How to move to USA from Pakistan - Process, Visa types, Costs

Your American Dream Starts Here

For many Pakistanis, the United States of America is the land of education, opportunity, and a better lifestyle. Whether you want to study, work, invest, or reunite with family, the path to move to the USA is clear — but it must be legal, authentic, and carefully planned.

This 2025 complete guide covers all the official visa options, timelines, costs, and steps you need to follow to move from Pakistan to the USA successfully.

1. Move to the USA for Work (Employment-Based Immigration)

The USA work visa route is ideal for skilled workers, professionals, and investors who have job offers or business plans in America.

Visa Types & Basic Details

Visa Type	Description	Validity	Cost (USD)	Processing Time
H-1B	For skilled professionals (engineers, IT, medical, etc.)	3 years (extendable to 6)	$205	3–6 months
L-1	For employees transferred to U.S. branch	3 years	$205	2–5 months
EB-3	Skilled or unskilled workers seeking permanent jobs	Permanent (Green Card)	$345 (approx.)	1–3 years
EB-5	Investor visa (for entrepreneurs investing $800k+)	2 years (conditional)	$3,675 + $800,000 investment	12–24 months

Step-by-Step Process

Get a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.
Employer files a Labor Certification (LCA) and Form I-129/I-140 with USCIS.
Wait for petition approval.
Pay visa application fee ($205) and fill Form DS-160 online.
Schedule your interview at U.S. Embassy (Islamabad/Karachi).
Submit documents (job letter, passport, bank statements, etc.).
After approval, get your visa stamp and book your flight!

Pro Tip: Always verify your job offer through the USCIS official site to avoid scams.

2. Move to the USA for Study (F-1 or M-1 Student Visa)

The USA is home to world-class universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, and thousands of Pakistani students move there every year.

Visa Details

F-1 Visa: For full-time academic students.
M-1 Visa: For technical or vocational training.

Requirement	Details
Visa Fee	$185
SEVIS Fee	$350
Processing Time	2–3 months
Stay Duration	Duration of study + 60 days

Application Process

Apply to a U.S. university approved by SEVP.
Receive your I-20 form from the institution.
Pay SEVIS fee ($350) and visa fee ($185).
Fill Form DS-160 and schedule your embassy interview.
Attend interview with academic documents and proof of finances.
Get your F-1 or M-1 visa and prepare to study in the USA!

Tip: After graduation, students can work under OPT (Optional Practical Training) or apply for H-1B work visa.

3. Move to the USA Through Family Sponsorship

If you have close relatives in the USA (citizen or Green Card holder), they can legally sponsor your immigration.

Eligible Family Members

Spouse (husband/wife)
Parents (if under 21)
Children (minor or unmarried)
Siblings (takes longer time)

Duration & Cost

Immediate Relatives: ~14–18 months
Other Family Categories: 2–10 years (based on visa bulletin)
Cost: Around $535 for I-130 filing + $220 USCIS immigrant fee

Procedure

U.S. family member files Form I-130.
Wait for USCIS and NVC approval.
Pay visa and service fees.
Attend medical exam and interview in Islamabad/Karachi.
After approval, travel to the U.S. and receive your Green Card.

4. Move to the USA Through Marriage

If you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a spousal visa (CR-1 or IR-1).

Cost & Duration

Process	Duration	Cost
Spousal Visa (CR-1/IR-1)	12–18 months	$535 (I-130) + $325 (NVC) + $220 (USCIS fee)

Process

Marriage registration and legal documents.
U.S. spouse files I-130 with USCIS.
Submit proof of marriage (photos, chats, etc.).
Attend visa interview.
If approved, you’ll receive a 2-year conditional Green Card, then apply for permanent status after 2 years.

Fake marriages are strictly illegal and can lead to permanent visa bans.

5. Move to the USA by Investment (EB-5 Visa)

If you can invest and create jobs in the U.S., this is one of the fastest legal routes to permanent residency.

Requirements

Invest $800,000 (TEA) or $1,050,000 (non-TEA) in a U.S. business.
Must create 10 full-time jobs for American workers.
Funds must be legal and traceable.

Duration & Fees

Stage	Duration	Fee
Application & Investment	3–6 months	Variable
USCIS Review	12–24 months	$3,675
Green Card Issuance	~2 years	Included

6. Move to the USA as an Asylum Seeker (Special Cases)

If you face religious, political, or ethnic persecution, you can apply for asylum in the USA.
You must apply within 1 year of entering the U.S. and provide strong evidence.

7. Documents Required for All Visas

✔ Valid Pakistani passport
✔ Police Character Certificate
✔ Educational Certificates
✔ Medical Report (Embassy-approved doctors)
✔ Bank statements / Financial proof
✔ Visa application forms (DS-160, I-20, etc.)
✔ Sponsorship letters (if applicable)

8. U.S. Visa Fee Summary (2025 Updated)

Visa Type	Fee (USD)
Visitor (B1/B2)	$185
Student (F1/M1)	$185 + $350 SEVIS
Work (H1B/L1)	$205
Family Visa	$535 + $220 USCIS fee
Investor (EB-5)	$3,675 + investment
Spouse Visa	$535 + $325 + $220

9. U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan

U.S. Embassy Islamabad: Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad
U.S. Consulate Karachi: Mai Kolachi Road, Karachi
U.S. Consulate Lahore: Limited visa services

Visit Official Embassy Site

Tips for a Successful U.S. Visa Interview

Dress neatly and speak confidently.
Answer questions honestly.
Avoid fake documents or agents.
Carry your complete file in order.
Be ready to explain your travel or study purpose clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I move to the USA without IELTS?
Yes, some universities and employers accept alternative English test results or internal assessments.

Q2. How long does U.S. visa processing take?
Usually 3–6 months, but it can take longer depending on visa type.

Q3. What is the easiest way to move to the USA from Pakistan?
The student visa (F-1) and employment visa (H-1B) are the most common legal ways.

Q4. Can I get a Green Card from Pakistan directly?
Yes, through family sponsorship, investment (EB-5), or employment (EB-3) routes.

Q5. Is it safe to apply through agents?
Only apply through authorized or embassy-verified consultants. Fake agents are common in Pakistan.

Q6. How much money do I need to move to the USA?
Expect at least $3,000–$5,000 in savings for visa, travel, and initial expenses.

Conclusion

Moving to the USA from Pakistan is a life-changing step — but only if you follow the legal, authentic process.
From work and study visas to family and investment routes, every option requires patience, preparation, and honesty.

Always check official sources like USCIS and U.S. Embassy Pakistan, and avoid unregistered agents. With proper planning, your American dream can truly become a reality.