Islamabad, Pakistan (Agencies) 15 July 2025 – In a landmark move toward modernizing its immigration system, the United Kingdom has officially launched digital eVisas for Pakistani nationals applying for study and work-related visas. Effective 15 July 2025, most main applicants will no longer receive physical visa stickers in their passports. Instead, they will be issued a secure online record of their immigration status, known as an eVisa.
An eVisa serves as a digital confirmation of an individual’s permission to enter, stay, or work in the UK. It outlines any conditions attached to their status and can be accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. The change does not alter visa rights or conditions—it simply replaces paper documentation with a more efficient digital format.
According to the British High Commission in Islamabad, the eVisa system is designed to make the visa process simpler, faster, and more secure. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE highlighted the benefits, stating: “These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold onto their passports, saving them time.”
Applicants will receive an email with their visa decision and can use the ‘view and prove’ service on the UK government website to share their immigration status with employers, landlords, or other authorized entities.
The rollout covers a wide range of visa types, including student visas, Skilled Worker visas (including Health and Care roles), Global Talent, International Sportsperson, Global Business Mobility, Temporary Work routes, and the Youth Mobility Scheme. Applicants can link their passport or travel document to their UKVI account for smoother international travel.
However, those applying as dependants or under visa categories not related to work or study—such as general visitor visas—will continue to receive physical visa stickers. Individuals with valid sticker visas do not need to take any action.
This transition is part of a phased plan by the UK Home Office to digitize all immigration records. Millions have already used eVisas under trial phases, and the system will eventually expand to include all visa categories. For Pakistani students and professionals, this marks a significant step toward greater convenience, transparency, and global mobility.