Planning to visit the United States from Lahore? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything — step by step — so you walk into your interview prepared and confident. At Visa Pricing Consultancy, we handle the entire process for you, so you don't miss a single detail.
What Is the USA Visit Visa (B1/B2)?
The USA Visit Visa, officially called the B1/B2 Nonimmigrant Visa, is issued to people visiting the US temporarily. It covers:
- B1 — Business meetings, conferences, negotiations
- B2 — Tourism, family visits, medical treatment
- In most cases, both are combined into a single B1/B2 visa
Pakistani passport holders are not part of the US Visa Waiver Program. A visa is mandatory before travel.
Who Can Apply from Lahore?
Lahore residents apply through the U.S. Consulate General Lahore (Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, Old Empress Road) or the U.S. Embassy Islamabad — both accept nonimmigrant visa applications.
You are generally eligible if you can show:
- A clear, genuine purpose of visit
- Strong ties to Pakistan (job, family, property, business)
- Ability to fund your own trip
- Intent to return before your I-94 expires
USA Visit Visa Fees from Pakistan — What You'll Pay
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| MRV Application Fee (non-refundable) | $185 USD |
| Visa Integrity Fee (paid on approval) | $250 USD |
| Total (if approved) | ~$435 USD |
The MRV fee of $185 is non-refundable — you pay it whether you're approved or denied. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is only charged on approval and was introduced in late 2025. Always check the latest fee schedule on ustraveldocs.com/pk.
Documents Required for a USA Visit Visa from Pakistan
Mandatory Documents
- •Valid Pakistani passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond your travel date)
- •DS-160 confirmation page with barcode (printed)
- •MRV fee payment receipt
- •Appointment confirmation letter
- •Recent passport-sized photograph (2×2 inches, white background — if not uploaded in DS-160)
Supporting Documents
Bring What's Relevant to You
Personal & Identity:
- CNIC (National ID Card)
- Birth certificate
- NTN (National Tax Number), if applicable
Financial Proof:
- 3–6 months bank statements
- Salary slips or business income proof
- Tax returns (if self-employed)
- Property documents or assets
Ties to Pakistan (Critical for Approval):
- Employment letter from your employer on official letterhead
- Business registration / ownership documents
- Family ties — marriage certificate, children's birth certificates
- Property / house documents
Purpose of Visit:
- Invitation letter from US sponsor (host's ID, address, relationship)
- Itinerary or travel plan
- Hotel bookings (tentative only — do not book non-refundable)
For Medical Visit:
- Pakistani doctor's referral letter
- US hospital appointment confirmation
Note: The US Embassy in Pakistan does not maintain a mandatory document checklist. You decide what best proves your case. Bring what genuinely supports your purpose and ties to Pakistan.
Step-by-Step Application Process for a USA Visit Visa from Pakistan
Step 1 — Fill the DS-160 Form Online
Go to ceac.state.gov and complete your DS-160 (Non-immigrant Visa Application Form).
- Save your Application ID regularly — the form times out
- Be 100% honest — even small inconsistencies can cause denial
- Upload your photograph as directed
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
Step 2 — Pay the MRV Application Fee
Visit ustraveldocs.com/pk to:
- Create your profile
- Generate the fee challan
- Pay $185 via the available payment methods in Pakistan
- Keep your receipt — you'll need it for booking
Step 3 — Schedule Your Interview Appointment
Log back into ustraveldocs.com/pk and book your interview at:
- U.S. Consulate General Lahore — for Lahore/Punjab-based applicants
- U.S. Embassy Islamabad — alternative option
Step 4 — Prepare Your Documents
Organise your mandatory and supporting documents as listed above. Do not carry loose, disorganised papers — it creates a poor impression.
Step 5 — Attend the Visa Interview
- Arrive at the consulate 15 minutes early
- You'll go through security — no phones, laptops, or large bags
- Fingerprints are taken at the counter
- The officer will ask questions — usually 3–7 minutes
- Answer clearly, briefly, and honestly
Most Common Interview Questions:
- • Why do you want to visit the USA?
- • Who will you stay with?
- • What is your job in Pakistan?
- • When will you return?
- • Do you have family in the US?
- • How will you fund the trip?
Step 6 — Passport Collection
If approved, your passport with the US visa stamp is returned within 3–10 working days via courier or designated pick-up point.
Interview Waiver — Who Qualifies?
You may not need an in-person interview if:
- You previously held a full-validity B1/B2 visa (issued at age 18 or older)
- You are renewing within 12 months of that visa's expiry
As of August 11, 2025, the US Embassy Pakistan reinstated mandatory interviews for most applicants. If you think you qualify for a waiver, confirm on pk.usembassy.gov.
Why Pakistani Applications Get Rejected — And How to Avoid It
Pakistan's B1/B2 refusal rate is significant. Most rejections fall under Section 214(b) — failure to prove strong ties to Pakistan.
Common Reasons for Refusal:
- Weak employment or no proof of income
- No property or financial assets in Pakistan
- Inconsistent answers at interview
- Unclear travel purpose
- Previous overstay history
- Single applicants with no dependents and no assets
How to Strengthen Your Application:
- Show stable employment with a proper salary
- Provide 6 months of bank statements with consistent balance
- Have dependents (spouse, children, elderly parents) in Pakistan
- Show past travel to other countries — it builds credibility
- Be specific about your travel purpose and return date
- Never book non-refundable tickets before visa approval
How Long Can You Stay in the USA on a B1/B2 Visa?
The B1/B2 visa itself can be valid for multiple years. However, your actual stay is determined by your I-94 at entry — typically up to 6 months per visit.
- Check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- If you need more time, file Form I-539 with USCIS before your I-94 expires
- Working on a visit visa is strictly illegal
Need Help? Apply Through Visa Pricing Consultancy
The US visa process involves multiple steps, precise documentation, and strong interview preparation. One weak document or vague answer can cost you $185 and months of waiting.
At Visa Pricing Consultancy, we:
- Review and evaluate your complete profile before you apply
- Guide you through the DS-160 form correctly
- Prepare a strong, tailored document file
- Coach you for the consulate interview with real Q&A practice
We work with real people from Lahore every day — salaried employees, business owners, students visiting family, and medical travelers. We know what consular officers want to see, and we make sure your file says exactly that.
Quick Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill DS-160 at ceac.state.gov |
| 2 | Pay $185 MRV fee at ustraveldocs.com/pk |
| 3 | Book interview appointment |
| 4 | Prepare documents |
| 5 | Attend interview at Lahore Consulate or Islamabad Embassy |
| 6 | Collect passport after approval |
Frequently Asked Questions
Umar has spent 5 years researching visa policies, consulate fee structures, and immigration requirements across 60+ countries. He has personally navigated visa applications from Pakistan, UAE and writes to make the process transparent for everyday travellers.
- 5+ years in visa & immigration research
- Covered 60+ destination countries
- Former contributor to TravelAsia and Passport Index