ISLAMABAD: The UK government has introduced a new eVisa system for Pakistanis applying for study or works visas, replacing the complicated procedure which included submission of physical immigration documents.

After the new system, applicants travelling to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical visa sticker on passports from July 15, according to an announcement by the British High Commission on Tuesday.

“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,” said the British high commissioner in Pakistan, Jane Marriott.

The UK government is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status.

An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immi­gration (UKVI) acc­ount, said the High Comm­ission’s statement.

These eVisas are part of an enhanced border and immigration system that will “not only make the visa process easier, but is more secure, digital and streamlined”.

The eVisas are being rolled out for students, including those applying for short term study visas for 11 months; Global Business Mobility routes for senior or specialist worker, graduate trainee, UK Expansion Worker, service supplier, secon­dment worker; international sportsperson; skilled worker, including health and care workers; Temporary Work routes for charity worker, creative worker, govern­ment authorised exchange, international agreement, and religious work routes; and Youth Mobility Scheme.

Youth Mobility Scheme holders can link their travel document, such as passport, to their UKVI account for smoother international travel.

The statement added the update from a physical document to an eVisa will not affect anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK. Travellers with existing physical visa stickers do not need to take any action, the statement explained.

As per the statement, travellers applying as a dependant or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work — like general visitor visas — will still need a physical sticker visa.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025