When applying for a UK visa from Pakistan, understanding the associated fees is crucial. The UK offers various types of visas, each with its own price structure. These fees are set by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and can have a significant impact on your overall application budget. Whether you’re planning to visit the UK for tourism, study, work, or family – related reasons, knowing the exact cost of the visa application helps you plan your finances effectively.
Visitor Visas
Standard Visitor Visa
The standard visitor visa is the most common type for those who want to visit the UK for a short – term period. This could be for tourism, business meetings, or to visit friends and family. As of [current year], the application fee for a standard visitor visa from Pakistan is £100. This fee is non – refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. The standard visitor visa typically allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. However, if you plan to make multiple trips to the UK within a certain time frame, you might consider a long – term visitor visa.
Long – Term Visitor Visas
Long – term visitor visas are available for 2, 5, or 10 years. The cost for a 2 – year visitor visa is £361, a 5 – year one is £655, and a 10 – year long – term visitor visa costs £822. These visas are beneficial for individuals who frequently travel to the UK, such as businesspersons with regular meetings there or those with close family members residing in the UK. They provide the convenience of not having to apply for a new visa for each visit within the visa’s validity period.
Student Visas
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa
For Pakistani students wishing to study in the UK, the Tier 4 (General) student visa is the main option. The application fee for this visa is £348. In addition to the application fee, students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS amount is £470 per year for courses lasting more than 6 months. For example, if you’re enrolling in a 3 – year undergraduate program, you’ll need to pay £470 x 3 = £1410 in IHS. The IHS allows international students to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. It’s important to note that the IHS is in addition to the visa application fee and must be paid at the time of application.
Short – Term Study Visas
If you’re planning to take a short – term course in the UK, usually lasting less than 6 months, a short – term study visa might be suitable. The application fee for this visa is £186. Unlike the Tier 4 (General) student visa, students on short – term study visas are not eligible for the IHS. Also, there are limitations on working in the UK while on a short – term study visa.
Work Visas
Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa is for those who have a job offer from a UK employer that is on the approved list of skilled occupations. The application fee for this visa is £625. Similar to student visas, applicants need to pay the IHS. The IHS amount is £470 per year. So, if you have a 5 – year work contract, you’ll pay £470 x 5 = £2350 in IHS. Additionally, if you plan to bring your dependents, there are extra costs. For each dependent applying at the same time as the main applicant, the application fee is £625, and they also need to pay the IHS at the same rate.
Temporary Worker Visas
There are different types of temporary worker visas, such as the Seasonal Worker visa and the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The Seasonal Worker visa application fee is £244. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa, which is available to young Pakistani adults (usually aged 18 – 30), has an application fee of £229. These visas are designed for specific types of work and have different eligibility criteria. For example, the Seasonal Worker visa is mainly for agricultural and food processing jobs during specific seasons, while the Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows young people to experience work and life in the UK for a limited period.
Family Visas
Spouse/Partner Visas
If you’re a Pakistani citizen married to or in a civil partnership with a UK citizen or a person settled in the UK, you can apply for a spouse/partner visa. The application fee for this visa is £1,860. Along with this, you need to pay the IHS. The IHS for a spouse/partner visa is £470 per year. If the visa is issued for 33 months (a common duration), you’ll pay £470 x 2.75 (since 33 months is 2.75 years) = £1292.50 in IHS. This visa enables you to join your partner in the UK and live together.
Child Visas
For a child visa, if the child is joining a parent or parents in the UK, the application fee is £1,523. The IHS also applies, and the amount is calculated based on the length of the visa, usually at the rate of £470 per year. For instance, if the child’s visa is for 2 years, the IHS amount would be £470 x 2 = £940.
Additional Costs
Biometric Information Fee
Almost all UK visa applicants from Pakistan need to provide biometric information, which includes fingerprints and a digital photo. The cost of providing biometric information is £19.20. This fee is charged in addition to the visa application fee. The biometric information is used to verify your identity and is an essential part of the visa application process. It helps the UKVI ensure that the person applying for the visa is the same as the one whose details are being processed.
Priority Service Fees
If you want your visa application to be processed more quickly, you can opt for the priority service. The cost of the priority service varies depending on the type of visa. For example, for a standard visitor visa, the priority service fee is £500. This means that instead of the normal processing time, which can take up to 3 weeks, your application will be processed within 5 working days. For a Tier 4 student visa, the priority service fee is £500 as well, and it guarantees a decision within 5 working days. However, not all visa types are eligible for the priority service, and it’s important to check the UKVI website for the latest information.
Currency and Exchange Rate Considerations
The UK visa fees are in British pounds (£). When applying from Pakistan, you need to consider the exchange rate. Exchange rates can fluctuate, and this can affect the amount you’ll need to pay in Pakistani rupees. It’s advisable to check the exchange rate at the time of application and also keep in mind any additional charges that your bank or the payment service might levy for currency conversion. For example, if the exchange rate is 180 Pakistani rupees to 1 British pound, a £100 standard visitor visa application fee would cost 180 x 100 = 18,000 Pakistani rupees. But if the exchange rate changes, the cost in rupees will also change.
Application Rejection and Refunds
As mentioned earlier, visa application fees are generally non – refundable. Even if your application is rejected, you won’t get the application fee back. This includes the visa application fee, the biometric information fee, and any priority service fees. However, if there are exceptional circumstances, such as the UKVI making a mistake in processing your application, you may be eligible for a refund. It’s important to understand that the non – refundable nature of the fees is to cover the administrative costs associated with processing the visa application, regardless of the outcome.
In conclusion, applying for a UK visa from Pakistan involves various fees depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. By being aware of these costs, including the base visa application fee, the IHS (where applicable), the biometric information fee, and any priority service fees, you can plan your finances more effectively. Always refer to the official UKVI website for the most up – to – date information on visa fees, as they may be subject to change.
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