UK Makes Getting Visa Easier For Pakistanis, Here are the Details

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Visa Easier

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UK Introduces E-Visa System for Pakistani Students and Workers from July 15, 2025

In a landmark step toward digital immigration processing, the United Kingdom has launched a new e-Visa system for Pakistani nationals, starting July 15, 2025. This major transformation applies to students and workers who intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, making the visa process faster, more efficient, and safer than ever before.

The new system replaces the traditional requirement of submitting physical passports for visa vignettes (stickers). Instead, eligible applicants will now receive a digital visa record that confirms their right to live, study, or work in the UK. This move is part of the UK government’s broader push toward a fully digital immigration system that reduces paperwork, processing time, and the risks associated with physical documents.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Pakistanis

For decades, Pakistani students and professionals seeking opportunities in the UK had to go through a lengthy and often stressful visa process. A key pain point was the need to submit their original passports, which made international travel impossible during the waiting period. Many applicants, especially students and working professionals, found this to be an unnecessary burden — particularly those with other travel obligations.

With the introduction of e-Visas, this hassle is being eliminated. Applicants will now retain their passports while their visa applications are under review. Once approved, they will receive an online confirmation of their visa status, which can be easily accessed and shared through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Announcement by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott

The news was officially shared by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, who took to social media to highlight the benefits of the new system. She emphasized that this upgrade is aimed at making life easier for visa applicants by giving them more control and flexibility during the visa process.

“From July 15, most Pakistani students and workers will receive an e-Visa instead of a sticker in their passport. This means you can keep your passport while we process your visa. We hope this change will be helpful for all those planning to study or work in the UK,” said Marriott.

This announcement was met with enthusiasm on social media platforms, with many users welcoming the convenience and speed of the digital approach.

How the New E-Visa System Works

The e-Visa system is designed to streamline the visa process while maintaining the UK’s security and documentation standards. Here’s a breakdown of how it works for Pakistani applicants:

1. Eligibility

  • The e-Visa system currently applies to students and workers applying for visas to stay in the UK for more than six months.

  • Applicants from Pakistan must apply as usual through the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) portal.

2. No Need to Submit Passports

  • Applicants do not need to send their passports to the British High Commission or visa centers for stamping.

  • This allows them to retain their travel documents during the processing time, which is particularly helpful if they need to travel for other reasons.

3. Digital Approval

  • Once the visa is approved, applicants will receive an online visa confirmation via their UKVI account.

  • The digital visa record confirms their right to live, work, or study in the UK.

4. Online Verification

  • Applicants can share their immigration status through a “view and prove” service link.

  • This allows landlords, employers, universities, or airlines to verify visa status digitally with the applicant’s permission.

5. Dependents and Short-Term Visitors

  • Dependents and individuals applying for visitor visas or short-term stays will still receive physical visa stickers for now.

  • However, the UK aims to gradually expand e-Visas to include all visa categories in the near future.

6. Current Visa Holders

  • Those who already hold a physical visa vignette do not need to take any action. Their visa remains valid until its expiration.

  • The transition to digital visas will be managed carefully to ensure no disruption to current visa holders.

Benefits of the E-Visa System

The digital transformation of the UK visa process brings a host of advantages for Pakistani students, workers, and their families:

1. Retain Your Passport

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that you no longer need to part with your passport. This allows applicants to continue using their passports for:

  • Traveling to other countries while waiting

  • Applying for visas to other nations

  • Handling personal and business matters that require ID

2. Faster Processing and Delivery

  • Without the need to print and dispatch physical stickers, the approval process is faster.

  • Visa issuance delays caused by courier services or misplaced passports are eliminated.

3. Higher Security

  • Digital records reduce the risk of document forgery, theft, or loss.

  • Your visa information is securely stored in the UKVI database and only accessible through secure login credentials.

4. Easy Verification

  • Visa holders can easily share their status online with landlords, universities, or employers.

  • No need to carry or present physical stickers — everything is accessible online.

5. Environmentally Friendly

  • Going digital means less paper, printing, and logistics, aligning with global sustainability goals.

What This Means for Pakistani Students

Each year, thousands of Pakistani students head to the UK for higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL). For these students, the new e-Visa system is a welcome change.

Previously, delays in visa stamping caused missed flights, lost orientation weeks, and stress. Now, the process is simpler, faster, and stress-free. Once their visa is approved, they can plan their travel and arrival in the UK with full confidence — without waiting for a stamped passport to be returned.

Positive News for Pakistani Workers

The UK job market attracts many Pakistani professionals in fields such as:

  • Healthcare (nurses, doctors)

  • IT and engineering

  • Construction

  • Hospitality and retail

  • Finance and accounting

With the e-Visa system, these workers can better plan their departure timelines, attend interviews, or manage family matters without being restricted by passport submission rules.

This is especially valuable for healthcare professionals, many of whom are recruited to NHS hospitals across the UK. Speeding up their arrival process will also help fill essential staff shortages in the British healthcare system.

Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Applicants

To help Pakistani applicants navigate the new system, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Apply Online

  • Visit the official UKVI website and submit your application for a student or work visa.

  • Pay the relevant fees and upload the required documents.

Step 2: Biometric Appointment

  • Attend your biometric appointment at the nearest UK Visa Application Center (VAC).

  • No need to leave your passport behind.

Step 3: Wait for Decision

  • Track your application progress online through your UKVI account.

Step 4: Receive e-Visa Notification

  • Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

  • Your visa details will appear in your digital UKVI account.

Step 5: Use “View and Prove” Tool

  • Access the “view and prove” link to share your visa status with third parties like employers or landlords.

  • This can be done anytime from your computer or smartphone.

UK’s Broader Plan for a Digital Immigration Future

The UK has already outlined its vision for a fully digital border and immigration system by the year 2026. The shift toward e-Visas is a critical step in this transformation. Over time, the goal is to eliminate physical visa documents entirely.

In the long run, every visa category — including visitor visas, family visas, and settlement visas — will transition to digital. This will not only make processes faster but also improve national security, border control, and immigration enforcement.

Pakistan-UK Bilateral Relations: A Positive Outlook

This digital visa step also reflects the deepening ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The UK remains a preferred destination for higher education and skilled employment among Pakistani citizens. In recent years, the two nations have strengthened cooperation in areas such as:

  • Education and scholarships (like Chevening and Commonwealth)

  • Healthcare partnerships

  • Business and trade

  • Climate and clean energy collaboration

By making visa access more efficient, the UK is signaling its openness to welcoming skilled talent and ambitious students from Pakistan.

What’s Next?

The introduction of e-Visas is just the beginning. The UK government plans to continue updating the immigration system by:

  • Extending e-Visas to tourists and short-stay categories

  • Introducing biometric ID-linked digital records

  • Enhancing mobile app support for visa holders

The future of international travel and immigration is digital, seamless, and secure — and Pakistanis are now part of that future.

Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Visas Begins

The launch of the e-Visa system for Pakistani students and workers is a milestone moment. It marks a shift away from traditional, paperwork-heavy procedures and ushers in a modern, digital era of immigration.

With faster processing, greater security, and the flexibility to retain travel documents, Pakistani applicants can now plan their futures in the UK more confidently and efficiently. This change not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the bridge between the people of Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

As the system evolves, more categories will be included, making global mobility easier for all. For now, students and workers in Pakistan can rejoice — the UK has just made their dreams more accessible.v

UK Introduces E-Visa System for Pakistani Students and Workers from July 15, 2025

In a landmark step toward digital immigration processing, the United Kingdom has launched a new e-Visa system for Pakistani nationals, starting July 15, 2025. This major transformation applies to students and workers who intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, making the visa process faster, more efficient, and safer than ever before.

The new system replaces the traditional requirement of submitting physical passports for visa vignettes (stickers). Instead, eligible applicants will now receive a digital visa record that confirms their right to live, study, or work in the UK. This move is part of the UK government’s broader push toward a fully digital immigration system that reduces paperwork, processing time, and the risks associated with physical documents.

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Why This Is a Game-Changer for Pakistanis

For decades, Pakistani students and professionals seeking opportunities in the UK had to go through a lengthy and often stressful visa process. A key pain point was the need to submit their original passports, which made international travel impossible during the waiting period. Many applicants, especially students and working professionals, found this to be an unnecessary burden — particularly those with other travel obligations.

With the introduction of e-Visas, this hassle is being eliminated. Applicants will now retain their passports while their visa applications are under review. Once approved, they will receive an online confirmation of their visa status, which can be easily accessed and shared through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Announcement by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott

The news was officially shared by Jane Marriott, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, who took to social media to highlight the benefits of the new system. She emphasized that this upgrade is aimed at making life easier for visa applicants by giving them more control and flexibility during the visa process.

“From July 15, most Pakistani students and workers will receive an e-Visa instead of a sticker in their passport. This means you can keep your passport while we process your visa. We hope this change will be helpful for all those planning to study or work in the UK,” said Marriott.

This announcement was met with enthusiasm on social media platforms, with many users welcoming the convenience and speed of the digital approach.

How the New E-Visa System Works

The e-Visa system is designed to streamline the visa process while maintaining the UK’s security and documentation standards. Here’s a breakdown of how it works for Pakistani applicants:

1. Eligibility

  • The e-Visa system currently applies to students and workers applying for visas to stay in the UK for more than six months.

  • Applicants from Pakistan must apply as usual through the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) portal.

2. No Need to Submit Passports

  • Applicants do not need to send their passports to the British High Commission or visa centers for stamping.

  • This allows them to retain their travel documents during the processing time, which is particularly helpful if they need to travel for other reasons.

3. Digital Approval

  • Once the visa is approved, applicants will receive an online visa confirmation via their UKVI account.

  • The digital visa record confirms their right to live, work, or study in the UK.

4. Online Verification

  • Applicants can share their immigration status through a “view and prove” service link.

  • This allows landlords, employers, universities, or airlines to verify visa status digitally with the applicant’s permission.

5. Dependents and Short-Term Visitors

  • Dependents and individuals applying for visitor visas or short-term stays will still receive physical visa stickers for now.

  • However, the UK aims to gradually expand e-Visas to include all visa categories in the near future.

6. Current Visa Holders

  • Those who already hold a physical visa vignette do not need to take any action. Their visa remains valid until its expiration.

  • The transition to digital visas will be managed carefully to ensure no disruption to current visa holders.

Benefits of the E-Visa System

The digital transformation of the UK visa process brings a host of advantages for Pakistani students, workers, and their families:

1. Retain Your Passport

Perhaps the biggest benefit is that you no longer need to part with your passport. This allows applicants to continue using their passports for:

  • Traveling to other countries while waiting

  • Applying for visas to other nations

  • Handling personal and business matters that require ID

2. Faster Processing and Delivery

  • Without the need to print and dispatch physical stickers, the approval process is faster.

  • Visa issuance delays caused by courier services or misplaced passports are eliminated.

3. Higher Security

  • Digital records reduce the risk of document forgery, theft, or loss.

  • Your visa information is securely stored in the UKVI database and only accessible through secure login credentials.

4. Easy Verification

  • Visa holders can easily share their status online with landlords, universities, or employers.

  • No need to carry or present physical stickers — everything is accessible online.

5. Environmentally Friendly

  • Going digital means less paper, printing, and logistics, aligning with global sustainability goals.

What This Means for Pakistani Students

Each year, thousands of Pakistani students head to the UK for higher education. The UK is home to some of the world’s top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL). For these students, the new e-Visa system is a welcome change.

Previously, delays in visa stamping caused missed flights, lost orientation weeks, and stress. Now, the process is simpler, faster, and stress-free. Once their visa is approved, they can plan their travel and arrival in the UK with full confidence — without waiting for a stamped passport to be returned.

Positive News for Pakistani Workers

The UK job market attracts many Pakistani professionals in fields such as:

  • Healthcare (nurses, doctors)

  • IT and engineering

  • Construction

  • Hospitality and retail

  • Finance and accounting

With the e-Visa system, these workers can better plan their departure timelines, attend interviews, or manage family matters without being restricted by passport submission rules.

This is especially valuable for healthcare professionals, many of whom are recruited to NHS hospitals across the UK. Speeding up their arrival process will also help fill essential staff shortages in the British healthcare system.

Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Applicants

To help Pakistani applicants navigate the new system, here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Apply Online

  • Visit the official UKVI website and submit your application for a student or work visa.

  • Pay the relevant fees and upload the required documents.

Step 2: Biometric Appointment

  • Attend your biometric appointment at the nearest UK Visa Application Center (VAC).

  • No need to leave your passport behind.

Step 3: Wait for Decision

  • Track your application progress online through your UKVI account.

Step 4: Receive e-Visa Notification

  • Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

  • Your visa details will appear in your digital UKVI account.

Step 5: Use “View and Prove” Tool

  • Access the “view and prove” link to share your visa status with third parties like employers or landlords.

  • This can be done anytime from your computer or smartphone.

UK’s Broader Plan for a Digital Immigration Future

The UK has already outlined its vision for a fully digital border and immigration system by the year 2026. The shift toward e-Visas is a critical step in this transformation. Over time, the goal is to eliminate physical visa documents entirely.

In the long run, every visa category — including visitor visas, family visas, and settlement visas — will transition to digital. This will not only make processes faster but also improve national security, border control, and immigration enforcement.

Pakistan-UK Bilateral Relations: A Positive Outlook

This digital visa step also reflects the deepening ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The UK remains a preferred destination for higher education and skilled employment among Pakistani citizens. In recent years, the two nations have strengthened cooperation in areas such as:

  • Education and scholarships (like Chevening and Commonwealth)

  • Healthcare partnerships

  • Business and trade

  • Climate and clean energy collaboration

By making visa access more efficient, the UK is signaling its openness to welcoming skilled talent and ambitious students from Pakistan.

What’s Next?

The introduction of e-Visas is just the beginning. The UK government plans to continue updating the immigration system by:

  • Extending e-Visas to tourists and short-stay categories

  • Introducing biometric ID-linked digital records

  • Enhancing mobile app support for visa holders

The future of international travel and immigration is digital, seamless, and secure — and Pakistanis are now part of that future.

Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Visas Begins

The launch of the e-Visa system for Pakistani students and workers is a milestone moment. It marks a shift away from traditional, paperwork-heavy procedures and ushers in a modern, digital era of immigration.

With faster processing, greater security, and the flexibility to retain travel documents, Pakistani applicants can now plan their futures in the UK more confidently and efficiently. This change not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the bridge between the people of Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

As the system evolves, more categories will be included, making global mobility easier for all. For now, students and workers in Pakistan can rejoice — the UK has just made their dreams more accessible.

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