Planning a trip to the United States from Pakistan? Most tourism, family visit, and short business trips require a B1/B2 visitor visa. This guide covers eligibility, documents, fees, processing time, and the most common refusal reason Pakistani applicants face.
Who Needs This Visa
The B1 visa covers business activities (meetings, conferences, contract negotiation) and the B2 visa covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. Most applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa covering both purposes.
Eligibility
Consular officers assess applicants mainly on whether they:
- Have a genuine, temporary purpose for travel
- Intend to return to Pakistan at the end of the visit
- Have sufficient funds to cover the trip
- Have strong social and economic ties outside the United States
The most common reason for refusal is Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, where the officer isn’t convinced of the applicant’s intent to return home.
Documents You’ll Need
- Valid passport with validity well beyond your intended stay
- DS-160 online application confirmation page
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Recent photograph meeting US visa specifications
- Bank statements and proof of financial standing
- Proof of employment, business ownership, or income
- Evidence of ties to Pakistan
- Travel itinerary and, for family visits, proof of your relative’s US status
Fees
The standard MRV application fee is USD 185. As of early 2026, a separate non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee (reported around USD 250) may also apply to nonimmigrant visas. Both fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome — we confirm the current fees before you apply.
Processing Time
Interview wait times vary significantly by consulate and season, ranging from a few weeks to several months for Pakistani applicants at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad or U.S. Consulate General Karachi. We check the State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times page before giving you an estimate — avoid booking non-refundable travel until your visa is issued.
Interview Tips
Be concise, honest, and confident. Clearly explain your travel purpose and ties to Pakistan. Bring organised, relevant documents, but expect the interview itself to be short — most decisions are based on a few direct questions.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Section 214(b): insufficient evidence of intent to return to Pakistan
- Unclear or inconsistent travel purpose
- Weak financial documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistanis get a US visa on arrival?
No, a visa must be obtained in advance.
Can I reapply after a refusal?
Yes. We review the reason for refusal and help you present stronger documentation next time.
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