since you’re applying outside the UK, you must prove your identity. To do this, you can either:
• have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center in Pakistan – visit this website to get a biometric residence permit
• use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document – you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
Skilled worker visa
The skilled worker visa is the most famous visa for Pakistani; it lets you work for an authorized employer in the UK. This visa replaced the Tier 2 work permit and enables you to work on UK waters too.
Your visa can last for up to 5 years. You should apply to extend your visa when it expires or if you switch jobs or employers. This visa is suitable for you if you meet the following eligibility requirements:
• you must have knowledge of English
• you must work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office
• have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK
• I do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• be paid a minimum salary – how much depends on the type of work you do
• The particular qualifications vary based on your career.
Overseas domestic worker visa
Suppose you are a domestic worker, such as a cleaner, chauffeur, cook, or nanny, employed by the same private household for at least one year and live outside the UK. In that case, you may be eligible to apply for this type of visa through your employer. Other eligibility requirements must also be met:
• are 19 or older
• have worked for your employer for at least 1 year
• work in the same household as your employer or one they use regularly
• plan to travel to the UK with your employer, their partner, or children
• intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household your employer will live in
• plan to leave the UK at the end of 6 months
• you can support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds
Your employer must be either:
• a British citizen who usually lives outside the UK and who does not intend to remain in the UK for more than 6 months
• a foreign citizen who is coming to the UK on a visit and who does not intend to stay for more than 6 months
Your employer must also pay you at least the national minimum wage.
Temporary work visas
Temporary work visas allow the applicant to work in the UK for a short period, usually up to 12 months. Under this visa is the Seasonal Worker visa, Government Authorized Exchange visa, Creative Worker visa, Religious Worker visa, Charity Worker visa, and International Agreement visa.
For more information on the type of work visas provided by the UK, you can visit the official government site.
UK work visa for Pakistan application process
Getting a UK work visa is easy if you follow the correct steps and thoroughly follow the UK government’s guidelines. The steps usually consist of the following:
• Fill in the application form and answer in English
• Pay for the visa fee or nline (in most cases)
• Book and wait for an appointment at a visa application center
• Pay the health surcharge
• Have your biometrics taken (fingerprints and photo) for a biometric residence permit
UK work visa for Pakistan processing time
For skilled workers, once the application has been submitted and all documents have been processed, a decision on your visa will come
• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
UK work visa for Pakistan price
The fees for applying for a UK work visa for Pakistani nationals vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. Some examples of the fees for different work visas are:
• Skilled worker (certificate of sponsorship for 3 years or less): PKR 252,683
• Skilled worker (certificate of sponsorship for over 3 years): PK3 527,155
• Overseas domestic worker: PKR 223,865
• Temporary work visas: PKR 104,728
If you don’t see your category here, you can head over to the complete price list of the UK government.
FAQ
How much does a 2-year UK work visa cost?
Registration fees
If you are applying from outside the UK, the standard fee depends on whether you will be in the UK for: up to 3 years – £719 per person. over 3 years – £1,420 per person.
How to get a UK Visa from Pakistan easily?
Use this step-by-step guide to help you with your visa application.
• Step 1: Apply on GOV.UK. …
• Step 2: Register with VFS Global to book an appointment, choose services. …
• Step 3: Check and pay. …
• Step 4: Visit the VFS Global Visa Application Center to submit your biometric data.
Is IELTS required for a UK work visa?
IELTS Scores for Skilled Worker Visa (General Work Visa)
You will need to obtain a B1 level on the CEFR scale. The CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard for describing language skills. This equates to an overall IELTS score of 4.0.
Is the UK work visa easy to get?
Application process
Some UK work visas are more difficult to obtain than others, due to different route-specific requirements. You can apply for a UK visa three months before your intended travel date. However, please note that it may take up to three weeks for your visa application to be processed.
How much bank balance is required for a UK visa?
You must have a minimum bank balance of INR 2,00,000/- or 3,00,000/- per person, which will prove that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your visit to the UK.
What is the minimum salary in the UK for a work visa?
£26,200 gross per
The new 2023 salary figure for skilled worker visa applicants. The minimum gross annual salary threshold for most skilled worker visa applications will increase as follows: The annual salary of £600, from £25,600 to £26,200 gross per annum. The minimum hourly rate ranges from £10.10 per hour to £10.75 per hour.
What is the age limit for a work visa in England?
You must be at least 18 years old when you apply and have both of the following documents: A sponsorship certificate reference number from your UK sponsor. enough money to support yourself in the UK: you will usually need at least £1,270 available (unless you are exempt)
How much bank balance is required for a UK visit visa from Pakistan?
Below are some basic requirements you need to meet to get your UK visa approved: To keep it simple, you need to have at least half the income of the total expense for your visit to the UK. Additionally, your savings for the visit should be double the amount of your expected expense. There must be no large cash deposits in addition to your salary.