🇺🇸 USA Visa for Pakistanis: Complete 2026 Guide
Pakistani nationals require a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa to visit the United States for tourism or business in 2026. The US visa process from Pakistan involves a mandatory consular interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate in Karachi, extensive documentation, and thorough security screening.
At a Glance: USA Visa for Pakistanis 2026
| Visa Required? | Yes — B-1/B-2 Visa Required |
| Visa Fee (MRV) | USD 185 (non-refundable) |
| Interview Wait Time | 30–90 days at US Embassy Islamabad / Consulate Karachi |
| Processing After Interview | 5–15 business days (including security screening) |
| Visa Validity | Varies; 1–5 years typical for Pakistanis (not always 10 years) |
| Apply At | US Embassy Islamabad; US Consulate Karachi |
Quick Answers: US Visa for Pakistanis
Do Pakistanis need a visa for the USA?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders require a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States for tourism or business. There is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Pakistani nationals. Apply at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate General in Karachi.
How much is the US visa fee for Pakistanis?
The MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee is USD 185, paid in Pakistani rupees at the current exchange rate through the designated bank. The fee is non-refundable. No additional VFS service fee applies for Pakistani applicants using the standard government channel.
How long does US visa processing take for Pakistanis?
Interview appointments at Islamabad are typically available within 30-90 days. After the interview, most approved visas are returned within 5-10 business days. Some applications require Administrative Processing (221g) -- a security hold that can extend processing to several weeks or months. Applicants are not informed of the reason for administrative processing in most cases.
What is the US visa approval rate for Pakistanis?
The US nonimmigrant visa approval rate for Pakistan varies annually. State Department data shows Pakistan typically in the 40-60% overall approval range for nonimmigrant visas. B-1/B-2 approval rates depend heavily on individual application strength -- financial evidence, employment stability, travel history, and family ties in Pakistan.
What documents do Pakistanis need for a US B-1/B-2 visa?
Required at interview: DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, passport photo, current and all old passports, bank statements (6 months), employer NOC with salary details, property/assets in Pakistan, travel itinerary, and any prior US or international visa copies. Prior international travel stamps (UAE, UK, Europe) and prior clean US visas are significant positives.
US Visa Application Process for Pakistani Nationals
The US visa process from Pakistan is more involved than many destinations. Security screening is thorough -- administrative processing delays are more common for Pakistani nationals than for many nationalities, and applicants should plan accordingly.
Step 1: DS-160 Form
Complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov. This detailed form covers your personal background, employment, family, travel history, and any security-relevant questions. Answer all questions honestly -- misrepresentation is grounds for permanent inadmissibility. Upload a photo meeting strict US specifications.
Step 2: Pay the USD 185 MRV Fee
Pay through the US Embassy Pakistan payment system. Keep the receipt -- required to book the appointment. The equivalent amount in Pakistani rupees is calculated at the current exchange rate.
Step 3: Schedule Interview and Biometrics
Schedule the interview at US Embassy Islamabad or US Consulate Karachi through the online portal. Also schedule a separate OFC (biometrics) appointment, usually available much sooner than the interview. Current interview wait times range from 30-90 days at Pakistani consular posts.
Step 4: Prepare Documents Thoroughly
Pakistani applications face heightened scrutiny. Key documents:
- DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation
- Current passport plus all old passports (especially with prior US visas or other country stamps)
- 6 months bank statements showing regular salary income and stable balance
- Employer NOC: must state designation, salary, leave approval, and duration of employment
- Property documents: land deeds, car registration, investment certificates -- any Pakistani assets
- IT (income tax) returns for last 2 years
- Family documents: marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, elderly parent documents -- anything showing family ties in Pakistan
- Travel itinerary (cities, hotels, activities)
- Invitation letter if visiting family/friends in US (with copy of their immigration status -- Green Card, US passport, H-1B visa, etc.)
- Prior international visas (UAE, UK, Schengen) -- include copies
Understanding Administrative Processing (221g)
If the consular officer issues a 221g notice after your interview, your application requires additional processing before a decision is made. This is not a refusal. For Pakistani applicants, 221g holds are relatively common and can last from 2 weeks to several months. You cannot expedite it. Many applicants are eventually approved after the hold clears. Do not purchase non-refundable travel until you have the physical visa in hand.
Visa Validity for Pakistani Applicants
Unlike Indian nationals who typically receive 10-year multiple-entry B-1/B-2 visas, Pakistani nationals often receive shorter initial visas -- 1-year or 5-year multiple-entry visas are common. Subsequent renewals, if travel is clean, often result in longer validity. The validity period is at the discretion of the consular officer and cannot be requested.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Section 214(b) -- Insufficient ties to Pakistan. The most common reason. Strengthen with: property ownership in Pakistan, stable employment with high salary, family dependents in Pakistan, business ownership.
- Inconsistent or weak financial evidence. Cash-economy patterns in bank statements (large cash deposits, no salary credits) are a significant red flag to US consular officers.
- Administrative Processing that results in denial. Some applicants are denied after 221g holds due to information revealed during security checks. The reason is not disclosed to the applicant.
- Prior US or other country visa violations. Any prior overstay, deportation, or immigration violation results in refusal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistanis be refused a US visa without explanation?
Consular decisions are sometimes made under Section 221(g) or other grounds where the applicant is not given detailed reasons. Under Section 214(b) refusals, the officer states the general reason (insufficient ties/immigrant intent) but is not required to detail which specific factor was decisive. This is a feature of US visa law, not a Pakistani-specific policy.
Can a Pakistani with a US visa sponsor a family member?
Holding a US B-1/B-2 visa does not confer sponsorship rights. Only US citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) can sponsor immigrant visa petitions. A US visa holder can write an invitation letter for a family member's visa application, but this letter does not guarantee visa approval and the applicant must still meet all visa criteria independently.
Is the US visa interview in Urdu or English?
The interview at US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate Karachi is conducted in English by US consular officers. The officer may speak some Urdu but the formal interview process is in English. Interpreters are not provided. Applicants should be prepared to answer questions about their travel purpose, job, family, and finances in English.
Can Pakistanis reapply after a US visa refusal?
Yes. There is no mandatory waiting period after a B-1/B-2 refusal. However, reapplying too quickly without meaningfully strengthening your application is unlikely to succeed. Address the specific reason cited in the refusal, build stronger documentation, and reapply when your circumstances have genuinely improved.
⚠ Official Source. US visa appointment wait times and fees change. Always verify current wait times at travel.state.gov and confirm fee amounts before payment. We are not affiliated with the US government.
Last reviewed: February 2026 · About · Report inaccuracy