Moving to the UK from South Asia: Complete Guide 2026

Why South Asia Is the UK's Largest Source Region

South Asia accounts for more UK visa applications than any other region in the world. India alone is the largest source country for Skilled Worker visas and the second-largest for Student visas. Pakistan is one of the top sources for Spouse and Family visas. Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka each have distinct patterns shaped by their communities already settled in the UK.

Despite these differences, applicants from all five countries face a set of shared practical challenges: TB testing, document attestation, financial evidence in non-GBP currencies, and navigating the VFS Global appointment system. Understanding these common requirements will save you time and reduce the risk of mistakes that lead to refusal.

Common Requirements Across South Asia

TB Testing

Every South Asian country is on the UK's mandatory TB testing list. If you are applying for a visa of more than six months, you must get a chest X-ray at an approved clinic before you apply. The certificate is valid for six months. If your test shows signs of TB, you will be referred for further treatment and cannot apply until you are cleared.

Approved clinics exist in major cities across all five countries. The test typically costs between the equivalent of 50 and 100 GBP, though prices vary. Book early, as popular clinics can have waiting times of several days.

Document Attestation and Translation

Documents from South Asian countries must be presented in their original form, accompanied by certified English translations where the original is not in English. The Home Office does not accept uncertified translations.

The attestation process differs by country. India joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2005, which simplifies legalisation for some purposes. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka require documents to be attested by the relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In practice, for UK visa applications, the most important thing is that you provide original documents (not photocopies) with professional translations.

Common documents that need translation include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational qualifications, and police clearance certificates.

Financial Evidence in Local Currencies

The Home Office accepts bank statements and financial evidence in any currency. Amounts are converted to GBP using the exchange rate on the date of your application. This is important because exchange rates fluctuate. If you are close to the financial threshold, build in a buffer.

For cash savings, the money must have been in your account for at least six months. The Home Office will check that the balance has been maintained consistently, not just deposited before the application. Lump-sum deposits shortly before applying can raise questions about the source of funds.

English Language Testing

All five South Asian countries require applicants to prove their English language ability through an approved SELT test. The most commonly used tests in South Asia are IELTS for UKVI (run by the British Council and IDP) and LanguageCert. The required level depends on the visa route:

• Spouse/Partner visa: A1 (initial application), A2 (extension)
• Skilled Worker visa: B1 (CEFR)
• Student visa: B2 (for degree-level courses)

If you hold a degree that was taught and examined in English from a recognised institution, you may be exempt from taking a test. The Home Office maintains a list of recognised institutions, and many South Asian universities are included.

VFS Global Appointments

VFS Global is the UK's commercial partner for visa applications across South Asia. You submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and supporting documents at a VFS centre. Centres are located in major cities in all five countries.

VFS also offers premium services at an extra cost, including priority processing, document scanning, SMS updates, and courier return of your passport. These services can be worth it if you need your passport back quickly, but they are not required.

Visa Routes by Country

India

India is the UK's largest source of Skilled Worker visas, driven by demand in IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance. The Student visa is also extremely popular, with tens of thousands of Indian students enrolling at UK universities each year.

For a detailed breakdown of the Indian application process, document requirements, and costs in INR, see our complete guide to moving to the UK from India.

Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the top source countries for Spouse and Family visas. The UK has a large Pakistani diaspora, and family reunification is the most common route. Skilled Worker visas are growing, particularly in healthcare.

Key Pakistan-specific requirements include NADRA document verification and police clearance from the relevant district. See our complete guide to moving to the UK from Pakistan.