UK visa guidance, from Islamabad.

The Student visa is for courses with a licensed student sponsor. You will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), evidence of your English language ability, and proof that you have held enough money for your course fees and living costs — usually for at least 28 consecutive days. Applicants resident in Pakistan also need a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic.

Good to know: most students can now bring family members only if they are studying a postgraduate research course. We will check what applies to you.

The Standard Visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings and certain other short activities, usually for up to 6 months. You need to show that your visit is genuine, that you will leave the UK at the end of it, and that you can support yourself during your stay.

Best for: tourists, family visitors and business travellers with clear plans and strong ties to home.

The Skilled Worker visa requires a genuine job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor, a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a job at the required skill level, a salary that meets the relevant threshold, and English language ability. Requirements for these routes have changed significantly in recent years.

Best for: professionals who already hold a genuine job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.

A family visa lets you join a partner or family member who is a British citizen or settled in the UK. Partners generally need to show a genuine relationship, meet a financial requirement and the English language requirement, and have suitable accommodation.

Best for: spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and fiancé(e)s of British citizens or people settled in the UK.