United States Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview wait times, and strategies to improve your chances. Due to high demand, interview appointments can take 4 to 7 months to secure.

Visa Application process

The US visa application process requires completing an online form and attending an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or US Consulate in Karachi.2

Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out Form DS-160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.1 Upload a recent photograph meeting US visa requirements. Print the confirmation page with the barcode.

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 MRV fee online or at designated banks.3 The fee is non-refundable and valid for 365 days.

Schedule Interview Appointment

Use the US Travel Docs website to schedule your interview.4 Current wait times are 4-7 months depending on location. Karachi typically has shorter waits than Islamabad.

Gather Supporting Documents

Collect bank statements, employment letters, property documents, and evidence of ties to Pakistan. Organize documents clearly for easy reference during your interview.

Attend Interview

Arrive 15 minutes early. Electronics and bags are not permitted. Answer questions honestly and confidently. The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes.

Wait for Processing

If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa within 3-5 business days. If additional processing is required (administrative processing), it may take several weeks or months.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
4. Gather Supporting Documents
5. Attend Interview
6. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	MRV Application Fee: $185	The application fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.3 No additional service fees are charged by the US government. Third-party document services may charge additional fees.

What you need to prove

The consular officer must be convinced that you:

Have a genuine purpose for visiting the United States temporarily
Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay
Have strong ties to Pakistan that will compel you to return
Will depart the United States when your authorized stay expires
Do not intend to immigrate to the United States

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Visa Fee Payment
Interview Appointment
Financial Documents
Employment Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Social Media Information

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US, UK, or Schengen visas] (Tip: Previous travel to Western countries significantly strengthens your applicationKeep your old passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160) • Provide personal information and travel history; • Upload a recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements; • Include information about your employment and finances; • Disclose any previous US visa applications or denials; • Print the confirmation page with barcode for your interview] (Tip: Save your application ID to resume later if neededAllow 1-2 hours to complete the form thoroughlyAnswer all questions honestly and consistently)

Visa Fee Payment

Pay the $185 MRV fee before scheduling your interview • Payment can be made online or at designated banks; • Fee is non-refundable regardless of visa outcome; • Payment receipt is valid for 365 days] (Tip: Keep the payment receipt number for scheduling your appointmentSchedule your interview promptly after payment)

Interview Appointment

Schedule and attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate • Interviews conducted at US Embassy Islamabad or US Consulate Karachi; • As of August 2025, in-person interviews required for all applicants; • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time; • Electronics and bags are not permitted inside] (Tip: Karachi typically has shorter wait times than IslamabadCheck for cancellation appointments to get earlier datesDress professionally and answer questions confidently)

Financial Documents

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip • Bank statements for the last 6 months; • Tax returns for the past 2-3 years; • Property ownership documents if applicable; • Evidence of investments and assets] (Tip: Show stable income and consistent savingsAvoid large unexplained deposits before your interviewBring originals and copies to the interview)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and income • Letter from employer stating position, salary, and tenure; • Leave approval for your travel dates; • Business registration if self-employed; • Recent pay stubs or salary slips] (Tip: Stable employment of 2+ years strengthens your applicationSelf-employed applicants should bring business bank statements)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Pakistan • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing spouse and children; • Ongoing business or employment commitments; • Educational enrolment if applicable] (Tip: This is critical for Pakistani applicantsShow reasons why you must return to PakistanMarried applicants with children have stronger ties)

Social Media Information

Provide your social media handles on the DS-160 form • Include accounts used in the past 5 years; • Set privacy settings to public for vetting purposes] (Tip: Review your social media presence before applyingEnsure online presence is consistent with your application)

Optional documents

Travel Plans | Invitation Letter

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities in the US • General travel plans and cities you wish to visit; • Approximate travel dates; • Purpose of visit] (Tip: Do not book flights until visa is approvedHave a clear, realistic itinerary in mind for the interview)

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in the United States • Host's full name and US address; • Relationship to the applicant; • Host's immigration status in the US; • Details of the planned visit] (Tip: Include copy of host's US passport or green cardHost can also provide an I-134 Affidavit of Support)

Comparison

Location	Visitor Visa Wait Time
Islamabad	6-7 months
Karachi	4 months

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
70%	Section 214(b) - Immigrant Intent
15%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
8%	Incomplete or Inconsistent Information
5%	Previous Immigration Violations
2%	Unconvincing Interview Responses

70% - Section 214(b) - Immigrant Intent

How to avoid: Show strong ties through property ownership, stable employment, family obligations, and financial roots in Pakistan. Demonstrate you have compelling reasons to return.

15% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Provide comprehensive bank statements showing consistent income and savings. Include tax returns, property valuations, and evidence of investments.

8% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Information

How to avoid: Review your DS-160 before the interview. Be honest and consistent in all answers. If you made errors on the form, be prepared to explain.

5% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: Be honest about past issues. Demonstrate changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved since any previous violation.

2% - Unconvincing Interview Responses

How to avoid: Answer questions naturally and confidently. Be specific about your travel plans but flexible. Avoid memorized responses.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months (180 days) per entry. The exact duration is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry and stamped on your Form I-94. Do not overstay your authorized period.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid employment in the United States. Working without authorization can result in deportation and permanent visa ineligibility.

How long is the US visa interview wait time from Pakistan?

Interview wait times vary by location. Karachi typically has shorter waits of around 4 months, while Islamabad can take 6-7 months. Check current wait times on the US Travel Docs website.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Pakistanis in 2026?

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185. This is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.

How long is the US B1/B2 visa valid?

For Pakistani nationals, B1/B2 visas are typically issued with varying validity periods. If approved, your visa may be valid for multiple entries over several years.

What documents should I bring to the interview?

Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt, bank statements, employment letter, property documents, and any other evidence of ties to Pakistan.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal under a specific section of immigration law (commonly 214b). You can reapply immediately with stronger documentation, but repeated refusals make future approvals more difficult.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

US Embassy Pakistan - Nonimmigrant Visas

https://pk.usembassy.gov/nonimmigrant-visas/

US Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

US Travel Docs Pakistan

https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pk/

At a glance