UK Launches e-Visas for Pakistani Students and Workers
The United Kingdom has officially introduced e-Visas for most Pakistani students and skilled workers, streamlining the visa application process for long-term stays.
Digital System Now Active
According to an announcement by the British High Commission in Islamabad, the new digital visa system went live on July 15. High Commissioner Jane Marriott shared the update on social media, calling it a more convenient and secure method for visa processing.
Under this new system, applicants will no longer need to submit their passports to receive physical visa stickers. Instead, they will be issued a digital record of their immigration status through an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
Who Is Eligible for e-Visas?
The e-Visa system currently applies to main applicants in the following categories:
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Student visas (including short-term study up to 11 months)
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Skilled Worker visas, including those in health and care sectors
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Global Talent and International Sportsperson categories
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Temporary work routes, such as creative, charity, and seasonal roles
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Youth Mobility Scheme and Global Business Mobility
Applicants in these groups will now benefit from a fully digital process, where they can access and share their visa details using the UKVI’s secure “view and prove” service.
What Does an e-Visa Do?
An e-Visa serves as an online confirmation of an individual’s permission to enter, stay, or work in the UK, along with any conditions attached to their stay. It simplifies how applicants can verify and share their immigration status with employers, landlords, or institutions.
Who Will Still Receive Physical Visas?
At this stage, dependants and those applying for visitor visas or other non-work and non-study categories will continue to receive physical visa stickers. However, the UK government has indicated plans to expand e-Visas to all categories in the near future.
What About Existing Visa Holders?
If you currently hold a visa sticker in your passport, no action is required. Your immigration status and rights remain valid and unchanged.
Looking Ahead
The UK’s shift toward a fully digital visa system is part of a broader move to enhance security, efficiency, and user experience for global travelers and migrants. For Pakistani students and professionals, this change marks a major step forward in simplifying international mobility.
