US B1/B2 Visa from Pakistan — Step by Step

The US B1/B2 visa is a combined business and tourism nonimmigrant visa, and the most common route Pakistani travellers take to visit the United States for short stays. This guide covers the full process — from DS-160 to interview.

B1 vs B2 — The Difference

• B1 — Business Visitor: conferences, business meetings, contract negotiations, training, settling estates. No employment or paid work.
• B2 — Tourism/Pleasure: tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, participating in social events.

For most Pakistani applicants, the embassy issues a combined B1/B2 visa that covers both purposes. You don't need to pick one.

Step 1 — Complete DS-160

DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Fill it carefully at ceac.state.gov/genniv. The form takes 60–90 minutes if you have information ready.

You'll need: passport details, travel history (last 5 years), employment history (last 5 years), education history, family details (parents, spouse, children), social media handles used in the last 5 years, and purpose of visit.

Save frequently. Mistakes cannot be edited after submission — you'd need to start over. Print the confirmation page with barcode and keep it for your interview.

Step 2 — Pay the MRV Fee

The Machine Readable Visa fee is $185 (approximately PKR 52,000). Pay through designated Pakistani banks or online at ustraveldocs.com/pk. The receipt is required to book your interview.

Step 3 — Schedule Your Interview

Interviews are held at:

• US Embassy Islamabad
• US Consulate Karachi

Visit ustraveldocs.com/pk, create an account, and book your appointment. Interview wait times can vary enormously — anywhere from a few weeks to over a year for first-time applicants. Check both posts for the earliest available slot.

Step 4 — Prepare Supporting Documents

While many applicants aren't asked to show documents at the interview, bringing them is essential. The officer may ask for proof during the interview.

Essential documents:

• Current passport (valid 6+ months beyond intended stay)
• All previous passports
• DS-160 confirmation page
• MRV fee receipt
• Interview appointment letter
• Recent 2x2 inch photo (white background, head size 1 to 1 3/8 inches)

Evidence of ties to Pakistan:

• Bank statements — 6 months
• Property ownership documents
• Employment letter + salary slips
• Business registration (if self-employed)
• Tax returns — last 2 years
• Family details (spouse, children, parents)

Purpose of trip:

• Hotel bookings or invitation letter from US host
• Host's immigration status (visa, green card, I-94)
• Flight itinerary (reservation, not purchased)

Step 5 — The Interview

The interview lasts 2–5 minutes. The officer has already reviewed your DS-160 before you approach the window. They decide quickly based on your answers, demeanour, and documents.

Common Questions:

• What is the purpose of your trip to the US?
• Where will you stay?
• How long will you stay?
• Who is paying for your trip?
• What do you do for work?
• Have you traveled before? Where?
• Do you have family in the US?
• Are you married? Do you have children?
• What property do you own in Pakistan?

How to Answer

• Be brief and direct. One or two sentences per answer. Don't volunteer extra information.
• Be honest. Lying leads to lifetime bans.
• Make eye contact. Confident, calm demeanour.
• Have facts ready. Dates, costs, addresses — don't fumble.

Section 214(b) — The Most Common Refusal

Under US immigration law, every nonimmigrant visa applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant until proven otherwise. You must demonstrate strong ties to Pakistan that will compel your return after the visit.

A 214(b) refusal means the officer wasn't convinced of your intent to return. It's not a permanent ban — you can reapply after your circumstances change (new job, marriage, property purchase, travel history to other countries). Reapplying immediately without changes usually results in another refusal.

Strong Ties Include:

• Permanent employment with longer tenure
• Property ownership in Pakistan
• Dependant spouse and children remaining in Pakistan
• Business ownership
• Elderly parents to care for
• Previous travel to other Western countries with timely return

Visa Duration

For Pakistani passport holders, approved B1/B2 visas are typically valid for 5 years with multiple entries. However, each entry allows a stay of up to 6 months maximum, as determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry — not the visa validity.

Visa Interview Waiver (Dropbox)

Pakistani applicants who have previously held a US visa in the same category may be eligible to renew without an interview through the Interview Waiver (also called "Dropbox"). Eligibility criteria change — check ustraveldocs.com/pk for current requirements.

Travel on an Approved Visa

A US visa allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. Final admission is granted by a CBP officer at the airport. They determine how long you can stay (typically 6 months for B1/B2). Carry the same supporting documents in your hand luggage — officers may ask questions on arrival.

Related Tools

Use our Fee Calculator, Document Checklist, and Passport Validity Checker to prepare.