How to Apply for USA Travel Visa from Pakistan, A Step by Step Guide by Mr Wikki
Welcome to Mr Wikki, your trusted source of travel information and tips. In this blog post, we will show you how to apply for a USA travel visa from Pakistan in 2023. Whether you want to visit the USA for business, tourism, or family reasons, you will need a valid visa to enter the country. We will explain the visa types, requirements, fees, and process in detail. So, let's get started!
Table of Contents
Visa Types
The USA offers different types of visas for different purposes and durations of stay. The most common visa types for Pakistani citizens are:
- B1/B2 Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary visitors who want to travel to the USA for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2). The B1/B2 visa allows a maximum stay of 180 days per entry and is valid for up to 10 years.
- F1 Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for students who want to pursue academic or vocational studies in the USA. The F1 visa allows a stay for the duration of the course plus 60 days and is valid for up to five years.
- J1 Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for exchange visitors who want to participate in cultural, educational, or professional programs in the USA. The J1 visa allows a stay for the duration of the program plus 30 days and is valid for up to five years.
- H1B Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for skilled workers who want to work in specialty occupations in the USA. The H1B visa allows a stay of up to three years and is valid for up to six years.
- L1 Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers who want to transfer from their foreign employer to a related entity in the USA. The L1 visa allows a stay of up to three years and is valid for up to seven years.
- K1 Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens who want to marry and live in the USA. The K1 visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and is valid for one entry only.
For more information on other visa types, please visit this link.
Visa Requirements
The visa requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but some common documents that you will need are:
- A valid Pakistani passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages.
- A completed and signed Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application Form (DS-160).
- A recent passport-sized photo with a white background and neutral expression.
- A receipt of the visa fee payment.
- A confirmation page of your visa appointment schedule.
- A printed copy of your interview waiver confirmation (if applicable).
- A letter of invitation or sponsorship from your host in the USA (if applicable).
- A letter of employment or business from your employer or company in Pakistan (if applicable).
- A proof of financial means or support such as bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, etc.
- A proof of purpose and intent of travel such as itinerary, hotel reservations, tickets, etc.
- A proof of academic or professional qualifications such as diplomas, transcripts, certificates, etc.
- A proof of relationship with your spouse, fiancé(e), or family members in the USA (if applicable).
- A proof of previous travel to the USA or other countries such as visas, stamps, etc.
For more information on specific visa requirements, please visit this link.
Visa Fees
The visa fees depend on the type of visa you are applying for and the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. The visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The visa fees as of July 2023 are:
Visa Type | Visa Fee in U.S. Dollars | Visa Fee in Pakistani Rupees |
---|---|---|
B1/B2 Visa | $160 | Rs. 25,600 |
F1 Visa | $160 | Rs. 25,600 |
J1 Visa | $160 | Rs. 25,600 |
H1B Visa | $190 | Rs. 30,400 |
L1 Visa | $190 | Rs. 30,400 |
K1 Visa | $265 | Rs. 42,400 |
Note: The exchange rate used is 1 USD = 160 PKR. |
To pay your visa fee, you have two options:
- Cash at Bank: You can pay your visa fee in cash at any branch of Allied Bank Limited (ABL), Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB), or Silk Bank in Pakistan. You will need to print a deposit slip from this link and take it to the bank along with the fee amount. You will receive a receipt with a unique CGI reference number that you will need to schedule your visa appointment.
- Online Payment: You can pay your visa fee online using a credit or debit card. You will need to log in to your profile at this link and follow the instructions to complete the payment. You will receive a confirmation email with a unique CGI reference number that you will need to schedule your visa appointment.
For more information on visa fee payment, please visit this link.
Visa Process
The visa process may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but some common steps that you will need to follow are:
- Complete the DS-160 Form: You will need to fill out the online DS-160 form with accurate and truthful information. You will need to upload your photo and sign the form electronically. You will need to print the confirmation page with a barcode number that you will need to bring to your visa interview.
- Pay the Visa Fee: You will need to pay the visa fee as explained above and obtain a receipt with a CGI reference number that you will need to schedule your visa appointment.
- Schedule Your Visa Appointment: You will need to log in to your profile at this link and enter your passport number, CGI reference number, and DS-160 barcode number. You will be able to choose a date and time for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi. You will receive a confirmation email with an appointment letter that you will need to bring to your visa interview.
- Attend Your Visa Interview: You will need to visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview with all the required documents. You will go through security checks and biometric verification. You will then meet with a consular officer who will ask you questions about your purpose and intent of travel, your background, and your qualifications. You will need to answer honestly and confidently. The consular officer will then decide whether to approve or deny your visa application.
- Collect Your Passport and Visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive an email notification when your passport and visa are ready for pickup. You will need to visit the pickup location that you selected when you scheduled your appointment and present your original CNIC or NICOP to collect your passport and visa. You will also receive a sealed packet of documents that you will need to carry with you when you travel to the USA.
For more information on the visa process, please visit this link.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to apply for a USA travel visa from Pakistan in 2023. The USA is a great destination for many reasons and we wish you a successful and enjoyable trip. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or contact us at Mr Wikki. We are always happy to help you with your travel needs.
If you are looking for more travel tips and information, please check out our other blog posts or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates and offers.
Thank you for reading and happy travels!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided is based on the official sources available at the time of writing and may change without notice. Mr Wikki is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or any other entity. Mr Wikki is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided or for any consequences arising from its use. Please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information on your visa application.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about applying for a USA travel visa from Pakistan in 2023.
- Q: How long does it take to get a USA travel visa from Pakistan?
- A: The processing time for a USA travel visa from Pakistan may vary depending on the type of visa, the demand, and the individual circumstances of the applicant. Generally, it may take from a few days to a few weeks after the visa interview to receive the passport and visa. You can check the current wait times at this link.
- Q: How much money do I need to show for a USA travel visa from Pakistan?
- A: There is no fixed amount of money that you need to show for a USA travel visa from Pakistan. However, you need to prove that you have sufficient funds or support to cover your expenses during your stay in the USA. This may include bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, sponsor letters, etc. The amount of money may depend on the length and purpose of your trip, your accommodation, your transportation, etc.
- Q: Can I work or study on a B1/B2 visa in the USA?
- A: No, you cannot work or study on a B1/B2 visa in the USA. The B1/B2 visa is only for temporary visitors who want to travel to the USA for business or tourism purposes. If you want to work or study in the USA, you will need to apply for a different type of visa such as F1, J1, H1B, etc.
- Q: Can I extend or change my visa status in the USA?
- A: It may be possible to extend or change your visa status in the USA under certain conditions and with prior approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, this is not guaranteed and may involve additional fees and documents. You should not overstay or violate the terms of your visa as this may result in serious consequences such as deportation, fines, or bans. For more information on extending or changing your visa status in the USA, please visit this link.
That's the end of the blog post. I hope you are satisfied with it. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please let me know. Thank you for choosing Mr Wikki for your travel needs. Have a nice day! 😊