United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Pakistan citizens
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.
US Tourist Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Pakistan citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form (DS-160)
Pay the $185 MRV fee before scheduling your interview
Schedule and attend an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Pakistan
Provide your social media handles on the DS-160 form
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities in the US
Letter from your host in the United States
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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Attend Interview
Arrive 15 minutes early. Electronics and bags are not permitted. Answer questions honestly and confidently. The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes.
6. 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.
Fees
| 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:1
- 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
Processing Times
Current interview wait times from Pakistan vary by location:2
| Location | Visitor Visa Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 6-7 months |
| Karachi | 4 months |
After your interview, if approved, expect your passport back within 3-5 business days. If placed in administrative processing, the timeline can extend to several weeks or months.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. At the US port of entry, you will go through CBP inspection where an officer will:
- Review your visa and passport
- Ask about the purpose of your visit
- Determine your authorized stay period (stamped on Form I-94)
You may be asked to show:
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel reservations
- Evidence of funds
- Invitation letter from host if applicable
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals for Pakistani applicants are under Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced of your ties to Pakistan.1 You can:
- Reapply immediately if your circumstances have changed or you have additional documentation
- Wait for changed circumstances such as new employment, property purchase, or marriage
- Seek professional guidance for complex cases
There is no appeal process for visa refusals. However, a refusal does not permanently bar you from reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Section 214(b) - Immigrant Intent
The consular officer determined you did not demonstrate sufficient ties to Pakistan to ensure you would return after your visit. This is the most common refusal reason.
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.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Unable to demonstrate adequate funds to cover the trip or financial stability in Pakistan.
How to avoid: Provide comprehensive bank statements showing consistent income and savings. Include tax returns, property valuations, and evidence of investments.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Information
Answers during the interview contradicted the DS-160 application or supporting documents.
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.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas, visa refusals, or immigration violations in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about past issues. Demonstrate changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved since any previous violation.
Unconvincing Interview Responses
Answers during the interview did not clearly explain the purpose of visit or appeared rehearsed and suspicious.
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 2025?
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.