To study in the USA from Pakistan you need an I-20 from a SEVP-approved school, an F-1 student visa interview in Pakistan, and payment of the $350 SEVIS fee and $185 visa fee. This guide gives the steps, costs and work rules, checked against US government pages.
F-1 student visa process from Pakistan
- Get accepted by a SEVP-approved school. It issues your I-20 and registers you in SEVIS.
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee of US$350.
- Complete the DS-160 online form and upload a photo.
- Pay the visa fee (US$185, non-refundable).
- Book your interview in the country where you live. Pakistani applicants book through ustraveldocs.com/pk.
- Attend the interview. The officer may ask for transcripts, proof of funds and proof that you plan to leave the US after your studies.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi both prioritise student (F and J) applicants. Apply at least three months before you travel, and do not buy a non-refundable ticket before you have the visa. Student visas can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts. Since 15 July 2026, the State Department advises applying in your country of nationality or residence, because applying elsewhere may mean longer waits and lost fees.
Some applications go to administrative processing after the interview. The Karachi consulate says most cases are resolved within 60 days and asks you to wait 90 days before asking for a status update.
Fees and money for a US student visa
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee (MRV, F-1) | US$185, non-refundable |
| I-901 SEVIS fee (F-1) | US$350 |
| SEVIS fee for F-2 dependants | None |
No official page we checked gives one fixed amount of money to show. Your I-20 lists the estimated costs for your programme, and the officer expects you to explain how you will pay for them. A 2025 law created a new “visa integrity fee” of at least US$250 for each nonimmigrant visa, but we could not confirm that it is being charged yet and the State Department fee page does not list it. Check the fee page when you book.
Can you work on an F-1 visa?
| Type of work | Rule |
|---|---|
| On campus | Up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session; your school official (DSO) must approve |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Work that is part of your course; your DSO authorises it. One year or more of full-time CPT affects OPT |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Up to 12 months at each education level |
| STEM OPT extension | 24 more months for STEM degrees, with an E-Verify employer |
Off-campus work is limited to CPT, OPT and, in cases of unforeseen hardship, off-campus authorisation that your DSO recommends and the government approves. F-2 dependants (a spouse and unmarried minor children) may not work and can study only part time.
What changed recently for F-1 students
- Duration of status rule: a final rule published on 17 July 2026 would give students a fixed admission period of up to four years and a 30-day grace period after study. A federal court in Massachusetts postponed it on 14 September 2026 and the government has appealed, so it was not in force when we checked. Today you can stay for your programme plus 60 days.
- Travel restrictions: Pakistan is not on the State Department’s list of countries with suspended student visas (page updated 2 February 2026). We check this again before each update.
- Expanded vetting: the State Department has announced extra screening for several visa categories, including students. Answer every DS-160 question accurately and consistently.
English tests, entry and scholarships
Each university sets its own English score. Texas State University, for example, accepts TOEFL iBT 78, IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each skill) or Duolingo 105. The Fulbright scholarship for Pakistan requires the GRE General test and TOEFL for selected candidates. Its last published deadline was 1 April 2026, so check USEFP for the next round.
Many US universities accept the Pakistani HSSC for undergraduate entry, and some, such as Texas State, publish a Pakistani HSC route. Policy varies by university, so check the one you want. You may enter the US no more than 30 days before your programme starts, and you must leave within 60 days after it ends.
How we help with your US student visa
We shortlist universities that fit your marks and budget, handle applications, check your I-20 and funds, and prepare you for the visa interview. You can rehearse first with our free mock visa interview. We cannot promise a visa. Compare other countries on our student visa from Pakistan guide or see all study abroad destinations, including Canada, the UK and Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a US student visa cost from Pakistan?
The visa application fee is US$185 and the SEVIS fee is US$350. F-2 dependants pay no SEVIS fee. A new visa integrity fee of at least US$250 has been enacted, but we could not confirm it is being charged yet.
How much money must I show for a US student visa?
There is no single official amount. Your I-20 lists the estimated costs for your programme, and the officer asks how you will pay for them.
Can I work while studying in the USA?
Yes, on campus for up to 20 hours a week during term, with your school official’s approval. Off-campus work is limited to CPT, OPT and approved hardship cases.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training lets F-1 graduates work in their field for up to 12 months at each education level. STEM graduates can extend it by 24 months with an E-Verify employer.
Can my family come with me on an F-1 visa?
A spouse and unmarried minor children can apply for F-2 visas with their own I-20. F-2 holders cannot work and can study only part time.
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Official sources: Student visa · Fees · US Embassy Pakistan · Study in the States · SEVIS fee. Figures checked on 11 October 2026. Reviewed by Yasir Khan, British Council registered consultant, LAMTANS Consultants. Last updated 11 October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm the latest position at your consultation.