If you’re a Pakistani citizen seeking to work in the United Kingdom, obtaining a UK work visa is your gateway to living and working in one of the most vibrant economies in the world. The UK Work Visa, also known as the Skilled Worker visa, allows professionals to work in the UK for an approved employer. This visa replaced the UK Tier 2 visa after Brexit, and it is an excellent opportunity for Pakistani nationals to pursue a career in the UK.
The UK offers several work routes, each catering to different professions and circumstances. Understanding which type of visa you need is crucial to ensure that you meet the specific requirements. Here are the main types of UK work visas available to Pakistani nationals:
This is a long-term route for professionals with a job offer from an approved UK employer in an eligible occupation listed in the Skilled Worker visa occupation list.
A route designed for healthcare professionals working in eligible roles with an approved sponsor such as the NHS.
This route covers certain intra-company moves for multinational companies with a UK branch and is commonly used for specialist or senior staff transferring to the UK under an approved sponsor.
These are short-term work opportunities in the UK, including sponsored temporary routes such as the Government Authorised Exchange Visa, Religious Worker Visa, and Charity Worker Visa, depending on the role and programme.
A temporary work route for seasonal roles commonly in agriculture or horticulture and specific seasonal needs such as poultry work, subject to the rules in place at the time of application.
A post-study route for international students who have completed a UK university course and wish to work in the UK after graduation.
A work route for certain eligible graduates from approved global universities who want to come to the UK without needing a job offer first.
A route for individuals who are recognised leaders or emerging leaders in specific fields such as academia and research, arts and culture, or digital technology, typically based on endorsement or qualifying achievements.
A work route for elite sportspersons and qualified coaches endorsed by the relevant sporting body and sponsored by an approved UK employer.
A UK Temporary Work Visa allows you to work in the UK for a short duration, typically up to 12 months, depending on the specific category. Temporary work visas are ideal for those who need to work in the UK for a short-term project or to gain experience in certain fields. The main types of temporary work visas include:
These visas are typically less restrictive but have strict conditions on the duration of stay and type of work that can be undertaken.
To qualify for a UK Work Visa from Pakistan, you must meet several key requirements. These include having a confirmed job offer from a UK-based employer who is authorized by the UK Home Office, and ensuring that the job you’re applying for meets the eligibility criteria set by the UK Immigration Rules.
Below are the main conditions for applying:
The UK Tier 2 Work Visa (now known as the Skilled Worker Visa) uses a points-based system to evaluate applicants. Points are allocated based on the following criteria:
Criteria | Mandatory/Optional | Points |
Job offer from an approved sponsor | Mandatory | 20 |
Work at the required skill level | Mandatory | 20 |
Adequate English language proficiency (B1 level) | Mandatory | 10 |
Salary between £20,480 and £23,039 | Optional | 0 |
Salary between £23,040 and £25,599 | Optional | 10 |
Salary of £25,600 or more | Optional | 20 |
Meeting urgent tasks outlined by the Home Office | Optional | 20 |
New to the labour market | Optional | 20 |
Holding a doctorate in a related field | Optional | 10 |
Holding a doctorate in STEM subjects | Optional | 20 |
To qualify for a UK work visa, applicants must score at least 70 points in total.
A Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) is a mandatory document when applying for a UK Skilled Worker Visa from Pakistan. This electronic certificate is provided by your employer and must be included when you submit your visa application.
Your visa application must be submitted within three months of receiving the COS. It’s important to note that the COS is not a physical document but an online record that must be referenced during the application process.
The UK work visa has a minimum salary requirement that applicants must meet to qualify for the visa. For the Skilled Worker Visa, the minimum salary threshold is generally £25,600 per year or £10.10 per hour.
However, if your role is listed on the shortage occupation list or if you are under the age of 26 or a new entrant, the salary may be lower. If your proposed salary does not meet these requirements, you will not be able to obtain the visa.
Applicants for the UK Skilled Worker Visa from Pakistan must also meet financial requirements to ensure they can support themselves and their family during their stay.
This requirement ensures that you have sufficient funds to live in the UK without relying on public funds.
To apply for a UK Work Visa from Pakistan, you must prove that you meet the required level of English proficiency. The required English language proficiency level for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
You can prove your English skills by taking a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or by submitting academic qualifications that were taught in English. If you have previously met the English language requirement for another UK visa or if your qualifications are deemed equivalent, this requirement may be waived.
When applying for a UK work visa from Pakistan, the following documents are typically required:
To apply for a UK work visa, follow these steps:
Applying for a UK Work Visa from Pakistan can be a complex process, with strict requirements, documentation, and sponsorship rules. Go Foreign UK Visa Consultants provide expert guidance to make your visa journey smooth and stress-free. From helping you choose the right visa category to preparing your documents, meeting financial and English requirements, and ensuring your application is submitted correctly, trusted UK Immigration consultancy experts can support you at every step. With professional assistance and up-to-date immigration knowledge, you can improve your chances of success and start your UK career with confidence.
The cost of the UK Skilled Worker Visa varies depending on the length of your stay and the type of work you will be doing. For a visa valid for up to three years, the application fee is £625. For visas longer than three years, the fee is £1,235.
If your job is on the shortage occupation list, you may be eligible for a lower visa fee. The healthcare surcharge is typically £624 per year and must be paid during the application process.
The processing time for a UK work visa is usually about three weeks from the date of your application. However, delays can occur if additional documentation or interviews are required. You will be notified if there are any delays or additional steps needed for your application.
A UK Work Visa is generally valid for up to five years. If you wish to extend your visa or change employers, you must apply for a visa extension or a new visa before the current visa expires. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the necessary criteria.
Yes, the UK Skilled Worker Visa can be extended, usually for another five years. After extending your visa for five years, you may apply for permanent residence in the UK (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain).
The extension fee for a UK Skilled Worker Visa is £719 for visas of up to three years and £1,423 for visas longer than three years.
