USA Entry Hub 2026
Pakistan π΅π° USA πΊπΈ
Pakistan to USA Visa Guide
Official February 2026 protocols. Pakistan is currently subject to Presidential Proclamation 10998, limiting visa issuance and admission. Note the new $250 Integrity Fee and public benefits restrictions.
| Visa Type | Stay Limit | Wait Period | 2026 Total Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 (Visitor) | Up to 180 Days | High (Wait 180+ Days) | $435 ($185+$250) |
| F-1 (Student) | Course Length | 6β12 Weeks | $785 ($185+$250+$350) |
| Immigrant Visa | Permanent | **PAUSED** | N/A (Effective Jan 21) |
1. Presidential Proclamation 10998 Critical Alert
As of **January 1, 2026**, Pakistan is under a security-based entry restriction policy.
- Visa Status: While you can still fill out the DS-160 and attend interviews, issuance is currently "limited or suspended" for most categories under naye security protocols.
- Immigrant Pause: Since **21 January 2026**, all immigrant visa issuances to Pakistanis have been paused due to high rates of public assistance reliance.
- Wait Times: Administrative processing is lengthy. Applicants are advised to wait at least **180 days** after an interview before making inquiries.
2. Mandatory $250 Integrity Fee New Mandate
Visas are more expensive in 2026 due to the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act".
- The Fee: A new **$250 Visa Integrity Fee** is now due upon visa issuance for all non-immigrant categories (B, F, H, etc.).
- Total Cost: For a tourist visa, you pay the $185 MRV fee at booking + $250 upon issuance = **$435** total.
- Refundable: This fee acts as a "security deposit." You can request a refund if you follow all rules and depart within 5 days of your authorized stay ending.
3. Public Vetting & Social Media Mandatory
2026 vetting requirements for H, F, M, and J visa applicants are extremely strict.
- Social Media: Applicants MUST set all social media accounts to **'public'** to facilitate identity and admissibility vetting.
- Bank Balance: For B1/B2 visas, a 6-month bank statement with a minimum balance of **PKR 1,000,000** (for individuals) or **PKR 2,500,000** (for families) is recommended.
- Ties to Home: You must prove strong ties (job stability, property, or ongoing education) to convince the officer you will return to Pakistan.
4. 2026 Customs Checklist Strict Enforcement
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces zero tolerance at airports like JFK and LAX.
- Currency: You MUST declare cash or monetary instruments exceeding **$10,000 USD**.
- Food Alert: Strictly NO fresh fruit, vegetables, or meat products from Pakistan (especially "Aam" or mangoes) without proper certificates.
- Medication: Keep all medicines in original packaging with a valid English prescription.
- Electronics: Laptops and smartphones may be subject to security screening by CBP officers upon entry.
Β© 2026 Global Visa Guide | Information Verified via US Embassy Islamabad & Department of State.