Planning to study at a registered Deeni Madaris in Pakistan? Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the Deeni Madaris visa online through the NADRA Pakistan Online Visa System. This guide explains the three application sub-categories, the documents and NOCs you need, how long the visa lasts and how long to allow for processing.
What is the Deeni Madaris visa?
The Deeni Madaris category on the NADRA portal is for students who want to study at a registered Deeni Madaris in Pakistan. It sits alongside other categories on the same system, such as student, medical, business and work visas. If you plan to study at a university rather than a madrasa, our Pakistan student visa guide is the better fit.
Application types and when to apply
You can apply online under three sub-categories:
- Entry (new): apply 3 months before the start of your proposed course at the registered Deeni Madaris in Pakistan.
- Extension, continuation of existing course: for people who hold a valid Pakistani visa under this category and are residing in Pakistan. Apply 3 months before the visa expires.
- Extension, change of course: the same conditions as above, for students who are changing their course. Apply 3 months before the visa expires.
Eligibility
Citizens of the countries listed on the NADRA page are eligible for this visa. The page links to the country list, so check it first to confirm that your nationality is included.
Required documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Admission or bonafide letter from the Deeni Madaris, showing the course name, the date of commencement and the expected date of completion
- NOC from the Government's Home Department or Foreign Office of the applicant, for an entry visa
- NOC from the concerned Embassy in Pakistan of the applicant, for an extension visa
- Sponsorship letter or bank statement. For an extension, you must also provide details of a local bank account in Pakistan
Duration and validity
Processing time
| Item | What the portal says |
|---|---|
| Normal processing time | Up to 10 to 12 weeks |
| When to plan your trip | After you receive the Visa Grant Notice for your application |
| If sent back for review | The processing time starts again from the date you resubmit |
How to apply (step by step)
- Check eligibility. Confirm your country is on the eligible list on the official page.
- Get your admission letter. Ask the Deeni Madaris for a letter showing the course name, start date and expected completion date.
- Arrange your NOC. For an entry visa, get the NOC from your government's Home Department or Foreign Office. For an extension, get the NOC from your embassy in Pakistan.
- Prepare sponsorship papers. Collect the sponsorship letter or bank statement, plus local Pakistani bank account details if you are extending.
- Open the portal. Go to the Pakistan Online Visa System, register and log in.
- Choose the sub-category. Select entry (new), extension for continuation of your existing course, or extension for a change of course.
- Upload documents and submit. Then watch your email and dashboard, and wait for the Visa Grant Notice before you travel.
Open the official Deeni Madaris visa page
Mistakes that can delay or cancel your application
- Applying less than 3 months before the course starts or the visa expires.
- Using an admission letter that does not show the course name, start date and expected completion date.
- Uploading the wrong NOC, since the entry NOC and the extension NOC come from different offices.
- Forgetting the Pakistani bank account details when applying for an extension.
- Booking travel before the Visa Grant Notice arrives.
- Missing the 7-day window to resubmit after a "sent back for review" notice.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Deeni Madaris visa?
Students from the countries listed on the NADRA page who meet the eligibility criteria and plan to study at a registered Deeni Madaris in Pakistan can apply through the online portal.
When should I apply?
Apply 3 months before the start of your proposed course for a new entry visa. For an extension, apply 3 months before your current visa expires.
How long is the visa valid?
The entry visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 2 years. The validity of an extension depends upon the request.
Which documents do I need?
You need a passport, photograph, admission or bonafide letter from the Deeni Madaris, an NOC and a sponsorship letter or bank statement. The NOC comes from your government's Home Department or Foreign Office for entry, and from your embassy in Pakistan for an extension.
How long does processing take?
The portal says it normally takes up to 10 to 12 weeks. Plan your trip only after you receive the Visa Grant Notice.
For video guide, view this video
Final word: A smooth Deeni Madaris visa application depends on timing and paperwork: apply 3 months early, make sure the admission letter has all three required details, and use the right NOC for entry or extension. Bookmark the official NADRA page and recheck it right before you apply.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not legal, education or immigration advice. This blog is not affiliated with NADRA or the Government of Pakistan.
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