US universities offer a lot of benefits to international students. These include health insurance, living allowances, and a monthly stipend. After getting the acceptance letter from any US university, the subsequent inquiry that arises is how to apply for a USA study visa for Pakistan.
Pakistani Students should take the United States on a priority basis regarding different scholarships and foreign aid for students.
Graduates from STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) can stay for 24 months and further extend their stay under certain conditions.
Pakistani students mostly don’t have detailed information about the US study visa process, its types, and Embassy details in different cities.
This ultimate USA study visa guide for Pakistan, will not only solve your every query related to the topic but also prepare you step by step about the interview questions.
Don’t miss the Frequently asked questions & Summary of the whole guide at the end.
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USA Study Visa for Pakistan
1. Types of USA study visa for Pakistan
2. Visa Fee for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
4. USA Embassy and Consulates for Pakistan
5. Visa processing time for U.S. Study Visa for Pakistan
6. Documents Required for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
7. How to Apply for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
8. Interview Questions for USA Study Visa
10. Success Rate of USA Study Visa for Pakistan
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1. Types of USA study visa for Pakistan
USA study visa types are quite tricky and Pakistani students are often confused about what type of visa they should apply for. It is very important to remove this confusion for students.
Here, I will discuss the types of student visas from Pakistan to the USA.
1.1. F-1 Visa
F-1 visa is the most common visa for students. F-1 visa is necessary for study at U.S. colleges or universities, or English language programs in the United States. This type is required for courses that exceed 18 hours per week.
1.2. M-1 Visa
If a student plan to study for non-academic or vocational training at a U.S. institution then the student will apply for an M-1 study visa from Pakistan to the USA.
It also includes technical training in or mechanical field.
1.3. J-1 Visa
J-1 visa is for those students who want to take part in an exchange program in the United States.
You must have a student visa from Pakistan to the USA for a study program in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.
|
Visa Category for Students |
Courses or Programs to Attend in the U.S. |
|
F |
University or College, High School, Seminary, Language Training Program |
|
M |
Vocational Institution, Training Program |
The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit is the unit of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi and is responsible for visa services to Pakistani students.
It provides visas to applicants seeking student and business visas. The U.S. Consulate General Karachi and Embassy Islamabad give priority to exchange visitors/students (F and J visa) and temporary employees.
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2. Visa Fee for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
The student visa application fee is non-refundable. Applicants will receive a receipt after paying the visa application fee. The nonimmigrant visa application fee is also known as the MRV fee is paid on or after October 1, 2022. It is valid for 365 days from the payment receipt date of the MRV fee.
The application fee for nonimmigrant visa types is 160 US$ (47,400 PKR). It also listed the visa application fees below in the table.
|
Fee Amount (USD) |
Fee Amount (PKR) |
Visa Type |
Description |
|
$160 |
47,400 |
F |
Student (Academic) |
|
$160 |
47,400 |
J |
Exchange Visitors |
|
$160 |
47,400 |
M |
Student (Vocational) |
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3. How Pakistani Students Pay Visa Fees
3.1. Create a Profile on Online Applicant System
Applicants need to create a profile and log in to the website. This will enable students to pay the proper amount. Payment values are shown in U.S. Dollars rates (USD).
Pakistani Applicants can pay an amount in PKR. You may pay the visa fee at any branch of Allied Bank in Pakistan.
3.2. Click on My Appointment and Payment Option
Click on the Schedule My Appointment option on the left side. Students will complete Visa Type, Visa Category. Once at the Payment Screen Option, click on the payment option. Review the Bank Section.
3.3. Pay Visa Fee
Now, the applicant will pay a non-refundable visa fee which is a processing fee.
After paying the fee, students must save the bank receipt of the bank record. Students can pay a nonimmigrant visa application fee at any Allied Bank Branch.
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4. USA Embassy and Consulates for Pakistan
The mission of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulates in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar handle nonimmigrant USA study visa for Pakistan.
Students visit these Consular services and Embassy to apply for student visas.
These Consulates and Embassy give benefits to Pakistani students to apply for visas for educational purposes and exchange programs. The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, and Consulates in Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi give opportunities to students to submit visa applications at Consulates.
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5. Visa processing time for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
Mostly, the visa processing time for Pakistani students is five working days but it may vary depending on individual circumstances.
The time estimated for an applicant interview at a U.S. Consulate depends on the workload of the Consulates and Embassy, visa appointment location, and other necessary requirements.
The Wait time for a nonimmigrant visa to be processed doesn’t include administrative processing time.
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6. Documents Required for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
6.1. Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)
6.3. Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility
6.10. IELTS (English Language Test) for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
6.11. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Cover Letter
6.15. University Admission Letter for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
6.16. Proof of university Legal Fees
6.17. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
6.18. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
6.19. Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
6.20. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
6.21. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate)
6.22. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
6.23. Corona Vaccination Certificates
6.24. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate (Optional)
6.1. Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)
Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) is an online visa application form and is necessary for processing visa applications.
Consular Officers use this information to start the application for a study visa from Pakistan to the USA.
It determines the applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
6.2. Appointment letter
You must present an appointment letter that confirms the appointment booking for a visa interview.
The applicant will apply for an appointment letter before going to Embassy and appearing at the interview.
6.3. Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Pakistani Students
When a Pakistani student got accepted into a student and exchange visitor program into a certified institution or school, the institution will issue the Form I-20.
- The form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students (F-1 Visa) for Language and Academic Students.
- The form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students (M-1 Visa) for Vocational Students.
It is necessary for students to have Form I-20 before applying for a student visa. It will allow you to enter the United States. For more information regarding the Students and the Form I-20, visit the website.
6.4. SEVIS I-901 FORM
Applicants need to pay a fee before applying for a visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Use the I-901 SEVIS Form and visit the FMJfee website to pay the fee.
After paying the fee, Pakistani students must take a print of the payment receipt before appearing for the visa appointment.
6.5. Passport-size photograph
The general picture format for a Saudi Arabia study visa is the following.
A: Two recent (within 6 months) passport-size (35x45mm) photos.
B: White background with neutral facial expressions. (Unedited)
C: Avoid uniforms & the head should be 80% in the photo.
D: The applicant should look at the camera.
E: One photograph should be glued to the visa application
while the other should contain the applicant’s full name on the reverse side.
6.6. Valid Passport
A: A passport must have at least 18 months of validity from the visa application date.
B: Applicants will also provide visa copies (if they have any).
C: The passport must have at least two blank pages.
D: All the previous passports must also be attached. (If they have any)
6.7. CNIC
A birth certificate and a National Identity card are mandatory for a USA study visa for Pakistan.
6.8. Academic Documents
It includes all academic records & certificates.
A. Certificate & transcript of Bachelor’s (If a student is applying for a master’s program)
B. Certificate & transcript of Master’s (If a student is applying for a Ph.D. program)
C. Transcript (DMCs) of Metric & FSC and certificates (if a student is applying for a bachelor’s degree)
D. Proficiency certificate in English from the university.
E. Course summary which explains current courses & previous courses.
F. Provide two Recommendation Letters from your university along with the referee’s details.
NOTE:
The above-mentioned documents must be attested by respective universities and boards.
it must be attested by IBCC, HEC, and MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
IBCC authority is only responsible for the attestation of metric and inter documents.
Their offices are present in Peshawar, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and also in other cities in Pakistan.
HEC office attests to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. documents.
6.9. CV
CV is compulsory for the university admission process and optional for embassy interviews.
It should contain all the contact details and academic information.
6.10. IELTS for USA study visa for Pakistan
Pakistani Students will submit one of the following tests: TOEFL, GRE, and IELTS for US institutions.
Different institutions required different tests for their admissions. The minimum IELTS band score required for Master Programs is 6.0 while for Ph.D. is 6.5.
6.11. Statement of Purpose/Letter of Motivation/Cover Letter
This document comprises the following information about the student:
A. Previous academic record
B. Employment Status
C. Relationship with your home country
D. Immigration History
E. Economic conditions of the applicant
A statement of purpose (SOP) & letter of motivation (LOM) are almost the same thing & could be interchangeable.
In this letter, Embassy and university asked an applicant to write about personal and professional reasons for applying for a course. It will also ask about the intention of traveling to the USA.
The maximum length of this letter is three pages. It is recommended to make it short & concise to one page.
6.12. Bank Statement for USA study visa for Pakistan
U.S. universities require students to provide proof of financial funds for the educational period in the United States.
The universities demand from students to provide a financial guarantee signed by a sponsor and a bank statement copy which is one requirement for a USA study visa for Pakistan.
6.13. Medical Report
The medical examination includes medical history, chest X-ray, and blood tests. The United States also demands tuberculosis (TB) tests from all applicants for study visas from Pakistan to the USA.
You can see more information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Only accredited physicians by the U.S. Embassy can perform this type of Medical report. Medical examinations from other physicians are not accepted.
Approved Physicians are in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi in Pakistan.
6.14. Health Insurance
U.S. universities require medical insurance for completing the enrollment process.
Most of the universities have their sponsored insurance plan that is included in the university fees.
6.15. University Admission Letter for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
Students first get an admission letter from a U.S. institution for a study visa. The university or department will then provide an acceptance letter to the student for the visa.
The student will then apply for a U.S. study visa along with an acceptance letter. Students need to submit this letter along with other documents.
6.16. Proof of university Legal Fees
It is a receipt or proof of the “first-semester fee” or the “fee for the whole year”.
When students pay the Annual fee, University will send them an admission letter.
Applicants must also save all the online fee invoices & attach them to their documents while applying for a student visa from Pakistan to the USA.
6.17. Receipt of Visa Processing Fee
The student will pay a non-refundable fee and fill out the form.
For a study visa from Pakistan to the USA, Students need to pay 160 USD.
6.18. Copy of Hotel Reservation & Flight Booking
The booking confirms the arrival date in a particular country. The hotel reservation shows that a student researched the process.
The host university should mention in their admission letter if they provide accommodation for the student.
The student can also provide a rental home contract.
6.19. Family Registration Certificate (FRC) for USA study visa for Pakistan
A family registration certificate (FRC) is a document that tells that the family record of the student is complete in the database of the home country.
This document contains details of the name and information of the parents and siblings.
Pakistani students can apply for FRC documents through different NADRA Offices in Pakistan.
They can also get it through online methods.
6.20. No Objection Certificate (Optional)
It also varies from country to country. It is compulsory for some countries and known as NOC.
This letter tells that the student is allowed to apply for a student visa from Pakistan to the USA. It also tells that Students will return to the country after completing their education.
NOC must be written by the Dean or HOD of the university.
6.21. PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for USA study visa for Pakistan
Students who want to apply for a residence permit requires to submit a criminal record history document.
This document must be issued by the country of your residence within five months of starting the visa application.
PCC can be issued by your local security police station. Pakistani students can make PCC documents in “Police Khidmat Markaz”. They can also make it through the ICTP app or the ICTP website.
It is better to cross-check the requirement with Islamabad or Karachi consulate.
6.22. Certificates of extracurricular achievements
These certificates could include internship certificates and experience letters.
The embassy gives extra value to these certificates.
6.23. Corona Vaccination Certificates
Students must complete the COVID-19 vaccination before the interview appointment at the embassy.
The administered vaccines are listed by the WHO (World Health Organization).
6.24. Marriage and Childbirth Certificate (Optional)
The embassy may ask about Childbirth Certificates and marriage certificates.
It is better to bring both childbirth and marriage certificates along with you for a student visa from Pakistan to the USA.
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7. How to Apply for a USA Study Visa for Pakistan
7.1. Complete Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) Form
Applicants will first complete Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form.
This form must be submitted before your interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
The barcode number of the DS-160 Form confirmation page is mandatory for booking interviews. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not accept applications for an interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page.
7.2. Pay Visa Application Fee for Usa study visa for Pakistan
Visa Fee is mandatory to pay for a visa. Applicants are required to pay MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee before starting a visa application.
This fee is non-refundable and is payable whether a visa is issued or rejected.
7.3. Scheduling an Appointment
Applicants will schedule appointments on the web page. For scheduling an appointment, the student will require the following information:
- Student Passport number
- The receipt number of the visa receipt fee
- The barcode 10-digit number from the Form DS-160 confirmation page
7.4. Visit U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Pakistani students will visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date of the visa interview. Applicants will bring a printed copy of the appointment letter and other necessary documents.
The consular Officer may look at the specific intentions and long-range plans. Students must avoid presenting false documents and information. You must bring all the financial and other required documents for the interview for the study visa from Pakistan to the USA.
After the interview, students should check for the final status of visa approval or visa rejection.
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8. Interview Questions for USA Study Visa for Pakistan
There are common questions student faces during their visa interview.
Name of the student & questions about previous educational qualification.
What is your purpose for going to the USA?
Did you already search for opportunities in your home country?
Where is the university in the USA?
Who is your sponsor? What is your relationship?
What is your course structure or Course summary?
Which course you will start at the university?
Why did you choose this university and subject?
How will this course shape your career?
How did you find this university?
What are your plans after the completion of the course?
Who advised this accommodation and how much will it be?
When will your course start?
Why did you choose the USA and not another country?
Can you name other cities where famous universities exist?
Did you give an examination and a test for university admission?
Where will you stay in the USA?
Any question can be asked that you wrote in your visa form, so make sure you reread it many times.
9. FAQS About USA Study Visa for Pakistan
9.1. What is meant by the DS-160 Form?
DS-160 Form is a nonimmigrant visa electronic form. It is a mandatory application form that is used to collect integral information for nonimmigrant visa-seeking applicants. It is submitted to the department of the state and is used by consulates for processing visa applications.
9.2. Can a student apply for an extension of the program?
Yes. The sponsor of the student can extend the program to the maximum length. In case of granting of extension, a new DS Form will be issued to the student that reflects the required changes.
9.3. Does a Pakistani Student need to apply for a new visa If a passport is expired but the U.S. visa is still valid?
No. If the visa of the applicant is valid then the applicant can travel to the United States with the old and new passport. The personal data and name of the student should be the same on both passports. The nationality must be the same on both passports.
9.4. How much time does it take to get an Exchange Visitor Visa?
The processing time for an exchange visitor visa varies from country to country. Applicants can get further information about processing time and interview wait time on the www.travle.state.gov website.
Those students holding exchange visitor visas can enter and begin the new program 30 days before the start of the new program.
9.5. Can a student enter the United States 30 days in Advance?
Pakistani Students holding F or M visas may not enter the United States 30 days before the start of the program. If you wish to enter 30 days in Advance, you must apply for Visitor Visa (B).
After being admitted and allowed to enter the United States on a B Visa status, you must apply for a change of visa status to an F or M visa before the program’s starting date. Students can’t begin a new program until their visa change status is approved.
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10. Success Rate of USA Study Visa for Pakistan
A USA study visa is difficult to get. The acceptance rate for a student visa from Pakistan to the USA is 85%.
The USA study visa is rejected on various grounds such as lack of financial resources and unable to present incomplete documents.
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11. USA study visa for Pakistan (SUMMARY):
1. Take a visa appointment at a nearby U.S. embassy or consulate. Choose the correct visa category. (F visa, J visa.)
2. Pay the visa fee and other processing fees. Provide them with the required documents and scholarship acceptance letter.
3. Carefully Prepare the list of documents discussed above.
4. Do the visa interview & wait for the result. It can take some time.
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We try to cover each & everything about the topic, but if you still have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments.
If You have any questions related to your USA study visa or any other study visa, you can also contact us for a live one-on-one session.
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