Visas
Welcome to the Consular Section's Website
Here you can find information you need to help you as you apply for a U.S. visa.
Please also visit our department's visa website for more information on visas and traveling or immigrating to the United States.
What is a visa?
A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A visa entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry. An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.
Who Needs a Visa?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or is not exempt from the visa requirement.
Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.
What types of Visas are Available?
Immigrant Visas - An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card (PRC) commonly known as a green card.
Non-Immigrant Visas - A Nonimmigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the United States who is not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, or is exempt from the visa requirement.
Visa Consultant & Advisor Warning
- The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan do not endorse or have a special relationship with any individual or business that offers advice or assistance with the visa process. No one can guarantee the issuance of a visa. All U.S. government forms are free. To ensure you receive correct information, please visit our website and the Department of State’s Travel Website. Beware: many visa applicants lose money or are permanently barred from the United States as a result of misleading information and fraudulent applications provided by visa consultants. You alone are responsible for the accuracy of the information in your application. Submitting false information either on the application itself or during the visa interview can lead to a permanent ineligibility. Never sign the application you are submitting without reviewing it first for accuracy if you have had help filling it out.