The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family or friends, short business trips and other permitted activities. Pakistani nationals must apply online on GOV.UK before travelling and then attend a visa application centre appointment for fingerprints and a photo. A standard visit can last up to 6 months.
Processing timeUsually within 3 weeks after your biometrics appointment
Validity / stayUp to 6 months per visit; long-term visas are valid for 2, 5 or 10 years (maximum 6 months per visit)
Official fees (approx.)PKR 49,945
Documents10 items
You must show that you are a genuine visitor: you will leave the UK at the end of your trip, can support yourself (or have a sponsor), can pay for your return journey, and will not make the UK your home through frequent or back-to-back visits.
- You cannot work, claim benefits, or marry or give notice of marriage (that needs a Marriage Visitor visa).
- Your passport must be valid for the whole of your stay.
- Frequent visitors can apply for a 2, 5 or 10-year long-term visa, but each visit is still limited to 6 months.
- Visits for medical treatment or academic stays of more than 6 months need a TB test certificate. Pakistan is on the TB test list.
How to apply:
- Apply online on GOV.UK no earlier than 3 months before you travel, and pay the fee.
- Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and a photo and to hand in your documents. You get your passport back the same day.
- Wait for the decision email. This usually takes about 3 weeks.
Other fees and options (not included in the fee total):
- Long-term visitor visa (2 years): 506 GBP
- Long-term visitor visa (5 years): 903 GBP
- Long-term visitor visa (10 years): 1,128 GBP
- Visitor visa for medical treatment (up to 11 months): 234 GBP
- Visitor visa for academics (up to 12 months): 234 GBP
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Converted at today's exchange rate. Embassies and visa centres may use their own rates. Estimate your total cost
This summary is for guidance. Requirements can change at short notice; always confirm on the official website before you apply.
Common refusal reasons & how to avoid them
Not a genuine visitor (Appendix Visitor V 4.2)
Under Appendix Visitor V 4.2, you must show that you will leave at the end of the visit, will not make the UK your home through frequent visits, and are coming for a permitted purpose. If your circumstances, funds or history make any of these doubtful, the application is refused.
How to fix it: Read the refusal letter carefully and address each point it raises. Strengthen evidence of your job, business, family and property in Pakistan. Make sure the visit length and purpose are sensible for your situation. Provide six months of bank statements and income proof. Write a clear cover letter explaining your plans and your reason to return. Reapply only when you can answer the specific concerns.
Third-party support not shown to be genuine (V 4.3)
V 4.3 allows a third party to pay only if they have a genuine relationship with you, are lawfully in the UK and can and will support you. Without their immigration status, finances and proof of relationship, the officer cannot accept the support.
How to fix it: Get a signed invitation and sponsorship letter from the host stating the relationship, visit dates and what they will pay for. Attach their passport or BRP copy, proof of address such as council tax bill, recent bank statements and payslips. Add relationship evidence. Include your own proof of ties and any funds you have. Make sure accommodation details match the host's address.
Living in the UK through frequent or successive visits
Appendix Visitor requires that you do not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make it your main home. If the time you spend in the UK is close to half the year, officers may decide you are effectively living there.
How to fix it: Keep visits shorter and less frequent, and spend substantial time at home between trips. Explain the reason for each past visit and show evidence of your life in Pakistan: employment, business, family and property. If you need to be in the UK regularly for work, consider whether a different visa category fits your situation better.
Deception or false representations (Part 9)
Part 9 of the Immigration Rules allows refusal where false documents, false information or failure to disclose material facts are used. Where deception is found, later applications can be refused for up to 10 years.
How to fix it: Read the letter carefully to see exactly what was considered false. If it was a genuine mistake, collect evidence showing it, such as bank confirmation of an authentic statement. Consider seeking advice from a regulated immigration adviser before reapplying. In any new application, declare the previous refusal and deception finding honestly and provide full, genuine evidence. Do not try another application with the same documents.
Intention to undertake prohibited activities (V 4.4)
Visitors must not work in the UK, including taking employment, doing work for a UK business, or providing goods and services. If your plans or documents suggest work, the application fails the genuine visitor test.
How to fix it: Separate your visit from work. Remote work for your existing Pakistani employer or clients may be allowed in limited form, so check the permitted activities guidance first. If you intend to work for UK clients or an employer, apply on the proper work route. State your real activities clearly in your application and bring only evidence that matches them.
Not a genuine student (credibility)
UK student rules require that you are a genuine student intending to study the chosen course. If you cannot explain why you chose the course, university or UK, or how it fits your career, the officer may doubt your intention.
How to fix it: Research your course thoroughly: modules, how it links to your past study or work, why this university, costs and living arrangements. Explain how the qualification helps your career in Pakistan. Practise explaining it in your own words, not memorised scripts. Keep your statement consistent with what you said before, and bring documents that support your plans.
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