Monday, May 4, 2009

Customer Services & Feedback

There is a Customer Service team at each Application Centre which handles all the VISA procedure queries, Application status and passport tracking. If you have queries or status tracking enquiry, you should mark it to the attention of the Customer Service Team.

Customer Service - Islamabad
Call center Telephone Number:+9290010411 (PTCL lines)
Email:info@ukvacpk.com

Customer Service - Mirpur
Call center Telephone Number:+9290010411 (PTCL lines)
Email:info@ukvacpk.com

Customer Service - Lahore
Call center Telephone Number:+9290010411 (PTCL lines)
Email:info@ukvacpk.com

Customer Service - Karachi
Call center Telephone Number:+9290010411 (PTCL lines)
Email:info@ukvacpk.com

UK VISA Application center aims to provide an efficient service to our Applicants. If you have complaints, feedback or suggestions; we would like to know about it as soon as possible. We shall acknowledge promptly and ensure a comprehensive and timely redress of your voice to the best of our ability. We will take your complaints/ suggestions and feedback seriously and will revert to you within 2 working days. If we cannot give you a complete reply within the stipulated timeframe then we will keep you posted on the tentative date and time of revert and the status of progress.

Duty Manager - Islamabad
Email:feedback.UKISBD@ukvacpk.com

Duty Manager - Mirpur
Email:feedback.UKMIR@ukvacpk.com

Duty Manager - Lahore
Email:feedback.UKLHE@ukvacpk.com

Duty Manager - Karachi
Email:feedback.UKKHI@ukvacpk.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Local FAQs

Q:What must be submitted with my Visa Application Form and supporting documents?
A: One photograph, copy of NADRA N.I.C, passport and one photocopy of passport

Q: How can I pay my visa fee?
A: You can pay by Demand Draft or cash at the bank counter in the Visa Application Centres.

Q: When can I submit my application?
A: The Visa Application Centres are open for submissions Monday to Friday 08.00 - 13.00

Q: How long will it take to process my application?
A: For non-settlement applicants applying in Lahore and Karachi only:

Non Settlement applications are normally processed within 15 working days. However, due to significant operational contraints, processing times for applications lodged in Lahore and Karachi are currently in excess of 30 working days. We apologise for this delay, and will endeavour to reduce those waiting times as soon as possible.

Q: Do I have to submit my application in person?
A: Yes, all applicants over the age of 5 years must attend a VAC to submit their applications and for Biometric enrolment.

Q: Where are all the applications processed?
A: Some elements of the visa application may be sent overseas for processing.

Q: If I am called for an interview, where will it be?
A: All interviews take place at the British High Commission, Islamabad.

Q: What do I need to collect my passport?
A: You need to bring your original receipt and your NADRA NIC.

Fees

Visa fees

Applicants may pay by Demand Draft made payable to "British High Commission Islamabad" or in cash at the bank counter in the Visa Application Centres.

Dependants are charged the same fee as the main applicant. All dependants who are travelling must pay the fee whether or not they are included in the main applicant's passport.

The visa application fee reflects the administrative costs of processing an application and is not refundable if your application is refused. If a payment has been made and the application is not submitted or if the applicant refuses to provide biometric details with their application, then we will refund the fee.

These fees are effective for all visa applications made from 6 April 2009.

The consular rate of exchange is [PKR 120/£1] Please note the visa fees are subject to change.

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Category Fee (PKR)
Category - Visit

Single or double visit up to 1 month (India only) 5,520
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement with China, up to 30 days only 8,040
Single, double and multiple visit, valid up to 6 months 8,040
Longer term multiple entry (1 to 2 years) 25,800
Longer term multiple entry (5 years) 48,000
Longer term multiple entry (10 years) 60,000
Entertainer visitor 8,040
Family visitor 8,040
Business visitor - general 8,040
Business visitor - academic visitor (up to 12 months) 8,040
Business visitor - visiting professor 8,040
Business visitor - religious worker 8,040
Business visitor - film crew 8,040
Special visitor - marriage/civil partnership 8,040
Special visitor - medical treatment 8,040
Special visitor - visitor in transit 5,520
Special visitor - student visitor, up to 6 months 8,040
Special visitor - child visitor 8,040
Special visitor - prospective student 8,040
Special visitor - parent of a child at school (up to 12 months) 25,800
Sports visitor 8,040
Business visitor - clinical attachments/dental observations (up to 6 weeks) 25,800
Business visitor - PLAB test 25,800
Category: Study (non PBS)

Dependant of student applicant 17,400
Category: Employment (non PBS)

Work permit holder 25,800
Work permit/HSMP dependant 25,800
Off Shore Workers 25,800
Overseas domestic worker - private household 25,800
EC Business Association Agreement 25,800
Sole representative 25,800
UK Ancestry 25,800
Seasonal agricultural worker 25,800
Dependants of any of the above 25,800
Vander Elst Free of charge
Swiss Posted Worker Free of charge
Category: Settlement

Spouse/civil partner of a settled person 70,200
Unmarried/same sex partner of a settled person 70,200
Fiancé(e)/proposed civil partner of a settled person 70,200
Child or dependant relative of a settled person 70,200
Adopted child of settled person 70,200
Armed Forces 70,200
Family reunion Free of charge
Category: Points Based System (PBS)

Tier 1 general applicant 81,000
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant 81,000
Tier 1 general applicant - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 73,800
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 73,800
Tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangement) 30,000
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangement) 30,000
Tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangement) - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 27,600
Dependant of tier 1 general applicant with HSMP approval letter (transitional arrangement) - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 27,600
Tier 1 investor or entrepreneur 81,000
Dependant of tier 1 investor or entrepreneur 81,000
Tier 1 post study applicant 31,800
Dependant of tier 1 post study applicant 31,800
Tier 2 applicant 31,800
Dependant of tier 2 applicant 31,800
Tier 2 applicant - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 29,400
Dependant of tier 2 applicant - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 29,400
Tier 4 (general) student applicant 17,400
Dependant of tier 4 (general) student applicant 17,400
Tier 4 (child) student applicant 17,400
Tier 5 applicant (temporary worker) 15,000
Dependant of tier 5 applicant (temporary worker) 15,000
Tier 5 applicant (temporary worker) - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 13,200
Dependant of tier 5 applicant (temporary worker) - national of Croatia, Turkey or FYR Macedonia 13,200
Tier 5 applicant (youth mobility scheme) 15,000
Chevening Scholarship or Fellowship Free of charge
British Marshall Scholarship Free of charge
Fulbright Scholarship Free of charge
Category: Exempt

official visit/posting Free of charge
Members of international organisations on official visits free of charge
Member of UK or visiting forces Free of charge
Category: Others

Exercise the right of access to a child 25,800
Parent/primary carer of an EEA national child 25,800
Returning resident 25,800
Right of Abode Certificate of Entitlement 25,800
Course F 8,040
Vignette transfer 9,000
Handling applications on behalf of Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories 5,640
Forwarding documents to Commonwealth Countries/Overseas Territories (additional fee) 7,560
Joining ship/aircraft 5,520
Direct Airside Transit (DAT) 5,520
Family member of an EEA national Free of charge
Family member of a Swiss national Free of charge
Turkish nationals to establish in business

Appeals & Complaints

Where can I get independent advice?

You can contact the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) for advice and help with an appeal. The Immigration Advisory Service is a voluntary organisation independent of government, and can provide confidential advice for you and your representatives. The Immigration Advisory Service can help you to decide whether or not to make an appeal. It can also represent you at an appeal hearing.

Contact Details

3rd Floor, County House
190 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4YB
Telephone: (+44) (0)20 7967 1200
Duty office (open 24 hours a day): (+44) (0)20 8814 1559
Fax: (+44) (0)20 7403 5875
Email: advice@iasuk.org
Website: www.iasuk.org

The Immigration Advisory Service also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick Airport, Glasgow, Harmondsworth, Heathrow Airport, Leeds and Manchester.

You may be entitled to have your representative paid for by the Legal Services Commission's 'Community Legal Service' (CLS).
To find out if you qualify for this funding, contact:

Legal Services Commission
85 Gray's Inn Road
London WC1X 8TX

Telephone: (+44) (0)845 608 1122
Please do not send your appeal to the Legal Services Commission. You should always send your appeal to the Asylum and Immigration
Tribunal or to the UK Border Agency at the British mission overseas where your visa application was refused.

Where to send appeals
If your reference number is prefixed by ISB, you should send your appeal papers to:

Asylum and Immigration Tribunal
PO Box 7866
Loughborough LE11 2 XZ
United Kingdom

Or

UK Border Agency visa application centre
British High Commission
Diplomatic Enclave
Ramna 5, PO Box 1122
Islamabad

Alternatively, you may fax them to: 0044 (0)15 09 221 699

If your reference number is prefixed by AUH, you should send your appeal papers to:

Asylum and Immigration Tribunal
PO Box 7866
Loughborough LE11 2 XZ
United Kingdom

Or

UK Border Agency visa application centreBritish Embassy
Khalid Bin Waleed Street
PO Box 248
Abu Dhabi
UAE

Alternatively, you may fax them to: 0044 (0)15 09 221 699

Complaints
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve

If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days


1) If you wish to complain about the service you received from the UK Border Agency at the British High Commission, please address your complaint in writing to the Deputy Director Visa Services, British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, PO Box 1122, Islamabad or by fax to 0092 51 2824728.


2) If you wish to complain about the service you received from Gerry's, you may submit it direct to their website, in person at the Gerry's visa application centre, or in writing to the Deputy Director Visa Services at British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, PO Box 1122, Islamabad or by fax to 0092 51 2824728.

Guide to Processing Times

How to use the guide

This UK Border Agency guide gives visa applicants information on how long their applications may take based on recent visa processing performance. The visa application centres in each country are listed alphabetically. Processing times are given in working days, excluding weekends and public holidays. Performance figures are updated monthly.

Guide to visa application processing times

Visa applicants should bear in mind that each application is subject to an individual assessment and processing times may vary. This guide cannot be used as a guarantee of processing times.

Customer Service Standards

UK Border Agency Visa Services staff, and staff at VFS are committed to providing a high level of service to our customers. Information on our processing time standards can be found on the UK Border Agency Visa Services website.

Contact us

Contact Us

Gerry's UK Visa Applications Centres in Pakistan


Gerry's International operates visa application centres in Pakistan on behalf of United Kingdom Border Agency

Opening Hours

Submission
: Monday - Friday 0800 - 16.00

Collection: You will be contacted by Gerry's International directly to arrange collection of passports.

Locations

ISLAMABAD
14-B, Sadiq Plaza
G-9 Markaz
isbvacmgr@gerrys.com.pk

KARACHI
43/1/D, Razi road PECHS,
Shahrah-e- Faisal
Karachi
khivacmgr@gerrys.com.pk

LAHORE
20, Ex American centre building,
Opp Ganga Ram hospital.Queens Road
lhevacmgr@gerrys.com.pk

Call Centre

Please refer all enquiries to the call centre

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 08.00 - 12 midnight

For PTCL land lines: 090010411

From UK : 00 92 51 2098999

All mobile providers dial short code: 8865

IMPORTANT: Please note that these are premium numbers and you will be charged at the rate of PKR 10 per minute

How do i apply

How do I apply?

Anyone wishing to apply for a UK visa or seeking to re-submit their passport following an allowed appeal , should contact our call-centre (0900 10411 from a landline or 8865 from a mobile) in order to make an appointment at their nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). Access to VACs is strictly by appointment only. .Anyone arriving without an appointment will be turned away.

All applicants visiting the Visa Application Centres must submit to a security search. All personal items such as bags, mobile phones, cigarette lighters, liquids and offensive weapons are prohibited and access will be denied to those found in possession of such items.

Applicants must submit their original documents with a complete set of photocopies, including the completed Visa Application Form. Student applications should provide 2 sets of photocopies. Photocopies should be clearly legible, A4 size only unless legal size documents. The Visa Application Centre may refuse to accept your application if you do not provide the required copies.

Some elements of the visa application may be sent overseas for processing. This may result in extended decision making times.

How to Apply:


1 Complete a Visa Application Form (VAF)

2 Visit a CVisa Application entre to submit a completed Visa Application Form and supporting documentation, pay the relevant fee and for Biometric enrolment.


Applications will only be accepted at the Visa Application Centre if applicants:


1) present a signed, dated Visa Application Form (VAF);

2) provide the required photographs;

3) provide passports (or other travel documents where specified by UKBA):

a) for all applicants travelling to the UK;

b) which correspond to data in the VAF (name, passport number, expiry date);

c) which have not expired;

d) which have at least one page free in the visa pages for the insertion of a vignette,

4) present an original NIC card with one photocopy

5) npresent a valid TB certificate if planning to come to the UK for more than six months

6) pay the published visa fee; and,

7) consent to have their biometrics data recorded.


Guidance for applicants from Afghanistan

UK Visa Applications Centres in Pakistan


Holiday Closures

Additional information may be obtained at the links below:

Health (Tuberculosis) Screening

Customers with Disabilities



If you are applying under Tier One General of the Points Based System (Highly Skilled Migrants) full details, including Administrative Review, are available on the UK Border Agency website.

Please click on the links below for information on the below categories:

INF 21 PBS General Migrant
INF 22 PBS Investor
INF 23 PBS Entrepreneur
INF 24 PBS Post Study Work
Tier 4 General students and Tier 4 (child) student


The recent High Court ruling in the UK resulting from the Highly Skilled Forum Judicial Review affects certain people who formerly had leave in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). You may be covered by this ruling if you joined HSMP under the arrangements which were in place until the scheme was suspended on 7 November 2006 and you either:

a) applied for and were refused further leave to remain under the new extension rules which came into force on 5 December 2006, and subsequently left the UK, or
b) left the UK after 7 November 2006 without ever applying for further leave to remain under the new rules.

A policy document which explains in detail who is affected by the ruling is available on the UK Border Agency website. Forms, guidance and information on supporting documents for those overseas who think they are affected by the ruling and who wish to apply for entry clearance to return to the UK as a highly skilled migrant are being prepared and will be available on the UK Border Agency Visa Services website. Applications will need to be made via our VAC.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

UK VISA APPLICATION

Latest News

01 May 2009: Advice to customers about UK visa application process delays


Please note that technical difficulties are affecting the operation of UK Visa Services worldwide. As a result, customers should expect some delays at the moment.


UK Visa Services are working hard to resolve the technical difficulties and apologise to customers for the inconvenience. Customers should allow up to 15 working days for their visa applications to be processed and returned to the visa application centres for collection.


Please contact Gerry's at info@ukvacpk.com or telephone the call centre on 0900 10411 or using mobile short code 8865 (open Monday - Saturday 0800 - 12 midnight)


Please note that these are premium numbers and charged at a rate of PKR 10 per minute.

27 April 2009: With immediate effect visa appointments at Gerry's International cannot be cancelled and rebooked. Gerry's have become aware of unauthorised agent block booking and the subsequent charging of applicants for appointments. This disadvantages genuine applicants who wish to travel to the UK.

To make an appointment to submit your application please telephone 0900 10411 (landline) or 8865 (mobile). Calls cost Rs10 per minute.

Appointments are free of charge. The UK Border Agency strongly advises applicants to avoid malicious agents wishing to charge for appointments.

The call centre is open Monday to Saturday: 0800 till 2400 midnight.


06 April 2009:

If you want to study in the UK from 31 March 2009 you must make your application using the points-based system 4 (General) student or Tier 4 (Child) student. Please make sure that you complete the correct application form and points scoring appendix. If you are making an on-line application you must select the correct visa category and pay the correct fee.Failure to provide the correct information may lead to your application being refused.


9 February 2009: From 3 March 2009 there will be important changes to the visa requirements for holders of Taiwanese, South African and Jamaican passports.


Gerry's International operates visa application centres in Pakistan on behalf of the UK Border Agency

All applicants visiting the visa application centre will undergo a security search. All personal items such as bags, mobile phones, cigarette lighters, liquids and offensive weapons are prohibited and access will be denied to those found in possession of such items.

Some elements of the visa application may be sent overseas for processing. This may result in extended decision making times.Special Notices for applicants in Pakistan

31 March 2009: Student applications that are received from 31 March 2009 will be considered Under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. The date of your student application is when you submitted your biometric data (fingerscan and digital photograph) at Gerry's visa application centre. It is not the date you made the appointment. Given the existing queue in the appointment system student applicants will not be able to submit applications under the existing rules, as their finger scans will be taken after 30 March 2009. Student applicants who will submit their biometric data from 31 March will be applying under the Points Based System Tier 4 .