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Table of Contents
Introduction to UK Visa System
Before you apply for a UK visa, it is important to understand how the system works. The UK offers different visa types depending on why you want to travel. Some visas allow you to stay for a short time, whilst others let you live and work in the UK long-term.
Short-term vs. Long-term visas
UK visas are broadly divided into short-term and long-term categories. Short-term visas are for temporary visits. The most common example is the Standard Visitor Visa, which is granted for up to six months per visit, even if the visa itself is valid for multiple years.
You will need a short-term visa for:
- Tourism and leisure.
- Visiting family and friends.
- Short business trips (e.g., attending meetings, conferences).
- Short-term study (e.g., language courses).
- Transit through the UK.
Long-term visas, on the other hand, allow you to live, work, or study in the UK for an extended period. These visas are ideal if you plan to stay for more than six months and may lead to permanent residency.
Common long-term visa types include:
- Work Visas – For skilled professionals with a job offer in the UK.
- Student Visas – For those enrolling in degree programmes.
- Family Visas – For joining a spouse, parent, or relative in the UK.
- Business & Investor Visas – For entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a presence in the UK.
Points-Based System (PBS)
The UK’s Points-Based System (PBS) assigns points based on specific criteria. Each visa type has its own points requirements, based on factors like salary, qualifications, English language proficiency, and sponsorship. If you meet the necessary points, you can apply for a visa under this system.
Key visa categories under the PBS include:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
The PBS is designed to be flexible, allowing the UK to adjust immigration policies based on economic needs.
Overview of Main UK Visa Types
Choosing the right visa depends on your purpose of travel, eligibility criteria, and long-term plans. Below is a detailed breakdown of the main UK visa types.
1. Work Visas
These visas allow foreign nationals to work in the UK, either for an employer or through self-employment. Most work visas fall under the Points-Based System (PBS) and require sponsorship from a UK employer or organisation.
Skilled Worker Visa
This visa is designed for professionals with a job offer from a licenced UK employer. It requires a salary of at least £26,200 per year (exceptions do apply). Applicants must meet the English language requirement and provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
The best part about this visa is that it can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years.
Read more about the skilled worker visa point based requirements in our guide: UK Work Visa Types: 2025 Key Updates
Health and Care Worker Visa
This is a specialised Skilled Worker Visa for qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. It requires a job offer from the NHS, social care sector, or an approved healthcare employer. It is also exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Global Talent Visa
If you are a highly skilled individual in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), arts, or digital technology, this visa is best for you.
To apply, you must be endorsed by a UK government-approved body, such as Tech Nation (for digital technology) or the British Academy (for humanities and social sciences).
This visa does not require a job offer and provides flexibility to switch jobs or become self-employed.
Global Business Mobility Visa
This visa route enables overseas businesses to establish a UK presence or transfer existing employees for specific business purposes. It encompasses various sub-routes, including the Senior or Specialist Worker visa, which allows multinational companies to transfer senior managers or specialist employees to UK branches.
It also includes the Graduate Trainee visa, for those on structured graduate training programs, and the UK Expansion Worker visa, for overseas companies setting up a UK branch.
This visa category facilitates international business operations and knowledge transfer.
Temporary Worker Visas
These visas cater to individuals coming to the UK for short-term employment in specific sectors. This category includes the Seasonal Worker visa, for those working in agriculture or horticulture, and the Creative Worker visa, for artists, entertainers, and film crew.
These visas are designed to address temporary labour shortages and provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Each sub-route has specific eligibility criteria and duration limits.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa is designed for international students who have successfully completed a degree at a UK university or higher education provider.
It allows graduates to stay in the UK for two years (or three years for PhD graduates) to look for work or start a business. This visa provides valuable opportunities for recent graduates to gain work experience in the UK.
To learn more about the types of UK work visas, read our comprehensive guide.
2. Student Visas
The UK is a popular destination for international students. These visas allow foreign nationals to study in UK institutions that are licenced sponsors.
To apply for a student visa, you must be aged 16 and above. Other required documents include an unconditional offer from a UK institution, proof of sufficient funds, and English language proficiency (IELTS or equivalent test).
With this visa, you are also allowed part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during term time.
Child Student Visa
This is for students aged 4 to 17 studying at a UK independent (private) school. It requires proof of financial support and parental consent.
Short-term Study Visa
If you enroll in short courses (up to 6 months), such as English language programmes, you can apply for the short-term study visa. But it does not allow work or extensions.
3. Visitor Visas
The Standard Visitor Visa allows visits for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or family visits. It is valid for up to 6 months per visit, though long-term multiple-entry visas are available for frequent visitors.
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
This is a new pre-screening system for visa-exempt travellers, required before entry to the UK.
It is similar to the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA, providing travel authorisation for short visits.
4. Family Visas
These visas allow non-UK residents to join family members who are British citizens, settled in the UK, or under refugee protection.
Spouse/Partner Visa
For spouses, civil partners, or long-term partners of British citizens or UK residents. You must prove a genuine relationship and meet the £18,600 annual income requirement. The visa is granted for 2.5 years, is extendable, and leads to ILR after five years.
Parent Visa
For parents of British or settled children under 18. Applicants must show active parental involvement and financial self-sufficiency. This visa allows long-term residence and leads to settlement.
Child Dependent Visa
For children under 18 joining their UK-based parent(s) who are British or have settled status. Requires financial support and offers a route to ILR.
5. Business Visa
The UK also offers visa options for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to establish or expand their businesses. Each visa has specific requirements, offering different routes to settlement.
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa has essentially replaced the Start-Up visa. If you have a unique, scalable business idea, the Innovator Founder Visa allows you to establish your business in the UK. You must get endorsement from an approved body and show that your business is innovative and viable. This visa is initially valid for three years and can lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you meet the business growth criteria.
Self-Sponsorship Route
If you want to start your own UK business and sponsor yourself, the Self-Sponsorship route could be an option. You would need to establish a UK company, obtain a sponsorship licence, and then sponsor yourself under the Skilled Worker Visa category. This pathway allows more independence compared to employer-sponsored visas and can lead to settlement after five years.
How to Apply for a UK Visa from Pakistan
Applying for a UK visa from Pakistan requires careful preparation. To ensure a smooth process, you’ll need to understand the steps and gather all necessary documents.
1. Identify Your Visa Type
First, determine the correct visa category for your travel. You’ll find specific requirements for work, study, tourism, or family visas. Visit the UK government’s official website to choose the right option.
2. Gather Your Documents
You must provide specific supporting documents to validate your application. These documents help the Home Office assess your eligibility.
- You will need a valid Pakistani passport with enough blank pages.
- If applicable, obtain the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number from your UK-licenced sponsor.
- Demonstrate your English language proficiency with IELTS or equivalent test results.
- Show proof of your funds, such as bank statements, to establish financial stability.
- If you have a job offer, provide a formal offer letter from your UK-based sponsoring employer.
- Include copies of your academic degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications relevant to your application. Also, provide any professional memberships.
- Obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (Character Certificate) from the relevant Pakistani authorities.
- Get a Tuberculosis (TB) test from a Home Office-verified clinic in Pakistan.
- If applying for the Global Talent Visa, provide an endorsement letter from a UK government-approved body.
- If applicable, provide pay slips to demonstrate your employment history.
- Include copies of any previous visas and entry/exit stamps in your passports.
- Complete the online application form.
- Pay the applicable visa application fee.
3. Complete Your Online Application
Go to the UK government’s website and fill out the online visa application form. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
4. Schedule Your Appointment
After completing the online application, schedule an appointment at a visa application centre in Pakistan. At this appointment, you will provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) and submit your documents.
5. Attend Your Appointment
Attend your scheduled appointment and submit your application and documents. Be prepared to answer any questions from the staff.
6. Track Your Application
You can track your application status online after submission. Processing times vary depending on the visa type.
7. Collect Your Visa
If your application is successful, you’ll be notified to collect your visa from the application centre.
Latest UK Visa Changes & Future Predictions for 2025
The rules for UK visas change quite often. Recently, they have changed how much salary you need to earn to get a Skilled Worker visa. Specifically, the general salary threshold has been raised to £38,700 per year, but this is not a fixed number for every job.
Looking ahead to 2025, experts think the UK will continue to focus on bringing in skilled workers, especially in healthcare and technology. This means if you are a doctor, nurse, or work in tech, you might have a good chance of getting a visa.
The Points-Based System will also change. This system gives you points for things like your job, salary, and English skills. They might change how many points you need to qualify.
If you are planning to visit, study, work, or settle in the United Kingdom, choosing the right visa is the first and most important step. The UK has a wide range of visa options. Understanding their rules, requirements and fees can be confusing, especially with the frequent changes in immigration policies. In this guide, we will give you a breakdown of the different UK visa types, explain the application process, and give you useful tips to avoid common mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Visas
Visa processing times vary greatly depending on the visa type and current application volume. Typically, visitor visas can take a few weeks, whilst work or study visas may take several weeks or even months.
Visitor visas generally prohibit any form of paid work. Student visas allow limited part-time work during term time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time work during vacations, but only if your sponsor allows it.
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. Depending on the reasons for refusal, you may be able to reapply or appeal the decision. Carefully review the refusal letter and seek professional advice if needed.
A Skilled Worker Visa is part of the UK’s Points-Based System, requiring sponsorship from a UK-licenced employer and meeting specific criteria like salary and skills. A “Work Permit” is an older term and is no longer used. The skilled worker visa has replaced the older system of work permits.
Secure Your UK Business Immigration Visas with Legend Consults
Understanding which of the UK visa types are right for you is just the beginning. At Legend Consults, we provide clear, straightforward guidance tailored to your specific business needs. We’ll help you identify the correct visa route, ensure your application is complete, and your visa is guaranteed. Our goal is to streamline your journey, allowing you to focus on developing your business in the UK.
Get in touch now and let’s get started!
