Getting the UK Visa from Lahore!

Dear friends,

One of the challenges being in Pakistan, and having a Pakistani passport, is to get a visa. I never had any issues getting visas for the UK, USA, Europe and other countries from my previous hometown of Jeddah, KSA and Dubai, UAE. I didn't have any problem getting visas for Thailand and Malaysia as well from here in Lahore, and I don't think I should have any problem of getting my UK visa. Still, a part of me is wondering whether I will really get it or not. Take a case for example: my dad, having been to the UK for the last 30 years, had his visa rejected when he applied from Lahore. The reason they gave him was that he had "too much money" and will go "settle" with his son in London. My dad appealed and they granted him a visa in one week. His visa is valid for 10 years. I also applied for 10 years and if I get that then I will be one very grateful person! 

The process of applying for a visa isn't that hard from here in Lahore. Obviously you need to have your forms filled out as complete as possible and attach the necessary documents. Two key documents are your bank statement (that needs to show you have a regular income and enough money for your trip to the UK) and a letter from your sponsor (be it your relative, sibling, company, university) and finally a photograph taken that fits their 35mm x 45mm criteria, among other specifications. If you are missing any of these three, your application will be rejected right there and then. I saw one too many people in the visa center with wrong pictures, no letters and incomplete forms. 

You will need to make an appointment, and I advise you to avail the Premium Lounge or PL (more on that in next part). Once you get the appointment, show up at least 15 minutes earlier and wait for your turn. Once you are in, you will need to show your original ID card to be admitted further in. Once inside the building, you will be given a token after which you need to pay your fees. Then you will be taken in to the PL. 

The best thing IS the PL facility. By just paying Rs.3000 extra, you get to deal with one of the lovely staff who will go through your application and make sure everything is there. In my case, I had my sponsor letter, sponsor's bank statement, sponsor's bio-data page, my company's letter, salary slip, my sources of income (rental incomes from stocks and apartments) and my bank statement. After submission I had to get my finger prints scanned and another picture taken. I have been told to expect my passport in 15-20 working days, which makes it the last week of June.I have been given a tracking number too which I can use to track my passport online. By the time I came home, I received an email and a text message on my Blackberry that my application form has been sent to the British High Commission.

As I understand my passport and application form will now go to Abu Dhabi for acceptance or rejection. I hope I have some good news by the end of the month. 

To apply for your own UK Visa, check out the UK Border Agency Visa Services homepage. To apply from Lahore, check out the local Pakistan page.

Cheers. 

Mansour