Study-abroad and visa consultancies have multiplied across Lahore's residential markets, including Sabzazar on the city's west side. Many earn from two directions: fees from students and commissions from foreign universities and colleges for each enrolled student. The second stream is foreign income, often paid months after enrolment.
Income streams
| Source | Notes |
|---|---|
| Counselling and application fees from students | Local service income |
| Commission from foreign universities | Foreign receipts through banks or aggregators |
| IELTS / PTE preparation classes | Training income |
| Visa file preparation | Service income |
| Accommodation / travel referrals | Commission income |
University commissions
Universities pay agents a percentage of first-year tuition after the student enrols, sometimes through aggregator platforms. Payments come from abroad through banks. Keep agent agreements and commission statements; they explain foreign credits in your account.
Student money held
Some consultancies collect tuition deposits or visa fees from students to pay on their behalf. Those are pass-through. Keep them separate and document each payment to the university or embassy.
Sales tax
Consultancy and training services can fall within PRA's sales tax on services, subject to thresholds. Commissions from abroad may be treated as exports of services if the conditions are met.
Refunds to students
When visas are refused, consultancies often refund part of their fees. Refunds reduce income; record them.
Regulatory issues
Study-abroad agents are increasingly expected to register with foreign institutions' agent programmes and follow codes of conduct. Misleading students is a reputational and legal risk.
A student register — name, destination, services, fees, university, commission status — is both your CRM and your tax record.
See student visa financial documents.
Language classes for adults
IELTS centres often also run spoken-English and other language courses for adults and children. Course fees are training income; keep a batch-wise register of students and fees.
Branch and franchise arrangements
Some consultancies operate as franchisees of larger brands, paying a fee or revenue share. Franchise fees are costs; keep the franchise agreement.
Agents working under a bigger consultancy
Many small consultancies submit applications through larger 'master agents' who hold university contracts and share commissions. Then your income is your share, paid by the master agent. Keep the sub-agent agreement and the master agent's commission statements.
Advertising and fairs
Education fairs and social media advertising are major costs. Keep invoices; payments to foreign platforms may carry tax considerations.
Sabzazar — questions we get asked
Not sure what you need to file?
Message us first. A short WhatsApp chat usually settles whether you need a return, a wealth statement, or nothing at all.