UK Introduces eVisa System for Pakistani Students and Workers
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ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom has started a new eVisa system for Pakistani students and workers to make the visa process easier and faster. This was announced by the British High Commission in Islamabad on Tuesday.
From July 15, most Pakistani people going to the UK for work or study won’t need to get a visa sticker in their passport anymore. Instead, they will now get a digital visa, known as an eVisa.
An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status in the UK. It shows the permission and conditions for staying in the country. People can check their eVisa by logging into a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account online.
Easier, Faster, and More Secure
The British High Commission said that this change will make the visa process simpler, faster, and safer. People won’t have to wait to get their passport back with a sticker visa. They can keep their passports with them and still prove they have a visa.
British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said, “This change will help students and workers prove their visa easily and save time.”
The eVisa system is already being used successfully in other countries and visa routes. It is part of the UK’s plan to move to a fully digital immigration system.
Who Will Get the eVisa?
Right now, the eVisa is only for main applicants (not dependents) who are applying for the following visa types:
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Students, including short-term courses up to 11 months
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Skilled Workers, including health and care jobs
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Global Talent visa holders
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International Sportspersons
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Temporary Work visas (like Charity, Creative, and Religious workers)
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Global Business Mobility workers
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Youth Mobility Scheme
If someone is applying as a dependent or for a visitor visa, they will still get a physical sticker visa for now.
No Change to Immigration Status
The UK Government has clearly said that this change is only about how visas are shown, not about the visa permission itself. If you already have a valid visa sticker, you don’t need to do anything. Your visa is still valid.
Later, this eVisa system will be expanded to all types of UK visas, making the whole process more modern and safe for everyone.
The UK’s eVisa is expected to help many Pakistani students and workers by saving time, reducing hassle, and giving them a faster way to manage their visa status.