GB What’s New?
Starting July 15, 2025, the UK officially eliminated physical visa stickers (“vignettes”) and Biometric Residence Permits for most students and workers from Pakistan and other non‑European countries. Instead, eligible travelers receive a digital eVisa linked to their passport and managed via a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) online account (The News International)
Who’s Affected?
- Pakistani students on Student Visas (Tier 4) or short-term study permits extending more than 6 months.
- Pakistani workers under Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Global Talent, Youth Mobility, and other major work visa categories.
- Dependents staying more than 90 days will also move to the eVisa system after their initial 90-day vignette expires (Youth For Pakistan, Visa And Immigrations, The Times of India).
Tourists and brief visitors remain unaffected.
Benefits of eVisa
- Convenience: No need to submit passports for sticker printing—travelers keep full access to their document right up to departure (WAC Consultants).
- Security: Digital storage and retrieval through secure UKVI portals reduce risks of fraud and lost documents (The News International).
- Efficiency: Faster processing and verification for airlines and border officials—less hassle at check-in and on arrival (Visa And Immigrations).
What Pakistani Applicants Should Do
- Create or update your UKVI online account to receive eVisa status.
- Check your passport is correctly linked to the eVisa via the UKVI platform before travel.
- Download proof (e.g., boarding pass, baggage tag) demonstrating your eVisa.
- Follow normal requirements: offer letters, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), financial documents, TB tests, English certifications, visa fees, biometric appointments (GNN – Pakistan’s Largest News Portal, The Economic Times, Boost Education Service).
Visa Application Context
- This eVisa rollout complements broader 2025 UK visa reforms, which also include:
- Higher English or educational requirements for dependents and skilled workers (itleducation.com).
- Shortened Post‑Study Work (Graduate Route) from 24 to 18 months (WSL Consultants).
- Tighter scrutiny on visa sponsors and increased financial thresholds (WSL Consultants).
Potential Challenges
- Tech readiness: Applicants must understand and correctly use the UKVI digital portal.
- System errors: Any mismatch in passport details could block travel or cause delays.
- Increased checks: The Home Office is implementing enhanced anti-fraud measures, which may slow or complicate visa issuance (The Economic Times).
Broader Migration Pattern
While the eVisa system enhances convenience, it arrives in a broader policy shift aimed at reducing net migration. The UK government’s 2025 Immigration White Paper suggests more stringent reviews of student and work visas, especially for countries perceived at higher risk of overstays (including Pakistan) (The Sun).
Universities UK warns these policies could threaten financial stability for higher‑education institutions, which rely heavily on such applicants .
Timeline Recap
- July 15, 2025: Physical visa schemes retired; eVisas begin for new applications (The News International).
- Late 2025 onward: Full transition including digital Biometric Residence Permits and extended integration with UKVI online system.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s eVisa rollout is a milestone in modernizing immigration processes for Pakistani students and workers. It promises added convenience, quicker processing, and better travel readiness. However, applicants must navigate the digital onboarding carefully and stay alert about evolving compliance, documentation, and policy pressures.
Despite aiming to streamline entry, this shift also comes during a tightening of overall migration rules—rising verification, shortened post-study stays, and selective restrictions—making thorough preparation more critical than ever.
