The visa application centres in Pakistan accept UK visa applications from customers in Pakistan and Afghanistan

LATEST NEWS

8 March 2010: UK Settlement visa applications and IT upgrade. The UK visa section in the United Kingdom processes settlement visa applications sent from the Visa Application Centres in Pakistan. The UK Visa Section will not be able to process any settlement visa applications or have access to the settlement enquiries email inbox from midday Friday 19 March 2010 to midday Monday 22 March 2010 due to an IT system upgrade. The Visa Application Centres in Pakistan will continue to accept settlement visa applications over this time. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

5 March 2010: Temporary closure of the visa application centres in Pakistan - the visa application centres in Islamabad, Karachi, Mirpuand Lahore will be closed from 11 to 15 March. The closures are to enable the installation of a new IT system at the British High Commission. This is part of a global programme affecting all British High Commissions and Embassies. The last date on which Gerrys will accept new applications in the visa application centres is Wednesday 10 March. The visa application centres will re-open on Tuesday 16 March. Please note that the UK Border Agency office in Islamabad will also be closed from 12 to 15 March, after which the aim is to resume a normal visa service as quickly as possible.

Any further updates will be placed on this website and http://ukinpakistan.fco.gov.uk. For general enquires customers may also call the helpline Monday to Saturday (08:00 to 12.00 midnight): PTCL land lines - 090010411; from the UK: 00 92 51 2098999 and all mobile providers dial short code: 8865. These are premium rate numbers and you will be charged at the rate of PKR 10 per minute.

The UK Border Agency apologies in advance for any inconvenience this closure may cause

22 February 2010: Changes to Tier 4 student visa applications from 3 March 2010. A new set of measures will be introduced in a phased approach to tighten the criteria on student Tier 4 visa applications. Before you make your visa application, please check the updates on the Tier 4 General and Child Student guidance on the UK Border Agency website for full details of the changes. The following changes will come into effect on 3 March 2010:

• The minimum level of English language course has been raised to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students will need a higher level of English at a minimum level of B1 of the Common European Framework of References for Languages to come and study an English language course in the UK. Exceptions apply to Government sponsored students and specific pre-sessional English courses.
  
• If you are coming to study below degree level (excluding foundation degree students) you will only be able to work 10 hours a week (this has been reduced from 20 hours).
  
• If you are studying for a course under Tier 4 for 6 months or less, you will no longer be able to bring your dependants.
  
• Dependants of anyone studying a course lower than degree level (excluding those on foundation degree courses) will no longer be able to work (unless they qualify in their own right under Tier 1 (General) as a highly skilled migrant or as a skilled worker under Tier 2 General, sportsperson or minister of religion).
  

If you have submitted and paid for your application prior to 3 March 2010, you will be considered against the rules in force at the time. Further changes will be introduced from April 2010.

10 February 2010: New rules for student points-based system applications. Students who require a Tier 4 points-based system visa to study in the UK will be required to meet stricter criteria. The new regulations will ensure that students studying below degree level will have limited ability to work in the UK, and their dependants will not be able to work at all. There will also be a requirement on students to demonstrate their English language ability. For more information on the new rules, please see the full news report on the UK Border Agency website.

10 February 2010: Visa application fees for 2010-11. The visa application fees for 2010-11, set by the British Government, were completed today. The visa application fees are shown in pounds sterling but are paid for in local currency. The new fees will come into effect on 6 April and they attract the same equivalent cost where ever you apply in the world. Please see the UK Border Agency website for more information on the 2010-11 visa application fees.

5 February 2010: Changes to student points-based system applications from 22 February 2010. From 22 February 2010, any visa applicant who applies to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsor (who is an education provider in the UK and who is on the sponsor register). The UK Border Agency will accept applications that are supported by a visa letter that have been submitted and paid for on or before 21 February 2010. Any visa applications that are paid for on or after 22 February 2010 and are not supported by a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies will be refused.

The date of application is the date that the fee associated with the application is paid. This will be the date shown on the official payment receipt, whether the fee has been paid online, at a visa application centre or at an approved bank. Applicants wishing to apply with a visa letter must ensure that an appointment to make a payment is made before 22 February 2010. For more information about applying to study under Tier 4 of the points-based system, see the Studying in the UK section of the UK Border Agency website.

7 January 2010: Changes to the child visitor immigration rules from 1 January 2010. The changes apply to exchange or educational visits to a school in the UK for up to 6 months. For more information about the changes please visit the UK Border Agency website.

21 December 2009: Update on settlement application processing times. The UK Border Agency is now pleased to inform customers that the backlog of settlement applications has been reduced. Most settlement applications will now be processed within 12 weeks.