United States Visa Guide for Pakistani Applicants
What Pakistani applicants need to know about the US B1/B2 visitor visa route — overview, documents, eligibility, fees, and processing times.
Overview
Most Pakistani applicants visiting the United States for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or short business trips apply for the B1/B2 visitor visa. B1 covers business activities (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations) and B2 covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment — most applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa.
Work visas (such as H-1B for skilled workers) follow a separate, employer-sponsored process and are not part of the visitor visa route covered here.
Visa Types
- B1 Visa — business visits: meetings, conferences, contract negotiation
- B2 Visa — tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment
- B1/B2 Combined — the most common visa issued, covering both purposes, often valid for multiple entries over several years (validity is decided case by case)
- Work & Study Visas — H-1B (skilled work), F-1 (study), and other categories require separate sponsorship-based applications, not covered under this visit visa guide
Required Documents
- 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 (property, family, business)
- Travel itinerary, and for family visits, proof of your relative’s US status
- Previous US visas or travel history, if any
Eligibility
Consular officers assess B1/B2 applicants primarily on whether they:
- Have a genuine, temporary purpose for travel (business, tourism, family visit, or medical)
- Intend to return to Pakistan at the end of the visit
- Have sufficient funds to cover the trip
- Have a residence and 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 is not convinced of the applicant’s intent to return. A clear travel purpose and strong, honest documentation of ties to Pakistan are essential.
Policies
US visa policy is set by the US Department of State and can change with little notice. As of early 2026, a new non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee (reported around USD 250) applies to most nonimmigrant visa categories in addition to the standard application fee. We confirm whether this applies to your case before you pay. Separately, the US paused immigrant visa issuance for a small number of countries including Pakistan in early 2026. This is an immigrant (settlement) visa measure and does not affect the B1/B2 visitor visa route covered here. We always check the official U.S. Embassy Pakistan website for the latest policy before advising clients.
Processing Time
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Interview wait time | Varies significantly by consulate and season, ranging from a few weeks to several months |
| Passport return after interview | Usually within one to two weeks if no extra checks are needed |
| Administrative processing (if flagged) | Often resolved within 60 days, though it can take longer in some cases |
Interview wait times depend entirely on current consulate workload. We check the U.S. State Department’s Global Visa Wait Times page for the latest figures before advising you on timelines. Please do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is issued.
Appointment Availability
Nonimmigrant visa interviews for Pakistani applicants are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi. Appointment availability changes weekly based on consulate workload. We recommend applying at least six months before your intended travel date and avoiding non-refundable bookings until your visa is approved.
Consultation Charges
Our service fee for US visa profiling, document review, and interview preparation is separate from the US government’s MRV application fee and Visa Integrity Fee, which are paid directly to the US Department of State. Contact our Sahiwal or Islamabad office for our current service fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current B1/B2 visa fee?
The standard MRV application fee is USD 185, and a separate non-waivable Visa Integrity Fee (reported around USD 250) may also apply. We confirm current fees before you apply, since these change periodically.
Can Pakistanis get a US visa on arrival?
No. A visa must be obtained in advance; there is no visa-on-arrival for Pakistani nationals.
What if I’ve been refused before?
You can reapply. We review the reason for refusal and help you present stronger, clearer documentation the next time.
Important Notes
- All visa fees are non-refundable, whether your visa is approved or refused.
- Fee amounts and the Visa Integrity Fee are subject to change. We verify current amounts before you pay.
- The January 2026 pause on immigrant visa issuance for a small number of countries, including Pakistan, applies to immigrant (settlement) visas, not the B1/B2 visitor visa covered in this guide.