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Immigration Guides for Pakistanis

Immigration means moving for good: a status that lets you live in another country without a time limit, and usually leads to citizenship later. Each country runs its own system, and the route that suits you depends on your skills, your family links and how long you are prepared to wait.

Choose your destination

United KingdomIndefinite leave to remainUnited StatesGreen cardCanadaPermanent residenceAustraliaPoints-tested skilled visa

These guides cover four of the most common destinations for people in Pakistan: UK indefinite leave to remain, the US green card, Canadian permanent residence and Australia's points-tested skilled visas. Each guide explains who the route is for, the documents to gather in Pakistan, the steps in order and the common reasons applications fail.

Rules change often, and some of these systems are being reformed. We describe how each one works and point you to the official pages for current fees, scores and processing times.

How to choose

  • Start with what you already have: a job offer, close family in the country, a recognised degree, or strong English or French. Each route rewards different things.
  • Canada's Express Entry and Australia's skilled visas let you apply without an employer, but you compete with other candidates for an invitation.
  • For most people the UK has no direct permanent route from abroad. You go on a work or family visa first and apply to settle after the qualifying period.
  • A US green card usually needs a family or employer petition, and many categories have long queues set by annual limits.
  • Age matters in points systems. Australia's points-tested visas have an age limit at invitation, and age affects your score in both Canada and Australia.
  • Start your paperwork early. Degree assessments, English tests, police certificates and corrected NADRA records all take time to arrange in Pakistan.

Questions people ask

There is no single answer. It depends on your occupation, age, language results, family links and budget. Compare the eligibility rules in each guide and confirm them on the official site before you spend money.

In Canada and Australia, yes, if you meet the criteria for Express Entry or the points-tested visas. In the UK and the US you usually need a work or family route first.

Most skilled routes ask for one. Canada accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core, Australia accepts several tests including IELTS and PTE Academic, and the UK needs a test from a Home Office approved provider unless you are exempt.

Most permanent residence applications ask for police certificates, often including one from Pakistan. Pakistani character certificates are issued by the police in your province, so check each country's instructions and apply early.

No. Only the immigration authority of the country decides. Be wary of anyone who promises a visa, an invitation or a nomination in return for a fee.

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