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Non-Immigrant Visas

Visitors for Business, Pleasure or Medical Treatment

The "visitor" visa is a non-immigrant 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.

Applicants for B-1 business visas are strongly advised to apply as far in advance as possible to avoid delays in securing an appointment and processing their visas. Travelers should plan accordingly and are advised to apply at least three months prior to their intended date of travel. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to apply for a new visa prior to the expiration of their current visa (up to one year prior to expiration).

Required Documents

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

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.

Applicants for B-2 visas need to pay their visa application fee, submit their application forms, and make an appointment for an interview at the nearest American Express location.

Applicants for B-2 visas are strongly advised to apply as far in advance as possible to avoid delays in securing an appointment and processing their visas. Travelers should plan accordingly and are advised to apply at least three months prior to their intended date of travel. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to apply for a new visa prior to the expiration of their current visa (up to one year prior to expiration).

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.

Applicants are reviewed by the Consular Officer on the merits of their individual case.

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.

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 tourist visas at the State Department website:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1262.html