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In order to apply for a USA visa from Pakistan, you will need to submit an online application form called DS-160 and pay the required fees. This blog is going to explain the process to you step by step, including scheduling an appointment at the embassy for an interview.
If you are applying for a tourist visa, you will need to provide proof of your travel plans. A travel plan is a detailed itinerary of your intended trip to the United States and it will be required in the DS-160 form when initiating the application process.
The step-by-step process for obtaining a US visa in Pakistan. The very first step is to initiate the process by visiting this website and filling out the DS-160 form online.
After filling out the DS-160 Form, then you have to schedule an Interview appointment for yourself.
Once you’ve filled out the DS-160 form on the first website, register on the second website to secure an appointment. This website will generate a fee slip for you, which you will need to take to any Allied Bank branch to pay the required visa fee. After paying the visa fee, you can book an appointment within 24 hours.
On the day of the appointment, you will be interviewed by a visa officer at the embassy or consulate.
These mandatory documents must be taken to the embassy or consulate when going for a US visa interview.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi processes visa application. Choose the location of the interview based on your convenience.
You should take some additional documents with you, which might can support your visa application. Remember, the most crucial aspect of obtaining a US visa is the interview. If you satisfy the interviewing officer with straightforward and truthful answers, your chances are very high.
These documents are optional. However, if the officer asks for a document, only then you have to show him/her. If the officer cannot understand what you are saying, provide a document that can help the officer understand your point.
The US Visa process consists of two parts. The first part involves submitting the Application online and the second part is an Interview at the Embassy. During the Application, you provide all the necessary information including your passport details and the reason for visiting the USA. And when you face the visa consular officer in the consulate or embassy, they will be already familiar with the information you submitted in the form and they also access your data from various databases. It is crucial not to lie in your application as they can detect it and your visa might be refused.
The visa interview typically begins with very basic questions that you have already answered in the Visa Application Form, such as why are you going to the USA and how long you plan to stay. They may ask follow-up questions and cross-questions during the 2 to 5-minute interview. The purpose is to understand your genuine intent to visit the USA. These officers are trained individuals capable of easily judging whether you are telling the truth or not.
Be natural and answer the questions honestly. Consistency is key, as most of the questions are derived from your own Visa Application submitted while filling out the DS-160 Form online.
Administrative processing is referred to as a security clearance or background check, is an additional step in the US visa application process. After a visa interview, if the consular officer determines that further review is necessary, this involves additional scrutiny of your case, often beyond the standard processing time, to ensure all security and eligibility requirements are met before a final decision on the visa is made, but as such your visa is almost approved.
Not necessarily. If your other points are strong, such as home ties and a solid professional background, extensive travel history may not be a strict requirement.
However, if you are a young individual under 30 and unmarried, having some travel history can strengthen your case. The chances of US visa approval are higher for those who are married and possess a strong professional background.
Visa officers aim to assess what ties you have in your home country that would prompt your return. Your family (spouse and kids) is considered the most significant home tie for them. Additionally, running a successful business and holding a stable long-term job are viewed as strong home ties for visa purposes.
The US visa process is considered one of the toughest globally. We often refer to it as a gamble for Pakistanis. You either receive a visa within five minutes on the day of your interview, or you lose $160. However, we strongly suggest avoiding any silly mistakes. Your reason for visiting the USA must be genuine and something you can articulate effectively to the visa officer if they pose questions about it.
In short, the more the better. While having millions in your bank account is excellent, it may not be feasible for the average working-class individual. Considering the high cost of living in the USA and its considerable distance from Pakistan, having sufficient funds in your account is crucial when applying for a US visit visa. Moreover, showcasing a stable and substantial income flow from Pakistan adds to the credibility of your financial situation.
For instance, if you earn Rs. 100,000 per month in Pakistan, having around 1 million PKR in your account would make sense, indicating that you’ve accumulated savings from your earnings. It’s essential to evaluate your income and expenses – if your spending is close to or exceeds your earnings, it might weaken your case. We recommend submitting a bank statement with more than 1 million rupees, given the high expenses associated with visiting the US.
The visa is granted for 5 years. Therefore, it’s always worthwhile to apply for a US visa. Success in obtaining one can open many doors, as several countries grant visa-free entry on a valid US visa, including Turkey, Georgia, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Possessing a US visa also enhances the likelihood of obtaining a Canadian visa with a Pakistani passport.
