Family Visit Visa for Travel/Asylum/Temporary Document Holders: Pakistan

Note: This is a sub-category within the Family Visit Visa section of the federal Pakistan Online Visa System. Because this category applies specifically to holders of travel, asylum, or temporary documents (rather than a national passport), acceptance can vary by the issuing country and the Pakistani mission involved — always confirm directly with your nearest Pakistani embassy/consulate or the official portal before relying on this route for travel planning.

The Family Visit (Travel/Asylum/Temporary Document Holders) sub-category, at visa.nadra.gov.pk/family-visit-travel-asylum-temporary-document-holders, is designed for individuals of Pakistani origin — and their spouses — who hold a travel, asylum, or temporary document (rather than a standard national passport) and wish to visit family members in Pakistan. This guide covers eligibility, documents, and the specific limitations of this visa type.

Who Is This Sub-Category For?

According to the official portal, Travel/Asylum/Temporary document holders of Pakistani origin, and their spouses, who intend to visit their family members should apply for this specific sub-category under the broader Family Visit visa. This typically applies to individuals who, for reasons connected to their asylum or refugee status abroad, hold a travel document issued by their country of residence rather than a passport from their country of origin.

Application Type

Unlike the standard Family Visit Visa, this sub-category offers only one option:

First Time (New): a new visa application, valid for up to 30 days only

There is no extension option for this specific sub-category — a limitation that sets it apart from the standard Family Visit Visa, which allows extensions of up to several years for Pakistani-origin applicants.

Required Documents

Travel / Asylum / Temporary Document (in place of a standard passport)
Photograph
POC (Pakistan Origin Card) or equivalent proof of Pakistani origin
Marriage certificate (for spouse applicants)
Birth certificate
Proof of legal residence — mandatory if you are not present in your home country and are applying from a third country (uploaded under the "Other" supporting document type)

Duration and Validity

An Entry Visa under this sub-category can be granted for up to 30 days, Single Entry
No extension is available for Travel/Asylum/Temporary Document Holders under this specific category

If you anticipate needing a longer stay, you should carefully review whether the standard Family Visit Visa category (which requires a valid national passport) or a Pakistan Origin Card might better suit your circumstances, since this 30-day category has no extension pathway.

Processing Time

Processing normally takes 4 weeks (working days)
If your application is sent back for review, the processing time restarts from the date of resubmission
The application is automatically cancelled if not resubmitted within 7 days of being sent back for review

Given the 4-week processing time and firm 30-day validity once granted, plan your visit dates carefully and apply well in advance.

A Note on Document Acceptance

Acceptance of refugee, asylum, or other temporary travel documents can vary by jurisdiction. Some Pakistani missions abroad have, at various times, indicated they do not process visas for holders of certain travel documents (such as Refugee Travel Documents or Stateless Persons Travel Documents) issued by specific countries. Since policies can differ between missions and change over time, applicants in this situation should confirm directly with the Pakistani embassy or consulate responsible for their country of residence — in addition to checking the official NADRA portal — before finalizing any travel plans.

How to Apply: General Process

Confirm with your nearest Pakistani mission that your specific travel/asylum/temporary document is currently accepted for this sub-category.
Visit the official sub-category page and register or log in to the Pakistan Online Visa System.
Select the "Travel/Asylum/Temporary Document Holders" sub-category under Family Visit.
Upload your travel/asylum/temporary document, photograph, POC (if available), and marriage/birth certificate as relevant.
If applying from a third country, upload proof of legal residence there.
Submit your application and allow for the standard 4-week processing period.
Once approved, plan your 30-day single-entry visit — remembering there is no extension option under this category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend this visa once I'm in Pakistan?

No — extension is not available for the Travel/Asylum/Temporary Document Holders sub-category. If you may need a longer stay, discuss alternative categories with the Pakistani mission handling your application beforehand.

Do I need a Pakistan Origin Card to apply under this category?

A POC or equivalent proof of Pakistani origin is listed among the required documents, so you'll generally need to demonstrate your Pakistani origin as part of this application.

How long is this visa valid once granted?

Up to 30 days, single entry — with no extension available under this specific sub-category.

What if my Pakistani mission doesn't accept my type of travel document?

Policies on accepted document types can vary by mission and change over time. If you're told your specific document isn't currently accepted, ask the mission directly what alternative categories or documentation might apply to your situation.

For video guide, view this video

Final Thoughts

This sub-category offers a specific, time-limited route for Pakistani-origin individuals holding travel, asylum, or temporary documents to visit family in Pakistan — but the firm 30-day limit, lack of extension, and jurisdiction-dependent document acceptance make it essential to confirm your specific situation with a Pakistani mission before applying. Start at the official NADRA sub-category page and verify your document's acceptance directly with your nearest embassy or consulate.

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