UK Launches e-Visas in Pakistan for Students and Workers
The United Kingdom has taken a major step to modernize visa applications. It has launched e-Visas for most Pakistani students and workers. The British High Commission in Islamabad announced this important update.
Jane Marriott, the UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, explained the change. She said e-Visas will apply to most students and workers seeking visas for stays over six months. As a result, the process will become simpler and safer. Most importantly, applicants can keep their passports while waiting for approval.
No More Physical Visa Stickers
From July 15 onward, physical visa stickers will no longer be needed for most work or study applicants. Instead, the UK Government will provide a digital proof of immigration status through e-Visas.
This change saves time and reduces complications. Applicants no longer need to submit their passports for sticker placement. They can keep their travel documents throughout the process.
Moreover, Jane Marriott highlighted the benefits. The system will make it easier for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also offers added convenience by removing the need to part with their passports.
What Is an e-Visa?
An e-Visa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK. It shows any conditions linked to the visa. The system has been designed to improve efficiency and security.
Applicants can manage their immigration status through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account. This account lets them view their visa details at any time. They can also share their status securely with others.
For example, employers and landlords in England can check a person’s visa through the “view and prove” service. This makes verifying immigration status much easier.
Benefits of the Digital System
The British High Commission has highlighted several advantages of this new approach:
- Simplicity: The process is streamlined and modern.
- Safety: Digital records reduce the risk of losing visa stickers.
- Convenience: Passports remain with applicants during processing.
- Security: Digital records can be updated and verified quickly.
These benefits aim to improve the overall experience for visa applicants. In addition, existing visa sticker holders do not need to take any action. Their status and rights remain unchanged.
Who Is Eligible for e-Visas?
The rollout in Pakistan covers main applicants in many categories. These include:
- Students, including 11-month short-term study programs
- Global Business Mobility routes (such as senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, and UK expansion workers)
- Global Talent category
- International Sports persons
- Skilled Worker visas (including health and care roles)
- Temporary work routes (like Charity workers, Creative workers, Government Authorised Exchange participants, and Religious workers)
- Youth Mobility Scheme participants
If you fall into one of these categories, you will receive an e-Visa instead of a physical sticker.
How to Use Your e-Visa
Applicants must create a UKVI online account. Through this account, they can link their travel documents, such as their passport. This step ensures that immigration status can be accessed anytime.
Additionally, the “view and prove” service allows users to share their visa status securely. For example, they can show their status to employers or landlords in England. This feature supports easy and safe verification without paperwork.
Exceptions to the New System
It is important to note that not all applicants will receive an e-Visa yet. Those applying as dependants or under non-work and non-study routes will still get physical stickers. For instance, general visitor visa applicants will continue to use physical documentation.
By keeping some categories in the traditional system, the UK aims for a smooth transition. This approach allows them to test and improve the new process before full adoption.
Future Plans for e-Visas
The UK Government plans to expand e-Visas to all visa categories in the future. This move will create a fully digital, more secure immigration system. It also reflects the government’s goal to modernize its services and deliver better experiences to users.
Ultimately, the plan is to make all visa applications easier, safer, and faster. By removing physical stickers, the UK expects fewer delays and errors.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of e-Visas marks a big change for Pakistani students and workers applying to the UK. With digital proof of immigration status, the process becomes easier and more secure. Applicants can keep their passports, save time, and avoid unnecessary steps.
If you are planning to study or work in the UK, it is important to understand this new system. Familiarize yourself with the requirements and make sure you have access to the UKVI online account. This change shows the UK’s commitment to making immigration simpler for everyone.