The United Kingdom has officially introduced digital exists for Pakistani students and workers, marking a significant step towards a modernized and streamlined immigration process.
As of July 15, 2025, most primary applicants who apply for a British examination or work -related visas will no longer require a physical sticker visa in their passport.
Instead, they will be issued a digital registration of their immigration status, known as an Evisa.
An Evisa is an online confirmation of someone’s permission to enter, stay or work in the UK. It also outlines any conditions associated with their immigration status.
This digital status can be obtained and managed through an online UK visa and immigration (UKVI) account.
The change does not affect the individual’s immigration status or conditions for their stay, but represents a shift in how this information is stored and shared.
According to the British High Commission in Islamabad, the Evisa system aims to make the visa process more secure, efficient and user-friendly.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE emphasized the convenience of the new system and said the transition to Evisas would simplify the process of Pakistani students and professionals. “These changes in the British visa system will make it much simpler for students and workers to prove their identity and visa status. It also means applicants can hold on to their passports and save them time,” she said.
The rolling applies to a wide range of visa categories. These include student boats for long-term and short-term study up to 11 months-together with individuals applying for global business mobility routes, such as senior or special workers, candidates and posting workers.
Other eligible categories include global talent, international sports people, qualified workers (including those in the health and care sector), various temporary work routes and applicants under the youth mobility scheme.
Evisa holders will be able to link their travel documents, such as passports, to their UKVI accounts to enable smoother international journeys.
Through the ‘View and Proof’ service, individuals can safely share their immigration status with employers, landlords or other authorized units, especially in England.
However, not all visa applicants will receive an Evisa at this time. Those who apply as dependent or under visa categories not related to work or examination – such as general visitor visas – will still be issued a physical sticker visa.
Similarly, people who already have valid physical visa stickers need not take any action as their existing documents remain valid.
This is part of a phase approach from the British home office to fully digitize its immigration system. The goal is eventually to replace all physical immigration documents with safe, available digital items.
The transition to Evisas is in line with global trends in immigration management and reflects Britain’s obligation to use technology to improve the customer experience of visa applicants around the world.
