Complete Guide — How to Apply for a UK Visit (Standard) Visa (Step‑by‑Step)
Overview: This guide explains, in simple terms, everything a Pakistani applicant, or applicants from other countries, needs to prepare and do to apply for a UK Standard Visitor (tourist, family, or business short visit) visa. It includes document requirements, step-by-step application instructions, what to expect at the visa center, how decisions are made, and practical tips to boost your chances.
Quick summary:
- Apply online on GOV.UK (Standard Visitor route).
- You can apply as early as 3 months before your planned travel date.
- The usual decision time for applications made outside the UK is about 3 weeks after biometrics, though timings can vary.
- Having strong evidence of ties to your home country, such as a job, business, property, or family, along with honest and consistent documentation, greatly increases your chances of approval.
Who should use this guide?
This guide is for people who want to visit the UK for a short time. This can include tourism, visiting family or friends, short business meetings, studying for up to 6 months, or receiving medical treatment. If you plan to stay longer, work, or settle, you should look into other visa options.
Before you start — basic eligibility & checks
- Check if you need a visa. Some nationalities don’t need a visa for short visits. If you do, apply before you travel.
- Passport: You must have a valid passport or travel document. Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay and has at least one blank page for a visa sticker or examination.
- Timing: Apply no earlier than three months before you travel.
- Translations: Any document not in English or Welsh must have a complete, certified translation. This translation should include the translator’s name, signature, contact details, date, and a statement confirming its accuracy.
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Documents checklist — what to prepare?
Note: the online form will generate a document checklist tailored to your answers — use it and include every supporting item that proves your case.
Essential (normally required)
Passport / travel document (original & copy). Make sure at least one blank page remains.
National ID (CNIC / NICOP) — copy and original if requested.
Recent passport-sized photographs (white background) if specifically requested by the centre (most biometric centres now capture a photo at appointment).
Completed online application form (generated via GOV.UK) and printed reference (GWF number).
Proof of funds: bank statements (last 6 months), saving accounts, fixed deposit receipts.
Travel plan / itinerary: day‑by‑day plan explaining purpose and places to visit.
Flight booking / dummy ticket and hotel booking (recommended) — to show dates and route.
Employment (if employed)
Employment letter on company letterhead stating role, salary, length of service and approved leave (NOC) with travel dates.
Salary slips (last 6 months).
Bank statements (last 6 months) showing salary credits.
Business owners / self-employed
Business registration documents (registration certificate).
NTN certificate and tax returns (last 2 years).
Company bank statements and proof of ongoing business activity.
Chamber of Commerce registration (optional but helpful).
Family / civil status documents
FRC (Family Registration Certificate) — useful to show family ties in Pakistan.
Marriage certificate / MRC (if married).
Birth certificates of children, if relevant.
Assets & additional proof of ties (strongly recommended)
Property ownership documents (title / sale deed / tax receipts).
Vehicle ownership documents (if any).
Other asset proofs (business, investments).
If someone in the UK is sponsoring / inviting you
Invitation letter from host (friend/family) in the UK explaining relationship, purpose, dates, and accommodation arrangements.
Host’s proof of status in the UK (copy of passport/visa/BRP).
Sponsor’s bank statements / payslips if they will provide funds or accommodation.
Health / medical
If visiting for private medical treatment: clinic appointment letters, medical reports, proof of funds to pay for treatment.
Travel history and why it matters?
The Home Office checks if an applicant is a genuine visitor. Evidence like past travel (Schengen, USA, UAE, Malaysia, Turkey, etc.) and records of returning home on time can boost your credibility. A lack of travel history does not mean an automatic rejection, but it does make it harder for you to show strong documentary ties and provide clear supporting evidence.
Preparing the application — step‑by‑step
Step 1 — Choose the right visa
For short visits (tourism, family, meetings, short study under 6 months): Standard Visitor.
Step 2 — Gather documents and prepare translations
Collect the documents listed above. Make high-quality scans or photos (full page visible, legible). If any document is not in English or Welsh, get a certified translation.
Step 3 — Create an account & start your application on GOV.UK
Visit the official GOV.UK page for the Standard Visitor visa and start your application.
The application will give you a GWF number (application reference). Keep this safe.
Step 4 — Complete the online form honestly
Answer questions clearly and consistently. Explain purpose of visit, who will pay for the trip, and where you will stay.
Upload documents in the evidence section where requested.
Step 5 — Pay the visa fee
Pay online as part of the application process. Fees depend on the visa type and length — check GOV.UK for the correct fee for your country.
Step 6 — Book biometrics & upload supporting documents (VFS Global)
After completing the online form and paying, you will be redirected to the VFS Global site for your country (e.g., Pakistan).
With VFS you will: create an account (if required), upload supporting documents (self‑upload) and book your biometric appointment (fingerprints & photo).
Bring originals for verification to your appointment if requested by the centre.
Step 7 — Attend your biometric appointment
Arrive on time with: passport, printed application confirmation, appointment letter, and originals of any documents you uploaded (in case the centre asks for originals).
Biometric centre collects fingerprints and a digital photo.
Step 8 — Wait for a decision
Processing usually begins after biometrics. For applications made outside the UK, standard processing is around 3 weeks, but times vary by country and season.
Step 9 — Receive your passport & visa decision
If approved your passport will be returned with the visa sticker or an e-visa notification. If refused, you will receive a refusal letter/email explaining reasons and whether you have a right of review/appeal.
Practical tips to strengthen your application
Show strong ties to Pakistan: employment letter with approved leave, business registration, property documents, family ties.
Stable finances: bank statements showing regular income not sudden unexplained large deposits. If a sponsor supports you, include sponsor’s documents.
Clear itinerary: provide day-by-day plan with bookings or booking confirmations.
Honesty and consistency: ensure all statements on the form match supporting documents.
Travel history: include copies of past passports showing previous visas and stamps.
Translations & certified copies: submit originals or certified copies of key documents and certified translations for any non-English paperwork.
Cover letter: include a short cover letter summarising why you want to visit, who is funding the trip, and summarise the key supporting documents you are submitting.
Common reasons for refusal (so you can avoid them)
- Insufficient evidence of intention to return home (weak ties).
- Financial evidence does not match claimed funds or purpose.
- Discrepancies between application answers and supporting documents.
- Missing mandatory documents requested in the GOV.UK checklist.
- Previous immigration breaches or unexplained travel behaviour.
What to do if your visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter that explains the reasons and whether you have a right to an administrative review or appeal.
You can:
Request administrative review (only where specified), or
Re-apply after addressing the reasons listed in the refusal letter.
Consider seeking professional immigration advice if the refusal involves complex legal or credibility issues.
