Islamic Republic of Pakistan · work sponsored
Work - General Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Pakistan work route for foreign citizens with a valid job offer who meet the official requirements.
- Processing time
- The official Pakistan visa page and Board of Investment page list 4 weeks for entry or extension.
- Government fees
- Government fees vary by nationality and route; confirm the payable amount in the Pakistan Online Visa System before submitting.
- Typical duration
- Entry and extension can be granted for 2 years with multiple entries.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
The Work - General Visa is for foreign citizens who intend to work in Pakistan and have a valid job offer. The Pakistan Online Visa System points applicants to the Board of Investment work-visa page for further requirements. Company employment cases require an employment or sponsorship letter from an SECP-registered company and BOI/CWA recommendation; single-person-owned business cases require employer tax, identity and employment evidence plus BOI/CWA recommendation.
Additional sources
Primary source
Work Visa - Board of Investment Pakistan ↗ · Board of Investment, Government of Pakistan
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant is a foreign citizen with a valid job offer and meets the official requirements.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ✓Company employment cases include an employment letter from an SECP-registered company showing salary and assignment duration, or sponsorship/guarantee letter.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ✓Single-person-owned business cases include an employment letter or agreement, employer tax certification and employer CNIC/passport.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ✓The file includes BOI or CWA recommendation where required.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
Common blockers
- !No valid job offer or employer sponsorship/guarantee evidence.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- !No BOI/CWA recommendation where the route requires it.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- !No third-country legal-residence proof when applying outside the applicant's home country.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and photograph.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ·Employment letter or agreement showing salary and assignment or appointment duration.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ·SECP company registration, company profile, FBR NTN certificate or employer tax/identity evidence as applicable.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
- ·BOI/CWA recommendation and proof of legal residence where applying from a third country.Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the job offer, employer type and whether the case is company employment or single-person-owned business employment.
Build the evidence pack
Collect employment, sponsorship, company registration, tax and BOI/CWA recommendation evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the work application through the Pakistan Online Visa System and pay the system-calculated fee.
After approval
For extensions, apply while in Pakistan with proof of valid Pakistan visa and entry stamp.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Work - General Visa route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Work - General Visa.
Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for Pakistan's Work - General Visa?+
The official page says citizens of foreign countries with a valid job offer who meet the requirements are eligible to apply.
How long is the Pakistan Work - General Visa?+
The official route lists entry and extension validity of two years with multiple entries, with issuance remaining the prerogative of the Government of Pakistan.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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