You book a US visa interview in Pakistan through the official U.S. visa appointment system, after completing the DS-160 and paying the fee. Interviews are held at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi. Waiting times change often, so check the current estimate on the State Department's visa appointment wait time tool before planning travel. Urgent cases can request an emergency appointment with evidence.
How to book, step by step
- Complete the DS-160 and note your confirmation number.
- Create an account in the official U.S. visa appointment system for Pakistan.
- Pay the $185 application fee.
- Choose Islamabad or Karachi and select an available date.
- Print the appointment confirmation and prepare your documents.
For help with the system, the U.S. Mission's support channel is listed on the embassy's visa information page.
How to check current waiting times
The U.S. Department of State publishes estimated interview wait times for each embassy and consulate on travel.state.gov. Search for "visa appointment wait times" and choose Islamabad or Karachi. The estimate changes as appointments open and close, so check it more than once, and never book non-refundable travel based on an estimate alone.
Islamabad or Karachi?
- Islamabad: the Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave, reached by the official shuttle from sector G-5. Usually closest for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the north.
- Karachi: the Consulate General on Mai Kolachi Road, which resumed visa interviews on 20 July 2026. Usually closest for Sindh and Balochistan.
The Lahore consulate offers U.S. citizen services only. Choose the post with suitable dates that is easiest for you to reach.
Emergency appointment requests
If you have a genuine urgent need, such as a medical emergency, a funeral or an urgent business matter, you can request an earlier appointment through the appointment system after booking the first available date. You must explain the reason and provide evidence. Approval is at the embassy's discretion.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paying agents who promise to "get early appointments". The embassy warns against this.
- Booking flights before your interview and visa are confirmed.
- Entering details in the appointment system that differ from your passport or DS-160.
- Arriving late or with prohibited items such as phones and bags.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the US visa waiting time in Pakistan?
It changes often. Check the current estimate for Islamabad and Karachi on the State Department's wait time tool on travel.state.gov.
Can I change my interview date?
Yes, through the appointment system, within its rules on the number of reschedules.
Can I book in Karachi if I live in Lahore?
Yes. You can choose either Islamabad or Karachi, whichever suits you.
Should I pay someone to get an earlier appointment?
No. Use only the official system. The embassy warns against paying external sources for appointments.
This guide is general information for Pakistani applicants, not legal advice. Visa rules are set by the U.S. government and can change; confirm current details on official U.S. government sources. Visa decisions are made only by consular officers.