Check Visa Requirements by Passport
Pick your passport and destination for live requirements — fees, documents, processing times, stay rules and embassy details for your nationality.
Data verified
Pakistan passport holders: Single entry for United States. Fee: USD 185 (~USD 185). Processing: Days (Visa Issued) / Weeks-Months (Administrative Processing common for PK). Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.
Overview
Visa REQUIRED for Pakistani nationals (ESTA/VWP NOT for Pakistan). Apply at US Embassy Islamabad OR Consulate Karachi. B1/B2 visa: USD 185 (~PKR 51,800). USA has high rejection rate for Pakistan (~30-45% depending on category). Visa interview wait times can be 1-12+ months.
Visa types: B1/B2 Tourist/Business Visa (5-10 year multi-entry, max 6 months per stay); F-1 Student Visa; J-1 Exchange Visitor; H-1B Skilled Worker (employer-sponsored, lottery); H-2B (seasonal); L-1 Intracompany Transfer; O-1 Extraordinary Ability; E-2 Investor; B1/B2 Combined; Diplomatic A/G; Transit C; Immigrant visa (Green Card). Pakistan on enhanced security screening list (Administrative Processing common — Section 221(g) hold).
Fees & funds
Stay & validity
Validity: per visa (typically 5-10 years multi-entry for B1/B2). Max Stay: per CBP officer at port of entry (up to 6 months B1/B2).
Extension possibleConditional
Overstay penalty: Overstay >180 days: 3-year re-entry ban; >1 year: 10-year ban (INA §212(a)(9)(B))
How to apply
Requirements
Passport & photo
Required documents: Valid passport (6+ months beyond stay); DS-160 online application; Recent digital photo (5x5cm); Visa interview at US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate Karachi (MANDATORY); Bank statement (USD 10,000+ recommended, 6 months); Employment letter; ITR/tax returns (3 years); Property documents; CNIC + NICOP; Travel history with previous visa stamps; Purpose of travel + Itinerary; For Family Visit: US sponsor's I-134 Affidavit of Support + tax returns + status proof; For Student: I-20 + SEVIS fee paid + financial documentation. Visa fee USD 185 paid before interview.
Visa types (2)
Visa REQUIRED for Pakistani nationals (ESTA/VWP NOT for Pakistan). Apply at US Embassy Islamabad OR Consulate Karachi. B1/B2 visa: USD 185 (~PKR 51,800). USA has high rejection rate for Pakistan (~30-45% depending on category). Visa interview wait times can be 1-12+ months.
US C-1 transit visa - the United States has no sterile airside transit, so every traveller (including Pakistani passport holders) needs a visa to transit. C-1 is transit-only; a B-1/B-2 also permits transit.
Common rejection reasons
Common PK rejections (~30-45% rate): (1) Section 214(b) refusal — immigrant intent presumption; (2) Pakistan on enhanced security screening — Administrative Processing (221g hold) very common, can take months; (3) Weak ties to Pakistan; (4) Insufficient financial proof (USD 10,000+ expected); (5) Inadequate travel history; (6) Pakistani name on watchlist (common name matches cause delays); (7) Family on US H-1B/Green Card status concerns; (8) Solo male applicants face extra scrutiny; (9) Document fraud red flags; (10) Previous US visa overstays in family history; (11) US Embassy Islamabad has long visa interview wait times (sometimes 12+ months for B1/B2).
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