UK announces e-visas for Pakistani workers and students

The UK government has announced that it will replace physical immigration documents for Pakistani students and workers with a new e-visa.

The change means that, as of 15 July, most applicants travelling from Pakistan to the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer need a physical visa sticker on their passports.

Instead, they will be given an online record of their immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions that apply. This can be viewed by creating an online UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

The aim of the change is to make the visa process easier, while also improving security and convenience.

E-visas are available for a range of visa types

E-visas have been rolled out for a range of applicants in the following categories:

• Student, including Short-Term Study for up to 11 months   
• Global Business Mobility (specifically Senior or Specialist Worker, Graduate Trainee, UK Expansion Worker, Service Supplier, Secondment Worker)   
• Global Talent   
• International Sportsperson   
• Skilled Worker (including Health and Care)   
• Temporary Work (specifically Charity Worker, Creative Worker, Government Authorised Exchange, International Agreement, and Religious work routes)    
• Youth Mobility Scheme.

Bearers of e-visas can link travel documents such as their passport to their UKVI account to “facilitate straightforward international travel”, the UK government said in a statement.

At present, applicants submitting as a dependent, or as an applicant for visas other than study or work, will still need a physical sticker on their passport. However, the government confirmed that the system would eventually be rolled out across all visa routes.

The government of Turkmenistan is also currently looking to create an e-visa system.