ISLAMABAD: The UK immigration system is moving towards a fully digital format, eliminating the need for physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), vignette stickers, and ‘wet ink stamps,’ announced the British High Commission (BHC) on Friday.
Under the new system, individuals granted a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months—such as for work or study—will need to create a UKVI online account to access their eVisa, which will serve as their online immigration status record. Those with visas for less than six months, like tourists, will not need to create a UKVI account.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasized the initiative’s goal of simplifying travel for Pakistanis, stating, “We are constantly innovating to make it easier for Pakistanis to travel to the UK. This new use of technology will streamline a key part of the visa process, make it more secure, and reduce the reliance on paper documents.”
The new process is free, secure, and straightforward. For more information on creating an account, applicants can visit gov.uk/eVisa. Travelers must ensure they receive their passport and valid UK visa from the Visa Application Centre (VAC) before traveling to the UK.
Transitioning from physical documents to eVisas does not alter immigration status or permission conditions. Upon arrival in the UK, travelers will still need to collect a BRP. BRP cards remain valid until December 31, 2024, and their expiration does not impact immigration status.
BRP cardholders should use their cards to create a UKVI account and continue carrying the BRP, along with their passport, when traveling abroad to prove their right to return to the UK.
