UK Visit Visa from Pakistan – Complete 2026 Guide (Requirements, Documents & Step-by-Step Process)
Planning to visit the United Kingdom from Pakistan for tourism, family visit, business meetings, or short courses? Applying for a UK Visit Visa (Standard Visitor Visa) requires careful documentation, financial clarity, and a well-prepared application.
This detailed guide explains the complete procedure for UK visit visa from Pakistan, required documents, eligibility criteria, common refusal reasons, processing time, and practical legal advice. If your case is complex or previously refused, consulting the Best immigration lawyer in Karachi, Best Immigration law firm in Karachi, or experienced immigration lawyers in Karachi can significantly improve your chances.
What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?
The UK Standard Visitor Visa allows Pakistani nationals to visit the United Kingdom for:
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Tourism and sightseeing
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Visiting family or friends
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Business meetings and conferences
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Short-term study (up to 6 months)
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Medical treatment
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Academic visits
The visa is generally granted for:
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6 months (standard)
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2 years (multiple entry)
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5 years
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10 years
However, each visit must not exceed 6 months at a time.
Official UK Immigration Authority
All UK visit visa applications are processed under the rules of:
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UK Visas and Immigration
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Home Office
Applications from Pakistan are submitted online and biometrics are given through:
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VFS Global (UK Visa Application Centres in Pakistan)
Who Can Apply for a UK Visit Visa from Pakistan?
You may apply if:
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You intend to stay for less than 6 months
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You can prove you will return to Pakistan
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You have sufficient funds for your trip
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You have genuine travel purpose
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You do not intend to work illegally
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You have no serious immigration violations
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply for UK Visit Visa from Pakistan
Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category
Most applicants apply under the Standard Visitor Visa category.
Make sure your purpose clearly matches the visa type.
Step 2: Create Online Account & Fill Application Form
Applications must be completed online at the official UK Government visa portal.
You will need to:
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Create an account
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Complete detailed personal information
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Provide travel history
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Declare financial details
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Mention sponsor information (if any)
Accuracy is critical. Even minor inconsistencies can result in refusal.
Step 3: Pay Visa Fee
Visa fees depend on duration:
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6 months – Standard fee
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2, 5, or 10 years – Higher fee
Payment is made online via debit/credit card.
Step 4: Book Biometric Appointment
After submitting the online application:
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Book appointment at VFS Global
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Select nearest Visa Application Centre (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, etc.)
Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documents
This is the most important stage.
Required Documents for UK Visit Visa from Pakistan
1. Identity Documents
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Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
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Previous passports (if available)
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CNIC copy
2. Financial Documents
You must show:
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Bank statements (last 6 months)
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Bank maintenance certificate
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Salary slips (if employed)
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Tax returns (if applicable)
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Business registration documents (if self-employed)
Funds must reflect genuine savings — sudden large deposits raise suspicion.
3. Employment Documents
If employed:
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Employment letter
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Leave approval letter
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Salary certificate
If business owner:
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Business registration certificate
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Tax returns
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Company bank statements
4. Travel Documents
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Travel itinerary
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Hotel booking (if tourism)
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Return ticket (optional but recommended)
5. Invitation Letter (If Visiting Family/Friends)
If sponsored:
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Invitation letter from UK resident
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Copy of sponsor’s passport/BRP
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Proof of accommodation
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Sponsor’s financial documents
Step 6: Attend Biometric Appointment
At VFS:
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Submit fingerprints
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Submit photograph
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Submit passport
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Submit documents (if not uploaded online)
Step 7: Wait for Decision
Standard processing time:
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Approximately 3–6 weeks
Priority service may reduce time.
Key Requirements to Avoid Refusal
UK visa refusals commonly occur due to:
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Weak financial profile
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Insufficient bank balance
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Unexplained deposits
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Lack of travel history
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Weak ties to Pakistan
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Inconsistent information
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Doubt about return intention
UK visa officers assess:
“Genuine Visitor Test”
They evaluate whether you are a genuine temporary visitor who will leave the UK at the end of your stay.
How Much Bank Balance Is Required?
There is no fixed amount, but generally:
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Bank balance must reasonably cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
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Funds should be consistent with your income profile.
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Large unexplained deposits before application may cause refusal.
Can Someone Sponsor My UK Visit Visa?
Yes.
If a relative or friend in the UK sponsors you:
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They must show financial capacity.
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They must provide accommodation proof.
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Relationship must be clearly explained.
However, even with sponsor, applicant must show ties to Pakistan.
What Are “Strong Ties to Pakistan”?
Visa officers look for:
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Permanent job
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Business ownership
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Property ownership
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Family responsibilities
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Tax record
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Ongoing studies
The stronger your ties, the stronger your case.
UK Visit Visa Refusal – What to Do?
If refused:
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Carefully review refusal letter.
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Identify weak areas.
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Reapply with stronger documentation.
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In some cases, judicial review may be considered.
Professional guidance from an experienced immigration law firm in Karachi or experienced immigration lawyers in Karachi can help assess refusal grounds and prepare a stronger reapplication.
Why Legal Assistance Matters
Many applicants underestimate the complexity of UK visa assessment.
Professional assistance can help:
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Draft a strong cover letter
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Organize financial documents
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Address previous refusals
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Structure sponsor documentation
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Highlight strong ties to Pakistan
Consulting the Best immigration lawyer in Karachi or Best Immigration law firm in Karachi may increase approval chances, especially for complex cases.
For overall legal support, many clients also search for the best law firm in Karachi to handle multi-jurisdictional matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Submitting fake documents
❌ Large last-minute bank deposits
❌ Incorrect travel history
❌ Weak purpose explanation
❌ Applying without proper financial documentation
❌ Ignoring previous refusal reasons
UK immigration authorities are strict about document authenticity.
Final Thoughts – Plan Smart, Apply Strong
Applying for a UK Visit Visa from Pakistan requires:
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Clear purpose
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Strong financial profile
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Proper documentation
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Honest disclosures
A well-prepared application significantly reduces refusal risk.
If you have a previous refusal, complicated financial history, or sponsorship issues, consulting an experienced immigration law firm in Karachi can provide strategic guidance and improve your success rate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does UK visit visa take from Pakistan?
Normally 3–6 weeks. Priority services may be faster.
2. Can I work on a UK visit visa?
No. Working is strictly prohibited.
3. Can I extend my visit visa in UK?
Generally no, except in limited exceptional circumstances.
4. How much bank balance is required?
No fixed amount, but sufficient funds to cover entire trip consistent with income.
5. Is travel history important?
Yes. Good travel history improves credibility.
6. Can a refusal affect future applications?
Yes. Previous refusals must be declared and properly addressed.
7. Can I apply again after refusal?
Yes, with improved documentation.
8. Is interview required?
Usually no, but UKVI may request additional information.
9. Can a student apply for visit visa?
Yes, with proper financial and academic proof.
10. Does visa guarantee entry?
No. Final decision lies with UK Border Officer at entry point.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not an official website of the United Kingdom Government, UK Visas and Immigration, or the Home Office, nor does it provide official immigration advice on behalf of any UK authority. Visa rules and requirements may change, and applicants are advised to consult the official UK Government website or seek professional legal assistance before applying.
