In a significant move aimed at modernizing its immigration process, the United Kingdom has launched an e-Visa system for Pakistani students and workers, effective July 15, 2025. This initiative, part of a broader global transition toward digitization, marks a transformative shift in how UK visas are issued and managed for long-term applicants. Under the new system, eligible applicants will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passports but will instead be issued a fully digital visa linked to their online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
This change not only enhances convenience but also reflects the UK government’s efforts to strengthen border security and streamline entry procedures.
What Is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is a digital form of a visa that is linked to an individual’s passport electronically, eliminating the need for a physical vignette. The UKVI will now grant e-Visas to those applying for study or work visas lasting longer than six months, including categories such as:
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Student Visas (11+ months)
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Skilled Worker Visas (including Health & Care Worker routes)
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Global Talent
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Temporary Work
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Youth Mobility Scheme
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International Sportsperson
Under this digital format, once a visa is granted, the applicant will receive a notification via email and can then access their visa details through their UKVI online account. From there, they can use the ‘View and Prove’ service to share their immigration status with employers, landlords, or educational institutions.
Why This Matters
This move is being hailed as a major leap forward for Pakistani nationals, who historically faced lengthy and often cumbersome visa application processes. Previously, after submitting biometric data, applicants had to wait for a physical vignette sticker to be inserted into their passports — a process that could take weeks and involved additional courier or collection steps.
Now, under the e-Visa scheme, applicants can retain their passports after biometric processing, freeing them up for travel or other administrative needs. Once their visa is approved, they can access it digitally — streamlining both travel and document management.
How Does It Work?
The application process remains mostly the same in its initial stages:
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Online Application: The applicant applies through the UK government visa website.
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Biometric Enrollment: They schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photographs.
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Notification of Approval: Once the visa is approved, they receive an email notification.
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UKVI Account Linking: Applicants must create or log into their UKVI account, where the e-Visa is automatically linked.
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Using the e-Visa: At the UK border or when required for legal purposes, the visa holder can log in to the “View and Prove” system to show their status to officials.
What Should Applicants Do Before Travelling?
Since the visa is now digital, it is essential that travelers carry the same passport they used in their visa application. This is because the e-Visa is electronically linked to their passport number. If a new passport is issued after visa approval, they must update UKVI immediately to avoid complications at the border.
Additionally, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the UKVI online services and save their login details securely. Keeping printed or digital screenshots of their status may also help when internet access is limited.
Wider Implications
Pakistan is among the first group of countries, alongside Nigeria and Sri Lanka, to experience the rollout of the UK’s e-Visa system. This digital shift signals the UK’s intent to eventually replace all physical immigration documents with digital records, including biometric residence permits (BRPs) by the end of 2025.
The UK government emphasizes that e-Visas will improve border security, reduce fraud, and lower administrative costs. For applicants, the benefits include faster processing times, improved access to visa information, and a more seamless travel experience.
Concerns and Challenges
While the benefits are clear, there are also concerns. Some applicants may face digital literacy barriers, particularly those unfamiliar with online systems or without reliable internet access. Others worry about data privacy and whether the digital system can be trusted to function smoothly at airports and immigration checkpoints.
To address these concerns, UKVI has issued detailed guidance in multiple languages and is working with local agencies in Pakistan to help applicants transition to the new system.
Conclusion
The UK’s decision to roll out e-Visas for Pakistani students and workers is a bold step toward modern, paperless immigration. While the transition may present short-term learning curves, the long-term benefits for applicants and immigration authorities alike are substantial. As the world moves further into the digital age, such advancements are expected to become the norm — and Pakistanis are now at the forefront of this evolution.
For those planning to study or work in the UK, understanding and adapting to the e-Visa process will be essential for a smooth and successful journey.
Reference: برطانیہ : پاکستانی طلبہ اور کارکنوں کیلئے ای ویزا شروع
