What documents does a Pakistan citizen need for a United States visa?

- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay - Completed DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form, with confirmation page and barcode - One photo (51x51mm, white background) uploaded during DS-160 and sometimes needed printed for the interview - MRV (visa) fee payment receipt (USD 185) - Appointment confirmation for biometrics and interview - Evidence of ties to Pakistan: property documents, employment letter, business registration, or family ties - Bank statements and proof of funds to cover the US trip - Travel itinerary/invitation letter if visiting family or attending an event - Biometrics (10-fingerprint scan and photo) captured at the Visa Application Centre before or at the interview

What types of visas can Pakistan citizens get for United States?

- B1 (Business visitor) — for conferences, business meetings, negotiations - B2 (Tourism/visiting family/medical treatment) — most common for personal travel - B1/B2 combined visa — typically issued with up to 5 years validity and multiple entries for Pakistani nationals, based on US-Pakistan visa reciprocity - Each entry under B1/B2 generally permits a stay of up to 6 months, decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself

How do Pakistan citizens apply for a United States visa?

- Create a profile and complete the DS-160 form on the US Department of State's CEAC website - Pay the USD 185 non-refundable MRV fee via the designated bank (HBL or Bank Alfalah in Pakistan) - Schedule the biometrics and interview appointment through the US Visa Information Service for Pakistan - Attend the interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or consulates in Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar with all original documents - The consular officer decides on the spot in most cases; some cases are placed under 221(g) administrative processing, which can take weeks to months - If approved, the passport with visa stamp is returned via courier, typically within a few business days of the interview

How much does a United States visa cost for Pakistan citizens?

- MRV application fee: USD 185 (non-refundable, must be paid even if the visa is denied) - No separate service centre fee for standard drop-off, though courier return may apply - Interview wait times fluctuate significantly by season and embassy workload — historically ranging from a few weeks to several months in Islamabad - Visa issuance after a successful interview: typically within 3-7 business days - Cases flagged for 221(g) administrative processing: can take weeks to several months longer - There is no premium/expedited visa service for routine B1/B2 interviews; emergency appointments are only granted for documented urgent travel (medical, death in family)

What should Pakistan citizens know before traveling to United States?

- Book the interview slot as early as possible — wait times for a first available appointment are often the biggest bottleneck - Common refusal ground is Section 214(b): failure to demonstrate strong, verifiable ties to Pakistan and intent to return - Bring originals, not photocopies, of all property, employment, and financial documents to the interview - Answer interview questions concisely and consistently with your DS-160 answers - A prior US visa refusal does not bar reapplication, but address the previous refusal reason directly in the new application - If your case enters 221(g) processing, check status online via CEAC and submit any requested documents promptly to avoid further delay

United States Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Pakistani citizens need a B1/B2 visitor visa — complete the DS-160 online, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, and attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy Islamabad or a consulate; processing varies widely due to interview wait times.

Guide last updated October 21, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form, with confirmation page and barcode
One photo (51x51mm, white background) uploaded during DS-160 and sometimes needed printed for the interview
MRV (visa) fee payment receipt (USD 185)
Appointment confirmation for biometrics and interview
Evidence of ties to Pakistan: property documents, employment letter, business registration, or family ties
Bank statements and proof of funds to cover the US trip
Travel itinerary/invitation letter if visiting family or attending an event
Biometrics (10-fingerprint scan and photo) captured at the Visa Application Centre before or at the interview

Visa types

B1 (Business visitor) — for conferences, business meetings, negotiations
B2 (Tourism/visiting family/medical treatment) — most common for personal travel
B1/B2 combined visa — typically issued with up to 5 years validity and multiple entries for Pakistani nationals, based on US-Pakistan visa reciprocity
Each entry under B1/B2 generally permits a stay of up to 6 months, decided by the immigration officer at the port of entry, not by the visa itself

How to apply

Create a profile and complete the DS-160 form on the US Department of State's CEAC website
Pay the USD 185 non-refundable MRV fee via the designated bank (HBL or Bank Alfalah in Pakistan)
Schedule the biometrics and interview appointment through the US Visa Information Service for Pakistan
Attend the interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or consulates in Karachi, Lahore, or Peshawar with all original documents
The consular officer decides on the spot in most cases; some cases are placed under 221(g) administrative processing, which can take weeks to months
If approved, the passport with visa stamp is returned via courier, typically within a few business days of the interview

Fees & processing time

MRV application fee: USD 185 (non-refundable, must be paid even if the visa is denied)
No separate service centre fee for standard drop-off, though courier return may apply
Interview wait times fluctuate significantly by season and embassy workload — historically ranging from a few weeks to several months in Islamabad
Visa issuance after a successful interview: typically within 3-7 business days
Cases flagged for 221(g) administrative processing: can take weeks to several months longer
There is no premium/expedited visa service for routine B1/B2 interviews; emergency appointments are only granted for documented urgent travel (medical, death in family)

Tips for Pakistan travelers

Book the interview slot as early as possible — wait times for a first available appointment are often the biggest bottleneck
Common refusal ground is Section 214(b): failure to demonstrate strong, verifiable ties to Pakistan and intent to return
Bring originals, not photocopies, of all property, employment, and financial documents to the interview
Answer interview questions concisely and consistently with your DS-160 answers
A prior US visa refusal does not bar reapplication, but address the previous refusal reason directly in the new application
If your case enters 221(g) processing, check status online via CEAC and submit any requested documents promptly to avoid further delay

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.