UK Replaces Visa Stickers with eVisas for International Students.

The UK has started moving away from putting visa stickers in passports. From July 15, 2025, students and workers, especially those from countries like Pakistan and India, will now receive eVisas, a digital version of their UK visa. This new system is part of the UK’s plan to make immigration easier, safer, and fully online.

What Makes a Difference Now?

As confirmed by UKVI and recent reports, here’s what you need to know:

• Students won’t get a physical visa sticker (also called a vignette) in their passports anymore.
  You must set up a UKVI digital account. All visa details will be stored online.
• The eVisa will be connected directly to your passport.
• For now, children and dependents might still get both digital and physical versions.
• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will stop completely by December 2025.
• Right now, this applies to students applying from Pakistan, India, China, and some other countries. The system will be used worldwide by early 2026.

What do Pakistani students need to do before flying?

If you’re going to the UK for your studies this August or September, here’s a simple checklist:

• Open your UKVI account (link will come in your visa approval email).
• Connect your passport to the account.
• Check your visa details carefully in your UKVI profile.
• Create a ‘share code’ through the UKVI platform. This lets your university or future employer confirm your immigration status.

You won’t get a sticker in your passport. So you must carry a valid passport and be ready to show your share code at the airport or immigration.

Why This Is Important for Pakistani Students

This change means fewer delays due to missing visa stickers, less paperwork, and faster access to your visa status online. But you also need to be more digitally prepared. If your UKVI account is not set up properly, or your passport isn’t linked,  you could face issues at the airport, including not being allowed to board your flight.

What Agents, Parents, and Students Should Do

To avoid problems close to your travel date:

• Inform students early about the eVisa system.
• Help them open their UKVI account as soon as they get their visa decision.
• Assist them in generating their share code well before they fly.
• Check all documents and account details multiple times.

This change shows the UK is shifting towards a paper-free, tech-driven visa process. It’s better in the long run, but only if students and agents understand how it works. Mistakes today can cause big problems tomorrow, so awareness is key.