Embassy of the United States Islamabad, Pakistan

The "visitor" visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1), for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2), or combination of both (B-1/B-2) purposes.

Business Visas (B-1)

If the purpose for your planned travel is to consult with business associates, travel for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention, or conference on specific dates, settle an estate, or negotiate a contract, then a business visitor visa (B-1) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

Tourist Visas (B-2)

If the purpose of your planned travel is recreational in nature, including tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives, rest, medical treatment, and activities of a fraternal, social, or service nature, then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

Travel for Medical Treatment

In addition to all of the documentation requirements explained above, the following documentation is also required, for persons seeking medical treatment in the U.S.:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States as opposed to Pakistan.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• A statement and proof of financial responsibility from the individuals or an organization that will pay for the patient's transportation, medical and living expenses.
• A statement from a doctor or institution concerning proposed medical treatment.

Additional documents are not required, although you may bring any additional documents you feel demonstrate your eligibility. Please remember that visa eligibility is based on your situation and not your documents. Due to the inconsistent quality of local documents and widespread availability of fraudulent documents, we cannot rely on the authenticity of documents; therefore, officers must base their decisions mainly on the application and from information obtained from the applicant during the interview.

Eligibility

The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer by demonstrating that:

• The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business, pleasure, or medical treatment;
• That they plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
• Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
• Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to Pakistan; and
• That they have a residence in Pakistan as well as other binding ties that will insure their return abroad at the end of the visit.

It is important to note that even if the above requirements are met applicants, on a case-by-case basis, may still not be eligible for a visa.

Misrepresentation of Material Facts, or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

You can get more information about business visas at the State Department website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html

Click here to apply for a B1/B2 visa.