Pakistani citizens need a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States. You must complete the DS-160 online, pay the $185 fee, book and attend an interview in Islamabad or Karachi, and show that your trip is temporary, that you can pay for it, and that you have strong ties to Pakistan. You need a valid passport and should bring supporting documents about your finances, work and family.
Who qualifies
There is no formal checklist of income or age. The officer must be satisfied that you are a genuine temporary visitor for business or tourism, that you will leave the USA on time, and that you are not otherwise ineligible (for example because of past immigration violations or misrepresentation).
The process in 5 steps
- Complete the DS-160 carefully.
- Pay the $185 fee.
- Book your interview in Islamabad or Karachi.
- Prepare documents using the USA document checklist.
- Attend the interview and answer clearly and honestly.
Passport requirements
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States, unless an exemption applies, and have a blank page for the visa. Bring old passports too, as they show your travel history.
Documents in brief
- Required: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, fee receipt
- Finances: bank statements, tax returns, salary slips or business records
- Ties: employment letter, business registration, property, family registration
- Purpose: invitation letter or event registration, if relevant
After approval
Your passport is kept so the visa can be printed, then returned through the delivery or collection option linked to your appointment. The visa lets you travel to a U.S. port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection decides how long you may stay. See B1 vs B2 for what you can and cannot do.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pakistani citizens need a visa for the USA?
Yes. Pakistani citizens need a visa; Pakistan is not in the Visa Waiver Program.
How long does a USA visit visa take from Pakistan?
It depends mainly on the interview waiting time. Check current estimates for Islamabad and Karachi on travel.state.gov.
Can I apply for a US visa without an interview?
Rarely. The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan says interview waivers are granted only in extreme situations.
What is the most important requirement?
Showing that your trip is genuine and temporary and that you will return to Pakistan.
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.