ILR for Pakistani Nationals: Complete Guide
What you need to know
- •Pakistani nationals qualify for ILR through all standard routes including Skilled Worker, spouse, and ancestry.
- •Pakistan allows dual citizenship with the UK, so you can hold both nationalities.
- •The nikah nama (Islamic marriage certificate) is accepted by the Home Office with a certified translation.
- •Documents in Urdu or regional languages must be accompanied by certified English translations.
Pakistani nationals can apply for ILR through all standard routes. Pakistan allows dual citizenship with the UK, which means you can later pursue British citizenship without losing your Pakistani nationality. The most common routes for Pakistani nationals are the spouse visa, Skilled Worker visa, and long residence. Documents in Urdu require certified English translations.
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Common ILR Routes for Pakistani Nationals
Pakistani nationals in the UK most commonly qualify for ILR through these routes:
- Spouse or partner visa: The spouse route to ILR is one of the most common paths for Pakistani nationals, particularly for those joining British-Pakistani spouses. After 5 years on the spouse visa route, you can apply for ILR.
- Skilled Worker visa: After 5 years on the Skilled Worker route, you can apply for ILR. Pakistani nationals work across many sectors in the UK, including healthcare, technology, and engineering.
- Long residence: After 10 years of continuous lawful residence, the long residence route is available.
- Parent route: If you are the parent of a British citizen child, the parent route may be available.
Dual Nationality with Pakistan
Pakistan permits dual citizenship with a number of specified countries, and the United Kingdom is one of them. This means that after receiving ILR, you can pursue British citizenship without needing to renounce your Pakistani nationality.
This is a significant benefit. You can hold both a Pakistani and British passport, maintain property and inheritance rights in Pakistan, and enjoy full civic rights in both countries. For the full journey from ILR to citizenship, see our ILR to citizenship journey guide.
Document Requirements
The standard ILR documents are listed in our ILR documents checklist. Pakistani nationals should note these specific considerations:
- Nikah nama: The Islamic marriage certificate (nikah nama) is accepted by the Home Office as proof of marriage. It must be accompanied by a certified English translation. If your nikah nama was registered with NADRA, the computerised version is preferred.
- Pakistani passport: Provide all passports covering the qualifying period. If your passport was renewed at the Pakistan High Commission in London, keep the old passport.
- NADRA documents: Birth certificates, family registration certificates, and CNICs from NADRA should be accompanied by certified English translations.
- Educational qualifications: Pakistani degrees may need a UK ENIC equivalency statement for the English language requirement.
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English Language Considerations
Pakistani nationals must meet the English language requirement for ILR at CEFR B1 level. Options include:
- A degree taught or researched in English (Pakistani universities where the medium of instruction is English may qualify, with UK ENIC verification)
- A Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B1 level or above
- Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (Pakistan is not on this list, so this exemption does not apply)
For full details, see our English language requirements for ILR guide. Information on accepted tests is available on the GOV.UK SELT page.
Financial Requirements
The financial requirements depend on your route. On the spouse route, you need to meet the income threshold. On the Skilled Worker route, the salary threshold applies.
For spouse visa applicants using joint financial evidence, both partners' income can be combined. If using cash savings, see our cash savings guide.
Travel and Absences
Pakistani nationals often travel to Pakistan to visit family, particularly for important occasions such as weddings or Eid celebrations. Keep careful records of all travel, as the ILR absence rules limit how long you can be outside the UK.
On most 5-year routes, the limit is 180 days in any 12-month period. Plan your trips carefully, especially if you make multiple visits per year.
After ILR: Next Steps
After receiving ILR, Pakistani nationals have excellent options:
- Stay with ILR: Enjoy permanent residence while keeping your Pakistani passport. See our ILR rights and benefits guide.
- Apply for British citizenship: Because Pakistan allows dual citizenship with the UK, you can become British without losing your Pakistani nationality. See our citizenship guide for Pakistani nationals.
For the official ILR application process, visit the GOV.UK ILR page.
This guide is general information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
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