USA Visit Visa From Pakistan 2026: Requirements, Fee & How to Apply

Planning a trip to the United States from Pakistan can raise a lot of questions. Which visa do you need? What documents should you prepare? How do you complete the DS-160? How much does the visa cost? And what should you expect from the interview?

The answers become much easier to understand when the process is broken down properly.

For most people travelling to the United States temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or certain business activities, the relevant visa is a B-1, B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The U.S. Department of State also makes clear that a visitor visa is not a general permission to work or study in the United States.

In this guide, I will walk you through the USA visit visa process from Pakistan, including the visa types, requirements, documents, DS-160, fee, appointment process, interview, visa validity and some of the questions applicants commonly ask. I will also cover an important 2026 update that Pakistani applicants should know before applying.

Important USA Visa Update for Pakistani Applicants in 2026

As of 2 October 2026, Pakistan is not included on the U.S. Department of State’s list of countries subject to the visa bond requirement for B-1/B-2 applicants. The current list does include countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal.

Under the current programme, nationals of listed countries who are otherwise eligible for a B-1/B-2 visa may be required to post a bond of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000. Applicants should only make a payment when instructed through official U.S. government procedures.

For Pakistani applicants, this means you should not assume that the visa bond applies to you simply because you have seen reports about the programme. Always check the current official list before applying because visa policies can change.

What Is a USA Visit Visa?

A USA visit visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa for people who want to enter the United States for a permitted temporary purpose.

The two main visitor categories are B-1 and B-2. B-1 is used for certain temporary business activities, while B-2 is generally used for tourism, holidays, visiting relatives or friends and certain other permitted visitor purposes. A combined B-1/B-2 visa can cover both qualifying purposes.

The important thing to understand is that a visitor visa is tied to the purpose for which you are travelling.

For example, someone travelling for a holiday should not treat a B-1/B-2 visa as a route to ordinary employment in the United States. The U.S. Department of State specifically lists employment and ordinary study among activities that are not permitted on a visitor visa.

B1 Visa and B2 Visa Explained

B1 Visa

The B-1 visa is intended for certain temporary business activities. Permitted examples can include consulting with business associates, attending professional or business conferences, negotiating a contract and certain other qualifying activities. It is not a general work visa.

B2 Visa

The B-2 visa is generally used for tourism and other permitted visitor purposes. This can include holidays, visiting friends or relatives, certain medical treatment and other qualifying temporary visitor activities.

B1/B2 Combined Visa

A B-1/B-2 visa combines the two classifications. This is why people often use the phrase “USA tourist visa” when talking about a B-1/B-2 visa, even though the B-1 part relates to qualifying temporary business activities as well.

Who Can Apply for a USA Visit Visa From Pakistan?

A person who genuinely needs to travel to the United States temporarily for a qualifying visitor purpose can apply for the appropriate visitor visa.

For a Pakistani applicant, the application should clearly reflect the real reason for the trip. You should be able to explain why you want to visit the United States, what you intend to do there, how long you plan to stay and how the trip will be paid for.

The U.S. Department of State says visitor visa applicants may be asked for evidence concerning the purpose of the trip, their intention to depart the United States after the visit and their ability to pay the costs of the trip.

USA Visit Visa Requirements From Pakistan

A visitor visa application is not simply a matter of collecting as many documents as possible. The more important point is that your application should be truthful, consistent and supported by genuine information.

The U.S. Department of State lists a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, the required visa application fee payment evidence and, where applicable, a photograph among the core visitor visa application requirements.

Additional evidence depends on your personal circumstances. If you are employed, run a business, study, receive a pension or have another legitimate source of income, the relevant genuine evidence can help explain your circumstances.

Documents Required for a USA Visit Visa

Passport

Your passport must be valid for travel to the United States. The Department of State generally requires at least six months of validity beyond the intended period of stay unless a country-specific exemption applies.

DS-160 Confirmation Page

The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. After submitting it, keep your confirmation information and barcode page because it forms part of the visa application process.

Visa Fee Payment Evidence

Keep the relevant payment evidence required for your application and follow the official payment instructions for the U.S. visa service where you are applying.

Financial Evidence

Financial documents can help explain how you will pay for the proposed trip. Depending on your circumstances, this may include genuine bank statements, proof of income, salary records or business financial records.

Employment Documents

If you have a job in Pakistan, genuine employment evidence can help explain your current circumstances. This could include an employer letter, salary information or other relevant employment records.

Business Documents

If you own or operate a business, genuine business records can help explain your professional and financial position.

Family and Other Supporting Evidence

Evidence relating to your home, family, employment and other established commitments may be relevant when explaining your circumstances outside the United States.

Is There a Minimum Bank Balance for a USA Visit Visa?

There is no single official minimum bank balance for every B-1/B-2 applicant.

The U.S. Department of State says an applicant may be asked to provide evidence that they can pay the costs of the trip.

So I would not rely on claims such as “you must have exactly $10,000 in your bank account”. That is not a universal U.S. government requirement.

Instead, look at whether your proposed trip makes sense in relation to your real finances. If you normally earn a particular amount every month, have genuine savings and are planning a short holiday, the overall financial picture should be understandable.

A sudden unexplained deposit simply made to increase a bank balance is not a substitute for genuine financial circumstances.

How to Apply for a USA Visit Visa From Pakistan

The application can be understood in five main stages.

Step 1: Complete the DS-160

The DS-160 is the main online application form for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa. You will be asked for information about yourself and your background, including details relevant to your travel and application.

Take your time with the form. Check your passport information carefully and make sure the information you provide is truthful and complete.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

The current U.S. Department of State fee for a visitor visa is US$185. The application fee is non-refundable.

Step 3: Schedule Your Interview

After completing the necessary application steps, follow the current instructions for scheduling your interview.

The Department of State currently says nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence, subject to its designated-post rules.

Step 4: Prepare for the Interview

Before the interview, make sure you understand your own application. Think about the basic questions you may be asked about your trip, finances, work, family and plans to return.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

The consular officer will consider your application and determine whether you qualify for the visa. Additional administrative processing can sometimes occur after an interview.

USA Visit Visa Fee From Pakistan

The current U.S. Department of State application fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is US$185.

For Pakistani nationals, the current U.S. reciprocity schedule lists B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas as multiple-entry visas with a 60-month validity period and no reciprocity fee.

USA Visa Appointment Wait Time in Pakistan

U.S. visa post	Average wait time	Next available appointment
Islamabad	10.5 months	12.5 months
Karachi	7.5 months	7.5 months

These figures are from the U.S. Department of State’s global visa wait-time information accessed on 2 October 2026. Appointment availability can change, so these figures should not be treated as guaranteed appointment dates.

USA Visit Visa Validity for Pakistani Citizens

According to the current U.S. Department of State reciprocity schedule for Pakistan, B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas are listed as multiple-entry visas valid for 60 months.

There is an important difference between visa validity and the amount of time you can stay in the United States. A 60-month visa does not mean that you can remain in the United States for 60 months.

How Long Can You Stay in the USA on a Visit Visa?

A common mistake is to look at the visa expiry date and assume that this is the date by which you must leave the United States.

It is not.

The U.S. Department of State explains that a visa’s expiration date does not determine how long you may remain in the United States. Admission and the authorised period of stay are determined when you enter.

So if you receive a five-year B-1/B-2 visa, do not think of it as a five-year stay.

USA Visit Visa Interview Questions

Why do you want to visit the United States?

How long do you plan to stay?

Who will pay for your trip?

What do you do in Pakistan?

Do you have relatives in the United States?

Is a Letter of Invitation Required for a USA Visit Visa?

The U.S. Department of State says that a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. A genuine invitation may form part of the circumstances of a trip, but it should not be treated as a compulsory document or a substitute for the applicant’s own circumstances and eligibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Giving different information in the DS-160 and interview
Using fake bank statements
Creating fake employment evidence
Hiding previous visa information
Relying on a fixed bank balance rule
Buying flights before the visa is issued
Paying unofficial agents for a guaranteed visa

Why USA Visit Visas Are Refused

There are different legal grounds for U.S. visa refusals. One common provision for nonimmigrant applicants is INA section 214(b).

The Department of State explains that a refusal under 214(b) can occur when an applicant has not demonstrated qualification for the visa category or has not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent by demonstrating sufficient ties abroad.

Another refusal provision is 221(g), which can apply when additional information or administrative processing is required.

Fraud or material misrepresentation is a separate matter and can have serious immigration consequences. This is why every answer and document in a visa application should be genuine.

Can You Work in the USA on a Visit Visa?

No. A B-1/B-2 visitor visa is not a general work visa. Ordinary employment is not permitted on a visitor visa.

B-1 can cover certain temporary business activities, but that is different from taking employment in the United States.

What Happens After Visa Approval?

If your application is approved, follow the instructions provided for passport return and any next steps.

A visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It does not itself guarantee that you will be admitted.

What Happens When You Arrive in the USA?

When you arrive in the United States, a CBP officer determines whether you are admitted and the period for which you are authorised to remain.

Check your admission record carefully after entry. Do not use the visa expiry date as a substitute for checking your authorised period of stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bank balance is required for a USA visit visa from Pakistan?

What is the USA visit visa fee from Pakistan?

Is B1/B2 the same as a USA tourist visa?

How long is a USA visit visa valid for Pakistani citizens?

Can I stay in America for five years if my visa is valid for five years?

Do I need an invitation letter from someone in the USA?

Can I work in the USA on a B1/B2 visa?

What is the USA visa appointment wait time in Pakistan?

Does the U.S. visa bond apply to Pakistani citizens?

Can I apply for a U.S. visa in another country?

Does getting a USA visit visa guarantee entry?

Final Thoughts

Applying for a USA visit visa from Pakistan becomes much easier to understand when you separate the process into individual steps.

Start with the real purpose of your trip. Complete the DS-160 carefully. Pay the correct fee. Follow the current appointment instructions. Prepare genuine documents that reflect your actual circumstances.

There is no guaranteed bank balance, invitation letter or interview answer that can guarantee a visa decision.

I would also avoid relying on old visa advice from social media or unofficial websites. Fees, appointment availability and immigration policies can change, so check the current official U.S. information before you apply or make important travel arrangements.

At TourPointGo, the goal is simple: provide clear visa information that helps readers understand the legal process and avoid misleading advice, fake documents and false promises.

Important Information

Important Information: Visa requirements, fees, appointment availability and immigration policies can change. This article provides general information and does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the United States. Always verify the latest requirements and instructions with the relevant U.S. government authority before applying or travelling.