The UK is a popular destination for many professionals and skilled workers from Pakistan seeking better career opportunities. To work in the UK legally, individuals from Pakistan need to obtain a valid work permit, typically under one of the UK’s visa categories. This article will guide you through the key steps and requirements for obtaining a work permit for the UK from Pakistan.
Understanding the UK Work Visa System
The UK operates a points-based immigration system, which assesses applicants based on skills, qualifications, salary, and job offers. The most common visa category for Pakistani nationals seeking to work in the UK is the Skilled Worker Visa (formerly Tier 2 General Visa). This visa allows individuals to work for an approved UK employer in a skilled job.
There are other visa categories, such as the Global Talent Visa, the Health and Care Worker Visa, and the Temporary Worker Visa, but the Skilled Worker Visa is the most relevant for many professionals.
Before starting the application process, it’s important to know which visa category suits your situation and profession.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a UK Employer
The first and most crucial step in obtaining a UK work permit is securing a job offer from an employer in the UK. The employer must be approved by the UK Home Office and hold a valid sponsor license. This is a mandatory requirement, as only licensed sponsors can issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), which are needed for your visa application.
Your job offer must also meet certain criteria:
It should be for a skilled role listed on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List or fall within a qualifying occupation.
The salary must meet the minimum threshold, which is typically £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the job, whichever is higher.
Once you have a job offer, your employer will provide you with the Certificate of Sponsorship, which contains a unique reference number that you will need during your visa application process.
Step 2: Check Eligibility for the Skilled Worker Visa
After securing a job offer, it is essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker Visa. These requirements include:
Proof of a job offer: You must have a valid job offer from a licensed UK employer.
Skill level: The job you are offered must be at an appropriate skill level, which usually means it requires qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels or higher.
English language proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through a recognized language test like IELTS or by holding a degree taught in English.
Financial stability: You need to show that you can support yourself financially when you arrive in the UK. Generally, you need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying for the visa.
You must also ensure that you meet the UK’s general health and character requirements, such as undergoing a tuberculosis (TB) test, if applicable.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
To apply for a UK work permit, you will need to gather and prepare several key documents. These include:
A valid passport or other travel identification.
The Certificate of Sponsorship reference number provided by your UK employer.
Proof of English language proficiency, such as an IELTS test result or a degree taught in English.
Evidence of sufficient funds in your bank account to prove financial stability.
Proof of qualifications and work experience relevant to your job.
A tuberculosis test certificate if you are a Pakistani resident applying for a visa longer than six months.
It is essential to ensure that all your documents are up-to-date and properly certified before starting the application process.
Step 4: Submit Your Visa Application Online
Once you have your job offer, eligibility confirmed, and all the required documents, you can proceed with the online visa application. You must apply for the visa through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website.
The application process involves:
Completing an online form.
Uploading all your documents.
Paying the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
The visa application fee varies depending on the length of your stay and your specific occupation. For a Skilled Worker Visa, the fee is typically between £610 and £1,408. The Immigration Health Surcharge costs £624 per year of your visa.
Step 5: Attend a Biometric Appointment
After submitting your online application, you will need to book and attend a biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan. There are VACs located in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
At the appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken for the UK biometric residence permit (BRP). You may also need to provide additional documents during this appointment if requested.
Step 6: Wait for a Decision
Once you’ve attended your biometric appointment, the processing time for a Skilled Worker Visa is usually three to eight weeks, depending on whether you opted for standard or priority processing.
During this waiting period, the UKVI will assess your application based on your eligibility, your employer’s sponsorship, and your supporting documents.
If your visa is approved, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport, which allows you to travel to the UK. Once in the UK, you will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a designated location within 10 days of arrival.
Step 7: Arrive in the UK and Start Working
Upon receiving your visa, you can now travel to the UK and begin your new job. Once in the UK, make sure to collect your BRP as it serves as your official proof of residence and work authorization in the UK.
You are allowed to work full-time for the employer listed in your Certificate of Sponsorship. The visa can be valid for up to five years, after which you may extend it or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a form of permanent residency in the UK.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
After working in the UK for five continuous years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK without any time restrictions. To qualify for ILR, you need to:
Prove that you have been living and working in the UK continuously for five years.
Meet the income and language requirements.
Pass the Life in the UK Test, which assesses your knowledge of British customs and traditions.
Once you hold ILR status, you can later apply for full British citizenship, provided you meet the necessary requirements.
See also: How Can International Students Get Permanent Residency In The UK
Conclusion
Securing a work permit for the UK from Pakistan can be a complex process, but with proper preparation and understanding of the requirements, it is achievable. The key steps include securing a job offer from a UK employer, confirming your eligibility, gathering all necessary documents, and submitting your visa application. With a Skilled Worker Visa, you can build a successful career in the UK and eventually apply for permanent residency.
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