Immigration to USA from Pakistan is no easy feat. We know the process is like a 17 x 17 Rubik’s cube.
From confusing paperwork to long wait items – the process is taxing for Pakistanis.
Of course, the process is simplified and explained on the official website, but then, some supporting documents become a deal breaker.
This guide will remove all the noise and explain how to Immigrate to USA from Pakistan without getting rejected.
Pakistani immigration to USA ǀ Explained
Every year, thousands of Pakistanis apply for US visas for immigration.
Largest concentration is students who intend to study abroad and then settle down in USA. Skilled workers are also exploring opportunities in USA.
Many candidates have no idea how to immigrate to USA from Pakistan. The jargon of the process is quite intimidating.
Here is the news for you!
Process is simple. It’s a five-step process.
Eligibility assessment > Collect Documents > Prepare the application > submit for review > interview.
Still confused about how to immigrate to USA from Pakistan? Consult an expert to help you guide through the process.
Types of USA Visas for Pakistani Immigrants
There are various USA visa types for Pakistan. The process how to immigrate to USA from Pakistan requires some extensive reading and research. Here are certain visa types simplified in categories.
Employment-Based Immigration
EB-2 ǀ Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Abilities
EB-2 is for candidates who have exceptional talent and expertise in their field. The candidates can apply for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) to eliminate the need for a sponsor in the visa process.
EB-3 ǀ Skill Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers
Another great US immigration options for Pakistanis. Skilled workers can apply for employment-based immigration to USA sponsored by their US employers. Professionals, unskilled, and skilled workers can benefit from this visa type.
E1 ǀ Treaty Traders
Due to the treaty signed between the USA and the candidate country, a treaty visa is offered to nationals or residents from ‘treaty countries.’ The visa is granted for two years and can be extended on expiry.
EB1-A ǀ Gifted and Extraordinary
Individuals who are exceptional in fields of art, athletics, science, business, and education – can apply for an EB1-A visa.
These candidates do not need sponsors. They only need proof of their exceptional skill in the form of awards, certifications, publications, and high-salary pay slips.
Gifted individuals can also opt for immigration to Australia.
EB1B ǀ Researchers and Professors
Want to know how to Immigrate to USA from Pakistan in a fast-track process?
Professors and researchers with outstanding knowledge and skills are eligible to apply for this visa.
Candidates must produce proof of experience in teaching and research for at least three years. They would also need proof of international recognition of their work and research.
Only then a sponsor on their behalf can apply for the visa without labor certification.
EB1C ǀ Managers and Executives
This is the fast-track employment-based immigration to USA. Individuals with experience working in multinationals can apply for similar roles in the same company in the USA.
Candidates cannot petition for this visa category; only the employer can file the petition. Furthermore, there is no need for labor certification.
F1 ǀ For Students
This is one of the most used paths for immigration to USA from Pakistan. Students apply for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs from Pakistan to study in USA.
On getting the acceptance letter, they can apply for a visa from Pakistan. Since the vast difference in currency rates, students are always exploring scholarship opportunities to reduce the expense.
Also, it is advised to timely enroll in an IELTS preparation program as it is a mandatory requirement for students.
Investment and Business Visas
EB-5 ǀ Investors and Entrepreneurs
An ideal opportunity for businessmen and investors who plan on moving to USA from Pakistan with their family. The minimum investment threshold is $1,050,000 for a new enterprise.
If you aim for a targeted employment area by authorities, the investment cost reduces to $800,000 for a new commercial enterprise. The investment threshold changes depending on the economic situation of the city.
With the new for-profit business, the candidate must produce ten full-time jobs. The investors can then apply for a green card application from Pakistan for their family and dependents.
E-2 ǀ Investment in Business
It is a great option for businessmen who plan to invest in the USA. Investment requirements change depending on the nature of business and the city.
The visa is granted to candidates from countries who are under the treaty with the USA. They can apply for the extension as many times, and permanently move to USA. The option also facilitates family-based immigration to USA.
With investment in business, immigration to New Zealand is another great option to explore.
B-1 ǀ Temporary Business Visitor
A very smart visa category for businessmen who need to frequently travel to USA for business. The visa stays valid for up to ten years, and candidates can travel multiple times.
On each visit, they can stay in the USA for up to 180 days. This simplified process is created to ensure a smooth process to accommodate businessmen.
B-2 ǀ Tourism
The visa is granted to candidates for up to ten years validity. It’s a multiple-entry visa, with each stay that can stretch to 180 days.
Step-by-Step Immigration Process for USA
The USA visa process for Pakistanis is simplified in the following steps:
1. Eligibility Assessment
Every category has its set of requirements. There are tools available that help you assess if you are eligible to apply for the visa. Consult expert immigration consultants to ensure everything is in good shape.
2. Gather the Documents
If you are aware of how to Immigrate to USA from Pakistan, this step becomes simple.
After the eligibility assessment, check all the requirements for the visa. Gather documents, and align them with ample expiry dates.
Any document that is near to expiry will not be considered. Here is a general list of documents you will need:
- Valid passport
- Passport size pictures
- Filled visa application form
- Experience letter
- Sponsor letter/ job letter
- Medical examination report
- Education documents
- Bank statement
- Criminal background check certificate
Disclaimer: With each visa type, you may need more supporting documents to make your case better. An expert consultant would help you furnish some suitable supporting documents.
Application Submission
Time to file the petition with USCIS. All visa types have different application fees. Pay the fees to file the visa application at your local embassy.
Interview
You will get an interview date once the documents are reviewed. Take all supporting documents submitted for visa application for the interview.
Interviewer will ask questions about your sponsor, job, future prospects, and work experience.
Costs and Timeline for Immigration in USA
The review time varies depending on application volume, visa type, and each case. Sometimes, the review time takes weeks, months, and often years.
The cost differs in each visa category. The total cost of the visa includes expenses like attestation, legal representation, medical examination, biometrics, and processing fees.
Roughly expect to spend somewhere between $3000-5000 for green card application from Pakistan.
Challenges Faced by Pakistani Immigrants for USA
Moving to USA from Pakistan has proven to be an extremely taxing process. The visa restrictions and backlogs make matters worse.
Students are advised to start the process early and discuss their case with education consultants to avoid any delays in the process and missing semesters.
On top of it, the complex USCIS forms, requirements, supporting documents, and interviews do not help the cause. Sometimes, legal guidance is the best solution to avoid any delays and problems in the process.
Also, before you pack your bags, take a look at this guide on cost of living in USA, with some tips and tricks to cut back on extra expenses.
Life in the USA for Pakistani Immigrants
Life for new immigrants may seem difficult yet interesting. Everything is systematic and follows a schedule or protocol. This may appear a luxury for Pakistanis.
Besides the cultural shock, the opportunities and possibilities to grow in your career are endless. Technologically speaking, the country is ten steps ahead. Hence Pakistanis will find everything is sorted easily.
Alternative Pathways to USA Immigration
Besides the entrepreneur and investor visas, there are other USA visa types for Pakistan for athletes and artists with exceptional skills.
Family sponsorships are one of the easiest ways to proceed. Every year, tons of green card application from Pakistan are submitted at the embassy.
Vocational training and programs for certain skills also become a pathway for moving to USA from Pakistan. Certain labor jobs are in demand, candidates can apply for a visa with labor certification.
For certain emergencies and life-threatening conditions, an asylum visa remains a valid option.
Many Pakistanis consider immigration to Canada. The process is as simplified yet complex as immigration to USA from Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to immigrate to the USA from Pakistan?
The easiest way to apply is Family-based immigration to USA. Another US immigration options for Pakistanis are applying via student visa. Investor and business visa is another easy and fast-track option.
How can I apply for a family-based visa from Pakistan to the USA?
A green card holder family member can apply for Family-based immigration to USA on your behalf. Submit all the documents and application forms necessary for the case.
What are the costs associated with immigrating to the USA?
You would spend somewhere between $3000-5000 in immigration to USA from Pakistan. This includes processing fees, tests, legal representation and application fees.
How long does the immigration process take for Pakistanis?
There is no set duration. Some applications take four to seven weeks, some may take months, and some take over a year. It varies from case to case.
What are the visa interview requirements for Pakistanis?
You would need to bring all the documents such as passport, photographs, appointment letter, visa application form, visa fee payment receipt, educational documents, experience letter, all supporting documents that attest to proof of your visit, relationship with the sponsor (if needed), employment status, and bank statements.
Are there any immigration pathways for Pakistani investors?
EB-5 and E-2 are great programs for Pakistani investors planning to move to USA from Pakistan.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you in simplifying how to Immigrate to USA from Pakistan. Start early, and gather as many supporting documents.
Always remember to keep things transparent. Plan ahead and submit your case earlier than intended to avoid delays.