USA STUDY VISA FOR PAKISTANI NATIONAL

The process and requirements for obtaining a U.S. student visa (primarily the F-1 visa) for Pakistani nationals are similar to those for other international students. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a U.S. study visa from Pakistan, along with the required documents:

Types of U.S. Student Visas:

1. F-1 Visa: For full-time academic studies at an accredited U.S. institution (university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or language training program).
2. M-1 Visa: For vocational or non-academic programs.
3. J-1 Visa: For exchange programs, including certain work-study programs.

The F-1 visa is the most common for students pursuing academic degrees in the U.S.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Pakistani Nationals:

Step 1: Apply and Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

• You must first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Once admitted, the school will issue a Form I-20, which is required to apply for the F-1 visa. The I-20 includes details about your course, duration, and funding.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

• Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee, which is $350 for F-1 students.
• This fee must be paid online before submitting your visa application. You will need the SEVIS ID number from your I-20 form to complete the payment.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form

• Fill out the Form DS-160, which is the online application for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
• After completing the form, save and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode. You will need to bring this to your visa interview.
• The DS-160 form is available on the U.S. Department of State website.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

• The visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for Pakistani nationals.
• This fee is non-refundable and must be paid before you can schedule your visa interview.

Step 5: Schedule the Visa Interview and Biometrics Appointment

• Schedule two appointments:
  1. Biometrics Appointment: At an authorized Visa Application Center (VAC), where your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
  2. Visa Interview: At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan (typically in Islamabad or Karachi).
• You can schedule these appointments via the U.S. visa application website for Pakistan.

Step 6: Attend the Biometrics Appointment

• Attend your VAC appointment with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and visa appointment confirmation. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken during this appointment.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

• Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on your scheduled date. Bring all required documents (see below).
• During the interview, you will be asked questions about your academic background, the course you intend to pursue, your financial situation, and your ties to Pakistan.

Documents Required for the U.S. F-1 Visa:

1. Valid Passport:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

1. Form I-20:

• Provided by your U.S. educational institution. Make sure you sign it before submitting it during the visa interview.

1. DS-160 Confirmation Page:

• Printed confirmation page with the barcode from the DS-160 application form.

1. SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt:

• Proof of payment of the SEVIS fee.

1. Visa Application Fee Receipt:

• Receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fee.

1. Passport-Sized Photos:

• You may need to bring passport-sized photos (as per U.S. visa photo specifications) if a photo was not uploaded with your DS-160 form.

1. Academic Documents:

• Transcripts, diplomas, certificates from your previous education.
• Standardized test scores (such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT, GMAT), if applicable.

1. Proof of Financial Support:

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for at least one year.
• Proof of any scholarships, grants, or financial aid.
• An affidavit of support if someone else is sponsoring you.

1. Intent to Return to Pakistan:

• Documents showing your ties to Pakistan (family, property, job offers) to demonstrate that you plan to return after completing your studies.

1. Cover Letter (if required):

• A letter explaining the purpose of your studies, why you chose the specific U.S. institution, and your future plans.

Visa Interview Tips:

• Be prepared to answer questions about your educational background, why you chose the U.S. for your studies, your future career plans, and how you will fund your education.
• Make sure you clearly demonstrate that you intend to return to Pakistan after completing your studies.
• Stay calm, answer all questions honestly, and provide any additional documents the consular officer may request.

Visa Processing Time:

• Standard Processing: It usually takes 3-5 working days to get a decision after the visa interview, although processing times can vary.
• Visa Issuance: Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport, and it will be returned via courier or made available for pickup.

Key Points:

• When to Apply: You can apply for the F-1 visa up to 120 days before the start date of your academic program. You are allowed to enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start of your course.
• Working on an F-1 Visa: F-1 students can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on-campus during the academic year and full-time during holidays and breaks. Off-campus work requires authorization.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): After completing your studies, you may be eligible for OPT, allowing you to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (or 24 months for STEM students).

Make sure to check the U.S. Embassy website in Pakistan for any updates or changes to the visa process, as regulations may evolve over time.