Pakistani citizens visiting the USA for tourism, family visits, medical treatment or business need a B1/B2 visitor visa. The fee is US$185, an interview is generally required, and on 17 September 2026 the next appointment was 12.5 months away in Islamabad and 7.5 months in Karachi.
What B1 and B2 cover
B-2 covers holidays, visiting friends or relatives and medical treatment. B-1 covers business such as consulting associates or negotiating a contract. You cannot work, study or give birth for citizenship purposes on a visitor visa. You must show that you intend to leave, have ties to Pakistan and can pay for the trip. A letter of invitation is not required and is not a decision factor.
Fee and interview wait times
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | US$185, non-refundable |
| Islamabad B1/B2 | Average wait 10.5 months; next appointment 12.5 months |
| Karachi B1/B2 | Average wait 7.5 months; next appointment 7.5 months |
| Lahore | No wait time published |
These figures are the State Department’s, dated 17 September 2026, and change often. The embassy warns of a backlog and says student and some worker applicants are prioritised, but not B1/B2. Since 15 July 2026 you should apply in your country of nationality or residence. A reciprocity issuance fee may also apply, and we could not confirm the validity or fee for Pakistan, so we check this with you.
How to apply from Pakistan
- Complete the DS-160 online form and keep the confirmation page.
- Pay the visa fee and book your interview in Islamabad or Karachi.
- Attend the interview. Phones, bags and companions are not allowed inside the embassy.
- Track your case online. If the officer needs more information (221(g)), you have one year to supply it.
Interview waivers are now narrow. The State Department says only certain renewals within 12 months of expiry qualify, for adults who were never refused. An older embassy page says 48 months, so we check which rule applies to you. A new visa integrity fee was enacted in 2025, but no official page we read confirms it is charged on visitor visas, so check at booking.
Documents and the interview
- Passport valid for your trip, DS-160 confirmation and the fee receipt.
- A photo, uploaded with the DS-160.
- Evidence of your job or business, property or family ties at home.
- Evidence that you can pay for the trip.
- For medical travel, a local doctor’s diagnosis and a US hospital letter.
No official page sets a fixed bank balance. Section 214(b) refusals mean the officer was not satisfied of your ties or intent to return, and there is no appeal: you must reapply with new facts.
Is Pakistan affected by US travel bans?
Pakistan is not on the State Department’s list of countries under Proclamation 10998 (page dated 2 February 2026) or on its visa-bond list (2 October 2026). We re-check both before every consultation. Compare other trips on our visit visa guide. For studies, see study in the USA.
After the interview
At the end of the interview the officer will tell you if the visa is approved, refused or sent to administrative processing. The embassy contacts you when processing ends, and no official timeframe is published. Keep your passport and interview papers safe, and check your case status online.
Family visits and medical travel
Family and friends visits fall under B-2. An invitation letter from a US relative is not required and is not a decision factor, but the officer will ask who is paying and why you will return. For medical treatment, bring a local physician’s diagnosis, a letter from the US hospital and proof that the costs will be paid.
Misrepresentation can lead to permanent refusal, so answer every DS-160 question accurately. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have the visa.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a US visit visa from Pakistan?
The visa application fee is US$185. It is non-refundable. A reciprocity fee may also apply, which we confirm for you.
How long is the wait for a US visa interview?
On 17 September 2026 the next B1/B2 appointment was 12.5 months away in Islamabad and 7.5 months in Karachi.
Can I skip the interview?
Rarely. The State Department allows waivers for certain renewals only. Most first-time applicants must attend.
How much money do I need?
There is no fixed amount. You must show you can pay all trip costs and have strong ties to Pakistan.
Can you guarantee my US visa?
No. Only the consular officer decides. We prepare you for the interview and check your documents.
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Official sources: Visitor visa · Visa fees · Global wait times · Interview waiver update · US Embassy Pakistan. 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.