In a groundbreaking move to modernize and simplify its immigration system, the United Kingdom has officially launched e-Visa services for Pakistani students and workers applying for visas valid for over six months. This digital transition, which took effect on July 15, 2025, allows eligible applicants to retain their passports during the application process and access their immigration status online via a secure UK government portal.
The announcement was made by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, through her official social media platform, marking a significant shift in how visa permissions are granted and verified for Pakistani nationals.
✅ What is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is a digital record of a person’s immigration status in the UK, including any specific visa conditions. This online document replaces the traditional physical visa sticker (also known as a vignette) that was previously pasted into passports.
Instead of submitting their passport and waiting for a visa sticker, applicants can now manage their visa status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. This platform allows users to view, update, and securely share their visa information with relevant parties such as employers, landlords, or educational institutions in the UK.
✈️ Who is Eligible for the UK e-Visa from Pakistan?
The UK e-Visa is now available for most Pakistanis applying under the following long-term visa categories:
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Student Visas (including 11-month short-term study programs)
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Skilled Worker Visas (including health and care roles)
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Global Business Mobility Routes
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Senior or Specialist Worker
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Graduate Trainee
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UK Expansion Worker
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Global Talent Visa
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International Sportsperson Visa
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Temporary Work Routes
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Charity Worker
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Creative Worker
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Government Authorised Exchange
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Religious Worker
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Youth Mobility Scheme
This means that if you’re planning to study, work, or engage in long-term temporary work in the UK, and your visa duration is more than 6 months, you no longer need to submit your passport for a visa sticker. Instead, your immigration permission will be digitally recorded and can be accessed securely online.
🛂 How Does the UK e-Visa Work?
Once an application is approved:
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Applicants receive notification via email or UKVI portal.
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They are instructed to create or log into their UKVI account.
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Applicants can then link their passport or travel document to their account.
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Through the “View and Prove” service, they can display or share their visa status with third parties like universities, employers, or landlords.
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There is no physical document required for travel or verification within the UK.
📢 What the British High Commission Says
Jane Marriott emphasized the benefits in her statement:
“The UK is launching eVisas in Pakistan for most students and workers applying for more than 6 months. It will make it simpler and safer, and you can hold on to your passport,” she wrote.
She further added:
“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.”
The High Commission highlighted that this digital upgrade is part of the UK’s efforts to build a more secure, modern immigration system, in line with global digital trends.
🧳 What Are the Key Benefits of the UK e-Visa System?
Here’s why the e-Visa is a game-changer for Pakistanis:
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✅ No need to surrender your passport during visa processing
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✅ Faster verification of visa status
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✅ More secure than physical stickers
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✅ Easy access and sharing of immigration status
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✅ Time-saving for applicants and institutions
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✅ Supports future digital integration across all visa types
📄 Who Still Gets a Physical Visa Sticker?
Despite the digital transition, not all applicants are currently eligible for an e-Visa. The following categories will continue to receive physical visa stickers (vignettes):
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Dependants of the main applicants
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Individuals applying under non-study or non-work categories
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e.g., General Visitor Visas, Tourist Visas, Family Visit Visas, etc.
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The UK government, however, has announced plans to expand the e-Visa system across all visa categories in the near future, aiming to create a completely digital immigration environment.
🔐 Is the e-Visa System Secure?
Yes. The UKVI has implemented strict digital verification protocols. The system ensures:
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Protection of personal and biometric data
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Secure access to visa conditions and immigration status
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Ease of use through the View and Prove platform (available on the UK Government website)
Only the applicant has access to their immigration status, and they control who can view their visa details, making the system both user-friendly and private.
Impact on Pakistani Students and Skilled Workers
This move is seen as a positive step for thousands of Pakistanis who apply each year for study and employment opportunities in the UK.
Pakistani students make up one of the largest international student groups in the UK, and Pakistani professionals are an essential part of the UK’s skilled workforce, particularly in the healthcare, IT, and engineering sectors.
With this update, the UK has signaled its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and making immigration processes smoother and more transparent for Pakistan.
📆 Implementation Date and Timeline
The new e-Visa system is effective from July 15, 2025. Any visa application from this date onward, under the eligible categories, will be processed digitally.
There’s no action required for current visa holders with physical stickers. Their status remains valid, and they can continue using their vignettes until expiration.
🌐 How to Use the UKVI e-Visa Portal
If you’ve been approved for a UK visa under this new system:
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Visit the UKVI e-visa portal: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
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Log in or create your account
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Link your passport number and personal details
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Use the “View and Prove” service to show visa details
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Update your profile whenever your travel document changes
📲 Future of UK Immigration – Going Fully Digital
The e-Visa initiative is part of a broader plan by the UK Government to digitize all immigration documents, making the entire system more secure, efficient, and accessible. Future phases are expected to include:
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All visitor visa categories
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Family visa routes
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Settlement and asylum statuses
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Permanent residency and British citizenship statuses
Once fully rolled out, the UK aims to eliminate paper-based immigration documentation altogether.
📌 Final Thoughts
The launch of the UK e-Visa for Pakistanis is a monumental step toward a modern, digital, and hassle-free immigration experience. Pakistani students and skilled workers will now benefit from increased convenience, reduced processing delays, and greater control over their immigration documents.
As this system expands across all categories, it represents a major advancement in global mobility and cross-border cooperation—with Pakistan at the forefront of the UK’s digital visa evolution.
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