UK eVisas for Pakistanis: Your Guide to the New Rules
Big news for Pakistani students and skilled workers dreaming of the UK! The British government has announced a major shift in its visa process. Starting July 15, 2025, most main applicants for study and work visas from Pakistan will no longer receive a physical visa sticker in their passports. Instead, the UK is moving to a streamlined, secure digital system: the eVisa.
This move is part of the UK’s broader plan to modernize its border and immigration system, making the journey for talented individuals simpler and more efficient.
What Exactly is a UK eVisa?
Think of an eVisa as your digital immigration pass. It’s a secure online record of your permission to be in the UK, held within your personal UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. Instead of a sticker, all your details and the conditions of your stay (like work rights or study limitations) are stored digitally.
This isn’t a brand-new experiment; millions of people on other immigration routes already successfully use eVisas.
Key Benefits for Pakistani Applicants
The switch to eVisas is designed to make your life easier. Here’s how:
- No More Waiting for Your Passport: You get to hold onto your passport during the application process, saving valuable time and reducing anxiety.
- Enhanced Security: A digital record is more secure than a physical document, protecting you against loss or theft.
- Instant Verification: You can easily prove your right to work or rent a property in the UK using the online ‘view and prove’ service, accessible from your UKVI account.
- Streamlined Travel: Your eVisa is linked directly to your passport, making entry into the UK a smoother experience.
As the British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, stated, “These changes to the UK visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status.”
Which Visas are Moving to the eVisa System?
This initial rollout applies to main applicants on the following popular work and study routes:
- Student Visas (including short-term study)
- Skilled Worker Visas (including Health and Care)
- Global Talent
- Global Business Mobility Routes
- International Sportsperson
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- Temporary Work Visas (e.g., Charity, Creative, Religious Worker)
Who Still Needs a Physical Visa Sticker?
It’s important to note who is not included in this change for now:
- Dependants of main applicants.
- Applicants for other visa types, such as General Visitor Visas.
- Anyone with an existing, valid visa sticker in their passport. Your current visa remains valid until its expiry date; you don’t need to do anything.
The UK government has confirmed its intention to eventually roll out eVisas to all visa routes, creating a fully digital system for all visitors and residents.
The Future is Digital
This transition marks a significant step forward, promising a more secure and user-friendly experience for thousands of Pakistanis heading to the UK for work and education. By embracing digital technology, the UK is simplifying a process that is often seen as complex, ensuring that talent from Pakistan can access opportunities with greater ease.
