On Friday, the British High Commission announced a shift to a digital UK immigration system, replacing physical documents with an online immigration status. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), vignette stickers in passports, and “wet ink stamps” will no longer be required under the new digital UK immigration system.
The High Commission stated, “If you are granted a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months, such as for work or study, you will need to create a UKVI online account to access your eVisa.” The account will serve as an online record of your immigration status. However, if you are granted a visa for less than six months, such as for tourism, you do not need to create a UKVI account.
The British High Commission stated that the transition to a digital immigration system is designed to simplify travel for Pakistanis heading to the UK.
By moving to an online system, the visa process will be more efficient and secure, eliminating the need for physical documents like stamps and permits. The British High Commission clarified that the new eVisa process is free, secure, and simple.
“You must not travel to the UK until you have received your passport and valid UK visa from the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Updating a physical document to an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK,” the High Commission further advised the applicants.
Upon arriving in the UK, visa holders must collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Although BRP cards are valid until December 31, 2024, their expiration does not impact immigration status. The BRP card can be used to set up a UKVI account and access the eVisa. It is advised to keep the BRP until it expires and to carry both the BRP and passport when traveling abroad to prove the right to return to the UK.