Application Process

The US B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate General in Karachi.1 The application process involves several steps that must be completed in order.

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.7 This comprehensive form requires detailed information about your travel plans, employment history for the past 10 years, education, family members, social media accounts, and previous travel. Upload a compliant digital photograph meeting US specifications.1 Double-check all information for accuracy as inconsistencies with your supporting documents can lead to denial.

2. Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 MRV fee through CGI, the authorized service provider in Pakistan.2 Payment can be made online or at designated bank branches. Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome and is valid for one year.2

3. Schedule Interview Appointment

After paying the fee, schedule your interview through the CGI Pakistan website (ustraveldocs.com/pk).3 Interviews are conducted at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi.3 Current wait times in Pakistan are among the longest in the world, typically 6-10 months, so schedule as early as possible.

4. Attend Visa Interview

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, appointment letter, fee receipt, and all supporting documents organized clearly.1 The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. Your fingerprints will be collected electronically.3 Be prepared to explain your trip purpose, funding, and ties to Pakistan in clear, concise answers.

5. Receive Decision

Most applicants receive a decision immediately after the interview.3 If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or courier delivery within 3-5 business days. Some applications are placed in administrative processing under Section 221(g), which requires additional review and can take weeks or months to resolve.

Fees

The MRV fee payment is valid for one year from the date of payment.2 If you do not schedule and attend your interview within this period, you will need to pay again. Pakistani citizens do not pay any reciprocity fee for B1/B2 visas.6

What You Need to Prove

Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants until they prove otherwise.5 The burden is entirely on you to demonstrate:

Strong Ties to Pakistan5

This is the most critical factor for Pakistani applicants. Consular officers must be convinced you will return home. Ties include:

• Stable employment with significant tenure
• Property and asset ownership
• Business interests and investments
• Immediate family members (spouse, children, parents) remaining in Pakistan
• Career trajectory and professional commitments

Sufficient Financial Resources1

You must prove you can fund your entire trip without working illegally in the US:

• Adequate bank balance exceeding trip costs
• Stable, documented income sources
• Tax compliance history

Clear Purpose of Travel1

Have a reasonable, well-thought-out travel plan:

• Specific places you want to visit
• Realistic timeline for activities
• Logical reason for the trip

Intent to Depart5

The consular officer must believe you will leave the US when your authorized stay ends. Previous compliance with visa conditions in other countries helps establish this.

Processing Times

Interview wait times in Pakistan are currently among the longest globally due to high demand and limited appointment availability.3

Current approximate wait times:

• Islamabad (Embassy): 200-300 days
• Karachi (Consulate): 200-300 days

The US Embassy in Pakistan processes approximately 10,000 visa applications monthly.3 Wait times have improved from over 400 days in 2023 but remain substantial.

Once you complete your interview, decisions are typically given immediately.3 Approved visas are placed in passports and returned within 3-5 business days. Cases placed in administrative processing (221(g)) can take additional weeks to months to resolve.

After Your Visa is Approved

Your B1/B2 visa will be stamped in your passport. Pakistani citizens receive visas valid for 60 months (5 years) with multiple entries.6 However, visa validity does not determine how long you can stay per visit.

At the US port of entry, the Customs and Border Protection officer will:

• Review your passport and visa
• Ask about your trip purpose and plans
• Verify your return ticket and accommodation details
• Determine your authorized period of stay (typically up to 6 months)
• Stamp your passport with the admission date and status

Keep your I-94 arrival record (available online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov) as proof of legal entry and your authorized stay period. Overstaying even by one day can result in visa revocation and future bars from entering the US.

If Your Visa is Refused

The most common refusal for Pakistani applicants is under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you have sufficient ties to Pakistan or that you intend to return.5 This is not a permanent ban, but Pakistani applicants face higher scrutiny than many other nationalities.

If refused, you can:

1. Analyze the Reason by reviewing what was said during the interview and identifying weaknesses in your application
2. Strengthen Your Profile by building more ties: advance in your career, purchase property, get married, start a business
3. Reapply with improved documentation addressing the specific concerns
4. Wait for Changed Circumstances if you are young and single with few ties

Each new application requires paying the $185 fee again and scheduling a fresh interview.5 There is no mandatory waiting period after a 214(b) refusal, but reapplying immediately without addressing the underlying concerns will likely result in another denial.

If placed in administrative processing under Section 221(g), this is not a refusal but a hold requiring additional review. Wait patiently, check your case status at ceac.state.gov, and respond promptly to any document requests.