Immigrant Visas – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan

Comprehensive Guide to U.S. Immigrant Visas for Pakistani Citizens

The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan processes immigrant visa applications for citizens and residents of Pakistan. If you’re planning to immigrate, you must follow specific procedures and meet eligibility criteria.

Steps to Apply for an Immigrant Visa

1. Sponsor Requirement: Applicants must be sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative, or a prospective U.S. employer. The sponsor files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the applicant.
2. Petition Approval: Once USCIS approves the petition, further pre-processing is done by the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) if selected under the Diversity Visa Lottery.
3. Start the Visa Application: After approval, applicants follow detailed instructions provided by NVC or KCC. For specific visa types, refer to the Directory of Visa Categories and the relevant visa process.

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Visa Categories and Eligibility

Family-Based Immigrant Visas

IR1: (Immediate Relative – Spouse of US Citizen)
IR2: (Unmarried Children under 21 of US Citizen)
IR3: (Orphan Adopted Abroad by US citizens)
IR4: (Orphan to be Adopted in the US by US citizens)
IR5: (Parent of U.S. Citizen who are at least 21 year old)
F1: (For unmarried children of US citizens who are 21 years of age or older)
F2A & F2B: (Spouses, Children and Unmarried Sons, Daughters)

IR-1 (Spouse of U.S. Citizen): For spouses married for at least two years. Grants immediate permanent residency upon entry.

· For spouses married to U.S. citizens for over two years.
· Grants immediate permanent resident status

IR-2 (Unmarried Children Under 21 of U.S. Citizens): Includes biological, adopted, or stepchildren. Provides permanent residency and work authorization.

· For unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
· Includes biological, stepchildren, and adopted children.
· No annual cap; holders can live, study, and work in the U.S.

IR-3 (Orphans Adopted Abroad by U.S. Citizens): For children adopted overseas who automatically become U.S. citizens upon entry.

· For children adopted by U.S. citizens overseas.
· Automatically grants U.S. citizenship upon entry.

IR-4 (Orphans to Be Adopted in the U.S.): Allows children to enter the U.S. to complete the adoption process.

· For children to be adopted by U.S. citizens in the U.S.
· Citizenship granted post-adoption finalization.

IR-5 (Parents of U.S. Citizens): For parents sponsored by their U.S. citizen children (21+ years old). Includes specific financial requirements.

· For parents of U.S. citizens aged 21 or older.
· Requires financial support proof from the sponsoring child.

F1 (Unmarried Children of U.S. Citizens, 21 or Older): For adult children who meet the eligibility criteria.

F2A & F2B (Relatives of Lawful Permanent Residents):

1. F2A: Spouses and children (under 21) of lawful permanent residents.
2. F2B: Unmarried adult children (21 or older) of lawful permanent residents.
3. Subject to annual caps and waiting periods.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas

EB-2 & EB-3: For professionals with advanced degrees and skilled workers

Employment Fifth preference (E5): For immigrant investors

1. EB-2 (Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability): Requires a job offer and labor certification unless a National Interest Waiver is obtained.

· For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
· Often requires labor certification and a job offer, except for National Interest Waivers (NIW).

• EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): For applicants with a minimum of two years of experience or a bachelor’s degree.

· For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
· Requires at least two years of experience or a bachelor’s degree.

• EB-5 (Immigrant Investors): Grants permanent residency for foreign investors meeting specific job creation and investment thresholds. The minimum investment is $1 million or $500,000 in targeted areas.

· For individuals investing a minimum of $1 million (or $500,000 in targeted areas).
· Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs.
· Provides permanent residency for investors and their immediate family.

Other Student and Exchange Visas

F1: For unmarried children of US citizens who are 21 years of age or older

1. F-1 (Student Visa): For studying at SEVP-certified U.S. institutions. Allows limited work authorization through CPT or OPT programs.
2. J Exchange Visa: For cultural and professional exchange programs.
3. M Student Visa: For non-academic or vocational training.

Application Costs and Processing Time

The costs and timelines vary by visa type:

• IR-5 Visa Fees: $325 application fee and $120 for the Affidavit of Support. Processing can take 6-12 months.
• EB-5 Investment Requirements: $1M or $500K in specific areas, with expedited green card processing.

Monitor visa bulletin updates for availability and estimated wait times. For detailed guidance, visit the U.S. Embassy website or consult USCIS.

This guide simplifies a complex process, ensuring applicants from Pakistan understand their pathways to U.S. immigration.

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