Securing a Long Term or Work Visa in Pakistan

Applying for a Work Visa

Getting a long-term visa for Pakistan stamped into your passport can be a long-term process. It won't be easy, straightforward, or quick and you may be tempted to give up or go crazy during the process.

Work Visa

A work visa is required if you are doing any kind of paid work in Pakistan that is not a personal venture or associated with a Non Government Organization (NGO). If you plan to work in a school you will need a work visa. Your employer must sponsor you. Not every company or school in Pakistan has the authority to apply for work visas. A good litmus test with any company is to see how many other foreigners are working there. If there aren't any foreigners, chances are that company will have a harder time securing you a work visa.

Your employer should apply for your work visa at least six months prior to your proposed starting date. You will need to include your appointment letter as well as proof of your expertise. This would include your CV and photocopies of degrees or certificates earned. Your employer will tell you how many copies of each document you need and what forms you need to fill out. If your employer does not know, be wary of planning to work with a company that is not familiar with the visa process.

First your application will go to the Board of Investment (BOI). You should get an approval letter from them within four to five weeks. Don't celebrate yet. Now you need approval from the Ministry of Interior. If you are in Pakistan during the time of application, they will send an ISI agent to interview you. Be prepared and have copies of all documents on hand. The agent will not make an appointment and can show up at your house or workplace at any time. Generally, he will have only a small scrap of paper with your name on it. He may or may not have any other information about you, so you'll have to start from scratch. Always have extra copies of your passport, CV, and relevant documents on hand for this type of visit.