Chapter 01
USA visit visa at a glance (2026)
| Visa | Official fee | Waiting and processing | Validity and stay | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor visa (business and tourism) | USD 185 ≈ PKR 51,200, non-refundable (US Mission Pakistan fee schedule, effective 13 April 2026) | Islamabad: about 6.5 months to the next B1/B2 interview (official tool, 9 July 2026). Most decisions are given at the interview | Up to 60 months, multiple entries, no issuance fee for Pakistanis. Your stay is set by the US border officer | DS-160 online, then the official scheduling site; interview in Islamabad or Karachi |
| Visa Integrity Fee | USD 250 in US law since July 2025. Not in the Pakistan fee schedule as of 13 October 2026 | Collected at visa issuance if and when the Mission starts | Possible refund after the trip, under the law | Paid only when the Mission instructs you |
The US visa fee for Pakistani applicants is explained line by line on our USA visa fee for Pakistanis page.
Chapter 02
Can Pakistanis get a USA visit visa in 2026?
Yes, Pakistani passport holders can apply for a US B1/B2 visitor visa in 2026, and the US Mission in Pakistan is processing visitor visas at the Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi. There are four points to understand before you spend USD 185.
- There is no visa-free route. Pakistan is not in the US Visa Waiver Program, so ESTA is not available to Pakistani passport holders. You need a visa in your passport before you fly.
- Pakistan is not on the 2026 travel-ban list. Presidential Proclamation 10998, in force since 1 January 2026, restricts visas for nationals of 39 countries. Pakistan is not among them, according to the Immigration Policy Tracking Project's list.
- The immigrant visa pause does not affect visitors. The State Department paused immigrant visas for Pakistani nationals from 21 January 2026. The US Embassy said the pause does not apply to tourist and other nonimmigrant visas (Dawn, January 2026).
- Services were disrupted in 2026. On 13 March 2026 the Embassy in Islamabad cancelled all visa appointments through 20 March, and Karachi and Lahore suspended consular services. The Embassy later said Karachi would resume nonimmigrant visa processing from 20 July 2026 (Dawn, July 2026). Lahore does not process visitor visas.
Who the B1/B2 visa is for: tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, attending a wedding or convocation, and short business visits such as meetings, conferences and contract negotiations. It is not for study or paid employment in the US.
Is it right for you now? The US visitor visa is one of the hardest visit visas for Pakistanis because the officer starts from the legal presumption that every applicant intends to immigrate (INA section 214(b)). If you are young, single, early in your career, with little travel history and no stable income in Pakistan, consider building travel history first with countries such as Malaysia, Thailand or Türkiye, and see our Canada visit visa guide or UK visit visa guide for comparison. Our eligibility checker gives an honest first view.
Chapter 03
How much is the USA visit visa fee for Pakistanis?
The USA visit visa fee for Pakistanis is USD 185 per person (the MRV application fee), including children, under the US Mission Pakistan fee schedule effective 13 April 2026. The US reciprocity schedule for Pakistan sets no issuance (reciprocity) fee for B1/B2 visas.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV application fee | USD 185 ≈ PKR 51,200 | Paid before you book. Non-refundable, even if refused |
| Reciprocity (issuance) fee | None for Pakistani nationals | Reciprocity schedule for Pakistan |
| Visa Integrity Fee | USD 250 ≈ PKR 69,200 | In US law since July 2025; not yet in the Pakistan schedule as of 13 October 2026 |
| Our service fee | Quote on WhatsApp | Optional. File preparation and DS-160 review |
The fee receipt is valid for 365 days. Within that period you must book an interview or submit a waiver application, though the interview itself can fall later (US Mission Pakistan). Full details, payment steps and the Visa Integrity Fee explained: USA visa fee for Pakistanis.
Chapter 04
What documents do Pakistanis need for a USA visit visa?
The US Mission in Pakistan says it has no fixed list of supporting documents for visitor visas. Applicants "should bring whatever documentation they believe would substantiate their position in Pakistan and their purpose of travel", and the officer "may or may not review" it (US Mission Pakistan). So the core requirements are short:
- a Pakistani passport valid for your planned trip (six months beyond your stay is the safe rule);
- the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode;
- your MRV fee receipt and appointment confirmation;
- a recent photo meeting US visa photo rules (uploaded in the DS-160).
Supporting documents still help when a question needs proof. Our full USA visit visa requirements for Pakistanis page has a printable checklist for each applicant type. The short version is below.
If you are employed
Employer letter (NOC) with designation, salary and approved leave; 6 months of salary account statements; FBR return or NTN. Government employees need a departmental NOC, which FIA also checks (FIA FAQ).
If you run a business
SECP or firm registration, Chamber of Commerce membership, business NTN and FBR returns, and 6 months of business and personal bank statements.
If you are a student
Enrolment and leave letters, plus your parents' income and bank documents with the NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC).
If you are a housewife or dependent
Nikah nama, your spouse's income and bank documents, and the FRC. Applying with your spouse is usually easier to explain.
If you are retired
Pension letter, bank statements with pension credits and property documents; if visiting children, their invitation and US status proof.
If you are a freelancer
Client contracts, platform earnings, bank statements showing remittances, FBR return and PSEB registration if you have it.
Tip: tap an item to tick it off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Chapter 05
How much bank balance do you need for a USA visit visa?
There is no official minimum bank balance for a US B1/B2 visa; the State Department and the US Mission in Pakistan publish no figure. The officer considers your "financial resources" alongside your ties and travel plans (State Department, Visa Denials).
The principle is simple: you (or whoever pays) must clearly afford the trip, and the money must match your declared income. A balance that suddenly jumps before the interview raises suspicion rather than reducing it. If a relative in the US is paying, say so honestly in the DS-160 and be ready to explain your relationship.
Chapter 06
How to apply for a USA visit visa from Pakistan, step by step
- Fill in the DS-160 online. Answer every question truthfully, including social media identifiers used in the last five years, past travel and any previous refusals. Keep the confirmation page.
- Create a profile on the official US visa scheduling system linked from the US Mission Pakistan nonimmigrant visa page. Scheduling, fee collection and passport delivery in Pakistan are handled by the contractor CGI.
- Pay the USD 185 fee using the payment options shown in your profile. The receipt is valid for 365 days.
- Book your interview in Islamabad or Karachi. Check regularly, because new slots are released and you can move to an earlier date.
- Attend the interview. Islamabad's visa section is at the Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5; Karachi's consulate is at Plot 3-5, New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road. Arrive 15 minutes before your time. Our US visa interview guide covers the questions.
- Get your decision. Most applicants are told at the window. If approved, your passport is returned through the courier service with the visa. If you get a 221(g) slip, follow its instructions (see USA visa refusal: 214(b), 221(g) and reapplying).
The US Mission advises applying at least six months before travel and not buying non-refundable tickets until you have the visa (US Mission Pakistan).
Chapter 07
How long does a USA visit visa take from Pakistan?
The longest part is the wait for an interview. On 9 July 2026 the State Department's official tool showed 6.5 months to the next B1/B2 interview in Islamabad and an average wait of 7 months (Global Visa Wait Times, archived 9 July 2026). Karachi showed "NA" then, because it was suspended until 20 July 2026. Waits change weekly, so check the live tool on travel.state.gov before planning.
Note that the US Embassy in Islamabad gives priority to student and exchange visas (F and J), and Karachi prioritises students and petition-based workers (US Mission Pakistan). Visitors queue behind them.
After the interview, most approved visas are printed within days. If your case goes into administrative processing (221(g)), the Mission says most cases are resolved within 60 days, and you should wait at least 90 days before asking about status.
Urgent travel: expedited appointments are only for genuine emergencies, such as a medical emergency, requested through the scheduling website.
Chapter 08
Can you get a US visa without an interview?
Only a narrow group can. Since 1 October 2025 almost every visa applicant must attend an in-person interview, including children under 14 and adults over 79 (State Department, 18 September 2025). The main exception for visitors is a B1/B2 renewal, when all of the following are true:
- your previous B1/B2 visa was issued for full validity (60 months for Pakistanis);
- you were at least 18 when it was issued;
- you are applying within 12 months of its expiry;
- you are applying in your country of nationality or residence;
- you have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived) and have no apparent ineligibility.
The officer can still call you for an interview. The US Mission in Pakistan confirms this renewal rule on its nonimmigrant visa page.
Chapter 09
Why USA visas get refused (and how to avoid it)
Most US visitor refusals for Pakistanis are under INA section 214(b): the officer was not convinced you will return to Pakistan or that your trip is a genuine visit. The State Department says strong ties include your employment, your home and your relationships with family and friends. Common causes we see in files:
| Refusal reason | What it looks like | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Weak ties to Pakistan | Young, single, unsettled employment, no property or family responsibilities | Apply when your situation is stable; show what you return to |
| Unclear or unconvincing purpose | Vague plans, "just to see", long stay with no reason | Be specific and realistic: who, where, how long, why now |
| Money that does not match income | Large recent deposits, sponsor not explained | Let your real income and history speak; explain sponsors honestly |
| Inconsistent answers | Interview answers differ from the DS-160 | Re-read your DS-160 before the interview |
| Previous overstay or refusal not disclosed | Answering "no" to a past refusal | Always disclose. Misrepresentation (INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i)) can mean a permanent bar |
| Missing information | 221(g) slip asking for documents | Submit within one year; no new fee for 221(g) |
There is no appeal against a 214(b) refusal; you can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee once something meaningful has changed. Our USA visa refusal guide explains 214(b), 221(g) and when reapplying makes sense.
Chapter 10
What happens at the airport? (FIA and US arrival checks)
Leaving Pakistan: FIA immigration officers check visit-visa travellers before departure. The FIA FAQ lists a valid passport, a return ticket, a confirmed hotel booking, sufficient funds and a "sound profile"; government servants need their departmental NOC. FIA offloaded about 66,000 passengers in 2025, most for insufficient or unverified documents (Dawn, 18 December 2025). Carry your passport with the visa, the return ticket, your US address (hotel or host's address and invitation), proof of funds or a card, and your leave letter or business documents. Use our offloading checklist before you fly.
Arriving in the US: a US visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and ask for admission; entry is not automatic. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer decides whether to admit you and for how long, and records it on your electronic I-94. Answer the same way you did at the interview, and carry the same supporting documents.
Chapter 11
Pakistanis living in the UAE or Saudi Arabia
The US Mission in Pakistan says applicants should schedule interviews at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality (US Mission Pakistan). A Pakistani with a valid UAE residence visa or Saudi iqama can therefore apply where they live, or come home to Pakistan.
| Post | B1/B2 next available interview (official tool, 9 July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 6.5 months |
| Abu Dhabi | 6 months |
| Dubai | 12.5 months |
| Riyadh | 2 months |
| Jeddah | 3 months |
| Dhahran | 3 months |
Source: State Department Global Visa Wait Times, archived 9 July 2026. Your ties are judged where you live: show a residence visa or iqama with good validity, an employer letter and Gulf bank statements.
Chapter 12
USA vs. similar destinations for Pakistanis
| USA (B1/B2) | Canada (visitor visa) | UK (Standard Visitor) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official fee | USD 185 | CAD 100 + CAD 85 biometrics | See our UK page |
| Interview | Yes, almost always | No, online plus biometrics at VFS | No, online plus biometrics |
| Typical wait | 6.5 months to interview (Islamabad, July 2026) | About 71 days (IRCC, October 2026) | See UK page |
| Maximum validity | 60 months | Up to 10 years | See UK page |
Travelling within a few months? The US interview queue makes that unrealistic; compare our Canada and Schengen guides.
Chapter 13
Frequently asked questions
Can Pakistanis get a USA visit visa in 2026?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at the US Embassy in Islamabad or the US Consulate General in Karachi. Pakistan is not in the Visa Waiver Program and was not named in Presidential Proclamation 10998, so the normal DS-160, fee and interview process applies.
How much is the USA visit visa fee for Pakistanis?
The B1/B2 application fee (MRV fee) is USD 185 per person, under the US Mission Pakistan fee schedule effective 13 April 2026. Pakistani nationals pay no extra reciprocity (issuance) fee for a B1/B2 visa.
Is the USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee charged in Pakistan?
As of 13 October 2026 we found no notice from the US Mission in Pakistan that it is collecting the USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee, and it is not in the Mission's fee schedule effective 13 April 2026. The fee is law since July 2025, so check the Mission's website before your interview.
How long is the US visa interview wait in Pakistan?
The State Department's official wait-time tool showed about 6.5 months for the next B1/B2 interview in Islamabad on 9 July 2026, with an average wait of 7 months. Karachi showed no B1/B2 data then because its visa section was suspended from March to 20 July 2026.
Can I skip the US visa interview?
Only if you are renewing a full-validity B1/B2 visa that expired within the last 12 months, you were at least 18 when it was issued, you apply in Pakistan, and you have no refusal that was not overcome. Everyone else, including children under 14 and adults over 79, must now interview.
How long is a US visit visa valid for Pakistanis?
Under the US reciprocity schedule for Pakistan, a B1/B2 visa can be issued for up to 60 months with multiple entries. The consular officer can issue a shorter visa. The visa's validity is not your permitted stay; the US border officer sets that on arrival.
Is there visa-free travel or ESTA to the USA for Pakistanis?
No. Pakistan is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Pakistani passport holders cannot use ESTA and need a B1/B2 visa before travel.
What documents are required for a USA visit visa from Pakistan?
The US Mission in Pakistan says it has no fixed document list for visitors. You need a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation, the fee receipt and appointment letter; bring proof of your income, ties and travel purpose, but expect the officer to decide mainly from your interview.
What is a 214(b) refusal?
A 214(b) refusal means the consular officer was not convinced that you qualify as a visitor or that your ties to Pakistan will make you return. There is no appeal, but you can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee when your circumstances have meaningfully changed.
Can Pakistanis living in Dubai or Saudi Arabia apply for a US visa there?
Yes, if you legally reside there. The US Mission in Pakistan says applicants should book at the embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality, so UAE or Saudi residents can apply in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah or Dhahran.
Chapter 14
How Visit Visa Specialists helps
You can apply for a US visa yourself, and many people do. People come to us because the DS-160 and the interview leave no room for careless mistakes. Our service:
- an honest profile review first: is now the right time for you to apply, or should you build travel history?
- a DS-160 check, so every answer is complete, consistent and truthful;
- an applicant-type document checklist and a review of your genuine documents;
- help with the scheduling profile and fee payment steps;
- interview preparation (Quote on WhatsApp): we explain the questions and help you give clear, truthful answers in your own words. We never script false answers;
- an airport readiness check before you fly.
The official USD 185 fee is paid by you directly through the official US system. Our service fee is Quote on WhatsApp. We never sell interview slots. The consular officer alone decides your visa.
Working on a visit visa is illegal in the United States and in Pakistan can lead to prosecution under the Emigration Ordinance. We only assist genuine visitors.
Every fact, checkedSources+
- US Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan, Nonimmigrant Visas: CGI scheduling, interview waiver rule, MRV receipt valid 365 days, no fixed document list, apply 6 months ahead, administrative processing 60/90 days, post priorities (pk.usembassy.gov, checked 13 October 2026)
- US Mission Pakistan, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (PDF, effective 13 April 2026): non-petition nonimmigrant visa USD 185; no Visa Integrity Fee listed (pk.usembassy.gov, checked 13 October 2026)
- US State Department reciprocity schedule for Pakistan (archived copy of 2 July 2026; live page blocked our checker): B-1/B-2 no fee, multiple entries, 60 months (web.archive.org, checked 13 October 2026)
- US State Department Global Visa Wait Times (archived copy of 9 July 2026): Islamabad B1/B2 average 7 months, next available 6.5 months; Karachi NA; Abu Dhabi 6, Dubai 12.5, Riyadh 2, Jeddah 3, Dhahran 3 months (web.archive.org, checked 13 October 2026)
- US State Department, Interview Waiver Update (18 Sept 2025, effective 1 Oct 2025): interviews required incl. under 14 and over 79; B1/B2 renewal exception and conditions (travel.state.gov, checked 13 October 2026)
- US Mission Pakistan visa page notices: apply in country of residence or nationality; categories told to make social media public (B1/B2 not listed); Presidential Proclamation 10998 (39 countries, from 1 Jan 2026) (pk.usembassy.gov, checked 13 October 2026)
- US State Department, Visa Denials (archived copy of 11 July 2026): 214(b), 221(g), fees non-refundable, reapplying (web.archive.org, checked 13 October 2026)
- US Mission Pakistan, Consular Services Update 13 March 2026: all visa appointments cancelled through 20 March; Karachi and Lahore consular services suspended (pk.usembassy.gov, checked 13 October 2026)
- Dawn (news), July 2026: US Embassy says Karachi resumes nonimmigrant visa processing from 20 July 2026 (dawn.com, checked 13 October 2026)
- Dawn (news), January 2026: US pause on immigrant visas for Pakistanis from 21 Jan 2026 does not apply to tourist and other nonimmigrant visas (dawn.com, checked 13 October 2026)
- VisasNews (trade press): USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee enacted July 2025; rollout and collection unclear (visasnews.com, checked 13 October 2026)
- FIA FAQ: conditions for visit-visa travellers (passport, return ticket, hotel booking, sufficient funds, sound profile; NOC for government servants) (fia.gov.pk, checked 13 October 2026)
- Dawn (news), 18 Dec 2025: about 66,000 passengers offloaded in 2025, about 51,000 for insufficient or unverified documents (dawn.com, checked 13 October 2026)
- Immigration Policy Tracking Project (academic tracker): country lists under Proclamation 10998; Pakistan not listed (immpolicytracking.org, checked 13 October 2026)
We are an independent private agency, not affiliated with any government. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant authority.
