USA Visit Visa from Pakistan: Process and Costs

The short answer

Fill in the DS-160 form online. Create your appointment profile and pay the visa fee to the embassy. Book an interview in Islamabad or Karachi. Attend the interview with documents that support your answers.

Most applicants in Pakistan must attend in person. Some renewal applicants may qualify to skip the interview.

B1 or B2?

B1 is for business visits such as meetings and conferences. B2 is for tourism, family visits and medical treatment. Most people receive a combined B1/B2 visa. Neither allows you to work in the United States.

Step by step

1. 1

   Prepare your answers first

   Decide your purpose, dates, who is paying and where you will stay. The officer will compare what you say with your form.

2. 2

   Complete the DS-160

   Fill in the online form carefully and submit it. Save the confirmation page with its barcode. You need it to book the interview.

3. 3

   Create your profile and pay the visa fee

   Use the official appointment service linked from the US Embassy in Pakistan website. Pay the visa application fee against your own profile. The embassy says the receipt is valid for 365 days.

4. 4

   Book your interview

   Choose Islamabad or Karachi and book the earliest date you can attend. You can move to an earlier date later if one opens.

5. 5

   Gather your documents

   Bring documents that support your answers.

   • Passport and any old passports with visas
   • DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation
   • Proof of income such as a job letter or business registration
   • Bank statements for recent months
   • Proof of ties to Pakistan such as family, property or studies
   • Invitation letter if you are visiting someone
6. 6

   Attend the interview

   The interview is short. Answer clearly and truthfully. Your answers should match your DS-160.

What happens after the interview?

• Approved: the embassy keeps your passport to print the visa and returns it later.
• Refused: the officer tells you the reason. You can apply again. A new application helps only if your situation or evidence has changed.
• More checks needed: some cases need extra processing. The embassy says most are resolved within 60 days.

What does it cost?

There are two kinds of cost. Keep them separate.

• Embassy fee: the visa application fee. You pay it to the embassy through the appointment service. Check the current amount on the official site.
• Service fee: only if you use a consultant. At Abundant Visas it is PKR 30,000 per applicant, paid in advance.
• Other costs: travel, courier and translation if needed.

Common mistakes

• Rushing the DS-160 or letting someone else fill it in without checking it
• Answers at the interview that do not match the form
• A large deposit just before applying with no explanation
• Paying the fee against the wrong profile
• Paying anyone who promises a guaranteed visa

Official sources

Rules and fees change. Check these pages before you apply. If they differ from this guide, follow the official page.

• Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) — U.S. Department of State.
• DS-160 frequently asked questions — U.S. Department of State.
• Nonimmigrant visas in Pakistan — U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan.

Related services and guides

• USA B1/B2 visit visa support — we prepare your file for PKR 30,000 per applicant.
• How to book and reschedule a US visa appointment — booking, earlier dates and expedite requests.