09 Jan 2025
As of recent estimates, approximately 456,000 Pakistani nationals reside in the UK, making Pakistan one of the top five countries of origin for migrants in the UK, alongside India, Poland, Romania, and Ireland. The foreign-born population in the UK has surged significantly over the past two decades, with 16% of the total UK population born abroad as of the 2021/22 Census. This trend has continued post-Brexit, with net migration figures reflecting a robust influx from non-EU countries, including Pakistan. Most Pakistani expats, migrant workers, and international students send money to Pakistan from UK after they earn through full-time or part-time employment there. These financial contributions have added immense value to Pakistan’s foreign reserves over the last decade.
Let’s quickly learn about UK immigration from Pakistan, including the visa types, complete process, and challenges faced by Pakistani immigrants.
Pakistanis have several immigration pathways to consider:
The Skilled Worker Visa allows individuals with a job offer from a UK employer to work in the UK. This visa requires meeting specific skill and salary thresholds.
If sending money to Pakistan from the UK is your primary purpose of settling and earning there, securing a work visa before moving is recommended.
This includes Spouse Visas for those married to a British citizen or settled person.
For those wishing to study in the UK, this visa allows students to attend a recognized institution.
Pakistani students can find part-time job opportunities in the UK as well after they’ve moved there with a UK international student visa. Once you start earning, making a money transfer to Pakistan from UK isn’t a problem when you have trusted services like ACE Money Transfer by your side.
For short-term visits for tourism or family purposes.
Among these options, the Spouse Visa is often considered one of the easiest pathways due to its direct route to residency if the relationship is genuine and meets all criteria.
The motivations for Pakistanis immigrating to the UK are diverse:
Push factors include economic instability and limited opportunities in Pakistan, while pull factors encompass established Pakistani communities in the UK that provide support and familiarity.
Key requirements vary by visa type but generally include:
Estimated costs for a Spouse Visa application from Pakistan are around 662,000 PKR, which includes application fees and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that provides access to NHS services. Other visa types have varying fees but generally range from £1,000 to £2,000, depending on the visa category.
Once in the UK, immigrants must adhere to specific regulations regarding their stay:
The integration experience can be positive due to established Pakistani communities that facilitate social support networks. Befriending other Pakistanis already settled in the UK helps you make things smooth and easier. For instance, you can learn from expert Pakistani migrants the best way to send money to Pakistan, which saves you costs and adds value to your hard-earned money. Most Pakistanis prefer to send money to Pakistan online from UK as digital services are quick, secure, and affordable.
The process of applying for a UK visa can be particularly challenging for Pakistani nationals, often due to a combination of bureaucratic hurdles, stringent requirements, and systemic issues within the visa application process. Here are some of the most common challenges faced by Pakistanis when applying for a UK visa:
Many applicants struggle with understanding the specific requirements for various visa types. For instance, student visas require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and proof of English language proficiency, which can be daunting for first-time applicants. Misunderstanding these requirements can lead to incomplete applications and subsequent rejections.
Reports suggest that the UK visa system has deliberately ambiguous criteria, making it easier for officials to reject applications without clear justification. This lack of transparency can frustrate applicants who believe they meet the necessary criteria but still face refusals.
There is a notable trend of high rejection rates for certain visa categories, particularly visitor visas. This is compounded by the perception that applications from Pakistan are scrutinized more heavily due to concerns about immigration misuse. Such experiences can discourage applicants and create a sense of distrust in the system.
Significant delays in processing times are common, especially as applications may be held up for additional scrutiny or due to administrative inefficiencies within the UK Visa Section in Pakistan. These delays can impact travel plans and cause financial strain on applicants.
Many visa categories impose strict financial requirements that can be difficult for some applicants to meet. For example, family visas often require proof of a minimum income level, which may not be feasible for all sponsors. This financial barrier can limit opportunities for many potential immigrants.
While some applicants may seek assistance from migration agents, there is a risk of misinformation or exploitation by unregistered agents. Many individuals may not have access to reliable legal advice or support, leading to mistakes in their applications.
For many applicants, language proficiency can pose a significant challenge. While English language tests are required for most visa types, not all applicants may be comfortable or familiar with the testing process, which can affect their scores and overall application success.
There is a pervasive sentiment among Pakistani applicants that their intentions are often viewed with skepticism by UK authorities. This distrust can manifest in how applications are processed and evaluated, leading to feelings of unfair treatment.
The UK's biometric system significantly impacts visa applications from Pakistan in several ways, enhancing security while also introducing new processes that applicants must navigate. Here are the key aspects of how this system affects the visa application experience:
The incorporation of biometric data—such as fingerprints and facial recognition—into the visa application process is designed to strengthen security. This helps the UK authorities verify identities more effectively and identify any previous criminal history or immigration violations. Such measures are particularly relevant given the high volume of applications from Pakistan, which is one of the largest sources of visa requests to the UK.
With the rollout of the eVisa system, Pakistanis applying for visas will no longer rely on paper-based documentation like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Instead, they will create a UKVI account to access their visa status online. This transition aims to streamline the application process, making it more efficient and secure. However, it requires applicants to be comfortable with digital platforms, which may pose a challenge for some.
The biometric appointment is a critical step in the application process. Processing times for visas typically begin only after applicants have attended their biometric appointments. This means that scheduling and attending this appointment can impact overall processing times, which are generally around three weeks for standard visitor visas3. Applicants must plan accordingly to avoid delays in their travel plans.
While biometric data enhances security, it also raises the stakes for documentation accuracy. Applicants must ensure that all submitted documents are genuine and correctly reflect their circumstances. Any discrepancies can lead to rejections or delays in processing. For instance, issues have been reported concerning the acceptance of certain documents, such as marriage certificates from specific regions in Pakistan.
The introduction of biometric data collection can lead to longer wait times at visa application centers due to increased security checks and verification processes. While this aims to enhance thoroughness in decision-making, it can frustrate applicants who are eager for timely responses.
UK immigration presents various pathways for Pakistanis seeking new opportunities. Understanding visa options, requirements, and associated costs is crucial for successful applications. Resources such as official government websites and immigration advisory services can provide further guidance for those interested in making this transition.
After a successful migration, including flying from Pakistan to the UK, arranging residence, food, transport, and other basic necessities, budgeting and cost-saving strategies should be your top priority. One way to save money is to choose an online money transfer to Pakistan from UK via trusted services like ACE Money Transfer instead of going with traditional methods. With ACE, you enjoy low transfer fees, competitive exchange rates, speed, security, and a user-friendly platform.
Pakistanis migrate to the UK for various reasons, including better job opportunities, quality education, family reunification, and improved living standards. Historical ties and the presence of established Pakistani communities also make the UK a preferred destination.
Visa options for Pakistanis include work visas (e.g., Skilled Worker Visa), student visas (e.g., Tier 4 Student Visa), family visas, and business or investor visas. Each category has specific eligibility criteria and application processes.
Brexit has resulted in stricter immigration policies for all non-EU countries, including Pakistan. However, the UK government has introduced specific skilled worker routes to attract talent from around the world, including Pakistan.
Yes, challenges include meeting visa requirements, high application costs, cultural adjustment, finding employment, and navigating legal complexities. Support from local Pakistani communities and proper planning can help overcome these hurdles.
Support includes community networks, migrant support organizations, language and cultural assimilation programs, and government services like the National Health Service (NHS) and public education. Many local charities also assist new immigrants in settling into their new environment.
