Planning to work in the United Kingdom from Pakistan? Get the complete 2026 guide eligibility, salary thresholds, documents, TB test, VFS biometrics, and fees in PKR. Guided by EasyVisa.pk's experienced consultants.
The term "UK work permit" is still widely used in Pakistan, but the UK government replaced the old work permit system after Brexit. Since December 2020, the correct name is the Skilled Worker Visa formerly known as the Tier 2 (General) Visa. When Pakistanis search for a UK work permit, they are almost always referring to this route.
The Skilled Worker Visa is issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), which operates under the UK Home Office. It allows Pakistani nationals to live and work in the UK for an approved employer for up to 5 years, with the possibility of extending and eventually applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Any Pakistani national with a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer can apply. There is no age restriction beyond being 18 or over, and there is no separate quota for Pakistani applicants. The UK uses a points-based immigration system, which applies equally to all nationalities. In the year ending March 2026, Pakistan ranked among the top five nationalities granted UK work visas.
The UK Work Permit Visa for Pakistanis is officially called the Skilled Worker Visa. You need a confirmed job offer from a UK Home Office-approved employer, a Certificate of Sponsorship, an English certificate at B2 level from January 2026, and a tuberculosis test certificate. Standard salary threshold: £41,700/year as of July 2025.
Required points
English level
Salary threshold
Not every Pakistani applying to work in the UK will use the same route. The correct visa depends on your job, employer, and circumstances.
The main route for most professionals. Requires a sponsored job offer in an eligible occupation. Covers IT, engineering, finance, teaching, and most professional roles.
For doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals employed by the NHS or a CQC-registered care provider. Significantly lower fees and IHS exemption.
For Pakistani employees of multinational companies being transferred to a UK branch. An intra-company transfer route does not lead to ILR.
For Pakistani students who completed a UK degree. Allows 2 years of work without sponsorship (3 for PhD graduates), then switch to Skilled Worker route.
For recognised leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology. Requires endorsement from a UK-approved body, not a job offer.
For agricultural and horticulture work on a temporary basis. Limited to specific sectors and does not lead to settlement in the UK.
Every applicant must score at least 70 points. These 50 points are fixed you either meet them or you do not.
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Confirmed job offer from an approved UK sponsor | 20 |
| Job at required skill level (RQF Level 3 or above) | 20 |
| English language ability at B2 level (CEFR) | 10 |
The remaining 20 points come from your salary. Thresholds effective from 22 July 2025:
If you see £26,200 or £38,700 quoted anywhere, those figures are outdated. The July 2025 change significantly raised thresholds.
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer holding a Home Office sponsor licence. Verify your employer on the Register of Licensed Sponsors before proceeding. If they are not listed, they cannot legally sponsor your visa.
Your employer assigns you an electronic Certificate of Sponsorship with a unique reference number. You enter this in your online application. The CoS has an expiry date begin your application promptly after receiving it.
From January 2026, the requirement increased from B1 to B2 (CEFR). Prove this via IELTS Academic or General Training, or an ECCTIS certificate if your degree was taught in English. Pakistani nationals are not exempt.
Pakistan is on the UK's mandatory TB testing list for visas longer than 6 months. Book at an IOM-approved clinic in Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi. You need a chest X-ray and TB clearance certificate valid for 6 months.
You must show £1,270 in your bank account held for 28 consecutive days before applying. Your employer can waive this by certifying on your CoS they will support you financially for your first month in the UK.
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay. Ensure it has sufficient blank pages for biometric residence permit documentation.
Need a full checklist? See our general visa document checklist.
PKR figures are approximate based on current exchange rates. Confirm at time of payment.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (GBP) | Fee (Approx. PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | Up to 3 years | £827 | ~PKR 298,000 |
| Skilled Worker Visa | Over 3 years | £1,636 | ~PKR 590,000 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Up to 3 years | £284 | ~PKR 102,000 |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | Over 3 years | £551 | ~PKR 198,000 |
The IHS gives you access to the NHS during your stay. It is paid per person, per year of stay.
The IHS is a major cost Pakistani applicants frequently underestimate. Factor it into your budget before accepting a job offer.
| Visa application fee | PKR 590,000 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years) | PKR 1,115,000 |
| TB test (IOM clinic) | PKR ~10,000 |
| VFS biometrics service charge | PKR 15,000–25,000 |
| Total (approx.) | PKR 1,730,000–1,740,000 |
Dependants (spouse, children) each require separate visa fees and IHS payments.
Search LinkedIn, Indeed, Reed.co.uk, NHS Jobs. Verify employer on the UK Register of Licensed Sponsors before signing anything.
Your employer assigns you a CoS electronically. Check your name, salary, job title, and occupation code are all correct.
Create a UKVI account and complete the application form. Enter your CoS reference number and upload all supporting documents.
Pay the IHS first via the government portal, then pay the visa application fee. Both are paid online during the process.
Book at an IOM-approved clinic in Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi. Attend in person. Results available in 5–7 working days.
Book a VFS Global appointment in Pakistan. Attend with passport and appointment letter. VFS collects fingerprints and photo on behalf of UKVI.
Standard processing: ~3 weeks from biometrics submission. Your eVisa decision arrives by email and is linked to your UKVI online account.
Biometrics are submitted at VFS Global centres, operated on behalf of the UK Home Office.
Highest-volume centre for Pakistani UK visa applicants. Appointment slots fill quickly book as early as possible after submitting your online application.
Serves applicants in the capital region and surrounding areas. Also handles the majority of diplomatic-area applicants and priority services.
Serves Sindh and Balochistan-based applicants. All three centres offer both standard and priority appointment options.
From the date biometrics are submitted. This is a target, not a guarantee. Complex cases or high-volume periods can extend this.
Available for an additional fee. Selected at the time of application. Subject to availability at your chosen VAC.
Decision by the next working day. Given the financial stakes of relocating for work, priority options are often worth the cost.
Your spouse, civil partner, and children under 18 can apply to join you in the UK as dependants. Each dependant pays separate fees and IHS. There is no additional salary requirement for dependants on the Skilled Worker route.
UK family visa guidance pageAfter 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker Visa (or combination of eligible work visas), you can apply for ILR permanent residency. After holding ILR for 12 months, you are eligible to apply for British citizenship.
Missing documents, expired certificates, or non-English documents without certified translations are among the most common refusal grounds.
Your salary must meet the occupation-specific going rate, not just the minimum floor. A common mistake among Pakistani applicants accepting offers below the actual threshold for their role.
If your employer's sponsor licence has lapsed or the CoS contains errors in your name, salary, or job details, your application will be refused. Always verify CoS details before submitting.
A positive TB result means your application cannot proceed until treatment is completed and clearance is issued. Book your TB test early in the process to avoid costly delays.
Experienced consultants who stay current with UKVI rule changes including the July 2025 salary threshold update and January 2026 English requirement changes.
From eligibility check and document preparation to TB test guidance, VFS appointment booking, and post-arrival advice we handle every stage.
High success rate achieved through precise documentation and expert guidance. View our recent visa approvals to see real results.
The UK Work Permit Visa for Pakistani nationals is achievable if you go in prepared. With the right employer, correct documents, up-to-date salary thresholds, and guidance on Pakistan-specific requirements like the TB test and VFS biometrics, EasyVisa.pk has helped hundreds of Pakistani applicants succeed. We will assess your eligibility and tell you exactly what to do next.