Islamabad (TDI): Most Pakistani applicants travelling to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical sticker visa in passports, starting today.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, said: “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.”
Updating from a physical document to an eVisa does not affect anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
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.
To find out more on eVisas and see whether you’re eligible, go to https://t.co/AHI9nWSoxw pic.twitter.com/tlZNSs2NpD
— Jane Marriott (@JaneMarriottUK) July 15, 2025
E-visas are being rolled out for Pakistani applicants in the following categories:
- Students, including short term study for 11 months
- Global Business Mobility routes (specifically, Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK
- Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)
- Global Talent
- International Sportsperson
- Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)
- Temporary Work routes (specifically, Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorized)
- Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work routes)
- Youth Mobility Scheme
Read More: UAE Promises Action on Visa Issues Faced by Pakistanis
More about UK’s e-visa
The United Kingdom’s government is replacing physical immigration documents for most student and worker visas with a digital proof of immigration status, an e-visa.
An e-visa is an online record of a person’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply, which can be viewed by creating and accessing an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
e-visas 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. e-visas are tried and tested, with millions of people already using them on select immigration routes.
Read More: Sweden Resumes Visa Services in Pakistan
Holders can link their travel document (such as passport) to their UKVI account to facilitate straightforward international travel. People who have created a UKVI account will be able to use the view and prove service to prove their status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords (in England).
Applicants applying as a dependent, or as a main applicant for visas other than study or work, e.g. general visitor visas, will still need a physical sticker visa. Anyone with existing, in date, physical visa stickers do not need to take any action.
This will eventually be rolled out to all visa routes meaning a more secure and streamlined process for all UK visa customers.
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
