If you are a Pakistani citizen planning to visit the United States, you will need to apply for a USA visit visa (B1/B2) before traveling. The U.S. visa process can seem complicated, but with the right information and preparation, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
This guide will walk you through the eligibility, required documents, visa fees, interview process, and key tips to help Pakistani citizens successfully apply for a USA visit visa.
Types of USA Visit Visas for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani citizens who wish to travel to the United States for a short stay need to apply for a B1/B2 visa, which is issued for:
- B1 Visa (Business Visa): If you need to attend business meetings, conferences, or professional events.
- B2 Visa (Tourist Visa): If you are traveling for tourism, medical treatment, family visits, or leisure.
- B1/B2 Combined Visa: If your visit includes both business and tourism, you can apply for a B1/B2 visa, which covers both purposes.
The visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to six months per visit, but the actual duration is determined by the U.S. immigration officer upon arrival.
Eligibility Criteria for USA Visit Visa from Pakistan
To be eligible for a USA visit visa, Pakistani citizens must:
✔ Hold a valid Pakistani passport (valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay).
✔ Provide a valid reason for visiting the U.S.
✔ Show financial proof that you can afford the trip.
✔ Have strong ties to Pakistan (job, business, family, property).
✔ Have a clear travel history with no past visa violations.
If you meet these criteria, you can proceed with the visa application process.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a USA Visit Visa from Pakistan
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Online Application Form
The DS-160 form is an essential part of the visa application process and must be completed online.
✔ Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
✔ Select Pakistan as the application country.
✔ Fill in your personal details, travel plans, and previous U.S. travel history.
✔ Upload a passport-size photograph as per U.S. visa guidelines.
✔ Submit the form and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee
The USA visit visa fee for Pakistani citizens is $185 (approximately PKR 52,000). This fee must be paid before scheduling your interview and is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
Payment Methods in Pakistan:
✔ Online Payment: Pay via credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard).
✔ Bank Deposit: Pay the visa fee at designated banks in Pakistan.
✔ Cash Payment: Some banks accept cash deposits for U.S. visa fees.
Once the fee is paid, you will receive a receipt that is required for scheduling your interview.
Step 3: Schedule Your Visa Appointment
Once you have paid the visa fee, the next step is to book your visa interview appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan.
Where to Apply in Pakistan?
✔ U.S. Embassy in Islamabad
✔ U.S. Consulate in Karachi
✔ U.S. Consulate in Lahore
How to Book an Appointment:
✔ Create an account on the U.S. Visa Appointment System.
✔ Enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
✔ Select an available interview date.
✔ Print your appointment confirmation letter.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Before attending the visa interview, ensure you have the following mandatory and supporting documents ready.
Mandatory Documents:
✔ Valid Pakistani passport (with at least six months validity).
✔ DS-160 Confirmation Page (with barcode).
✔ Visa Appointment Confirmation Letter.
✔ Visa Fee Payment Receipt.
✔ Recent Passport-Size Photograph (as per U.S. visa photo guidelines).
Supporting Documents (Highly Recommended for Approval):
✔ Travel Itinerary (flight and hotel bookings).
✔ Bank Statements (Last 6 Months) to prove financial stability.
✔ Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the last 2-3 years.
✔ Letter of Invitation (if visiting family or friends in the U.S.).
✔ Employment Letter (for salaried applicants).
✔ Business Registration Documents (if self-employed).
✔ Property Documents (to prove strong ties to Pakistan).
Having strong financial proof and ties to Pakistan will help convince the visa officer that you will return after your visit.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
The visa interview is the most critical step in the application process. A U.S. consular officer will determine whether to approve or deny your visa.
Visa Interview Tips:
✔ Arrive Early: Reach the embassy at least 30 minutes before your scheduled interview.
✔ Dress Professionally: Your appearance should reflect credibility and responsibility.
✔ Answer Confidently: Be clear, concise, and honest in your responses.
✔ Carry All Required Documents: Even if not requested, having them is beneficial.
Common Visa Interview Questions:
- What is the purpose of your trip to the U.S.?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Do you have family or friends in the U.S.?
- What do you do for a living in Pakistan?
- Who is sponsoring your trip?
- Do you have strong ties to Pakistan (job, family, business, property)?
Your answers should prove that you have no intention of overstaying in the U.S.
Step 6: Visa Decision & Passport Collection
At the end of the interview, the consular officer will inform you of the decision:
✔ Visa Approved: Your passport will be kept, and you will receive your visa within 3-7 working days.
✔ Visa Denied: You will be informed of the reason, and you may reapply if circumstances change.
✔ Administrative Processing: Some applications may require further review, taking weeks or months.
Once approved, your passport with the U.S. visa will be returned via courier or embassy pickup.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
✔ Weak Financial Proof – Inability to show funds for the trip.
✔ Lack of Strong Ties to Pakistan – Failing to prove you will return.
✔ Unclear Travel Purpose – Inconsistent or vague answers.
✔ Incorrect or False Information – Any mistake can cause rejection.
✔ Previous U.S. Visa Violations – Overstaying a past U.S. visa.
To avoid rejection, ensure strong documentation and a well-prepared interview.
Conclusion
Applying for a USA visit visa from Pakistan requires careful preparation, from filling out the DS-160 form to attending the visa interview. Ensuring that you have all required documents, clear financial proof, and a strong reason to return to Pakistan will increase your chances of visa approval.
With the right preparation, you can successfully obtain a U.S. visit visa and enjoy your trip! Good luck with your visa application!
