UK Launches eVisas for Pakistani Students and Workers

The UK government is moving from physical immigration documents to digital eVisas as proof of status for most student and worker visas.

The UK government is moving to a digital system by introducing eVisas for most student and worker visas. An eVisa is an online record of a person’s immigration status and any conditions attached to it. Visa holders can view and manage their eVisa by creating and logging into a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online account.

eVisas are part of a modernized border and immigration system designed to make the visa process simpler, safer, and fully digital. This streamlined approach has already been successfully used by millions of people on selected immigration routes.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE explained:

“These changes to the UK visa system will make it much easier for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can keep hold of their passports, which saves time.”

Switching from a physical document to an eVisa won’t change anyone’s immigration status or the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.

eVisa are now being introduced for main applicants under the following categories:

• Students, including short-term study visas of up to 11 months

• Global Business Mobility routes: Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, and Secondment Worker

• Global Talent

• International Sportsperson

• Skilled Worker (including Health and Care Worker visas)

• Temporary Work routes: Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious Worker

• Youth Mobility Scheme

With an eVisa, holders can link their travel document (such as a passport) to their UKVI account, making international travel easier. Those who create a UKVI account can also use the “view and prove” service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, like employers or landlords in England.

Dependants and applicants applying for visa categories outside of work and study—such as general visitor visas—will still receive a physical visa sticker. Likewise, anyone who currently holds a valid physical visa sticker does not need to take any immediate action.

Eventually, the eVisa system will be extended to cover all visa types, aiming to make the process more secure, efficient, and convenient for everyone applying for a UK visa.

UK Launches eVisas for Pakistani Students and Workers