How to Book a US Visa Interview in Pakistan?
How to Book a US Visa Interview in Pakistan
Booking a U.S. visa interview in Pakistan involves several steps. For a typical nonimmigrant visa application, you first complete the DS-160, submit it electronically, pay the applicable visa application fee through the current authorized process, and then use the U.S. visa appointment system for Pakistan to schedule an available interview.
The U.S. Department of State states that the embassy or consulate does not schedule the appointment for you. Applicants are responsible for scheduling their own visa interview after completing the required application steps.
For Pakistani applicants, it is particularly important to check current appointment availability before making travel plans. The Department of State updates its global visa wait-time information monthly, and appointment slots can be added or become available when other applicants reschedule.
Quick Overview of the US Visa Appointment Process
The basic process is:
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Select the correct U.S. visa category.
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Complete the DS-160.
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Submit the DS-160.
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Save the DS-160 confirmation page.
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Follow the current Pakistan-specific visa appointment instructions.
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Create or access your appointment profile.
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Pay the applicable visa application fee.
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Wait for the payment to be recognized in the appointment system.
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Select an available interview location.
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Choose an available date and time.
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Save the appointment confirmation.
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Prepare for the interview.
The exact sequence can vary by visa category and by changes to the local appointment system, so applicants should follow the current instructions displayed by the official system.
Step 1: Determine Which US Visa You Need
Before booking an interview, identify the correct visa category.
For example, a person travelling temporarily for tourism or visiting relatives may need a B-2 or B-1/B-2 visitor visa. A student generally uses an F visa, while other purposes of travel can require different categories.
Choosing the correct category matters because the application, fee, documents and appointment process can differ.
Do not select a visa category simply because another applicant used it.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160
For most nonimmigrant visa applications, the first major online application step is completing Form DS-160.
The U.S. Department of State explains that the DS-160 is submitted electronically and that applicants should print and retain the barcode confirmation page.
When completing the form, make sure that:
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Your name matches your passport.
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Your passport number is correct.
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Your date and place of birth are accurate.
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Your travel information is truthful.
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Your employment or education information is accurate.
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Your previous U.S. travel information is complete where applicable.
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Your answers to security and background questions are truthful.
Review the form carefully before submitting it.
Step 3: Save Your DS-160 Confirmation
After submitting the DS-160, save the confirmation page and barcode.
You generally do not need to print the entire DS-160 for the interview. The Department of State specifically says applicants should print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
The confirmation number is also important when completing the appointment process.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee
The next important stage is payment of the visa application processing fee.
For a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, the current Department of State application processing fee is US$185.
The fee is non-refundable.
Do not rely on an old screenshot, WhatsApp message or an agent's payment instructions. Use the current payment method displayed by the official appointment system for Pakistan.
Step 5: Create Your Visa Appointment Profile
After completing the required application information, use the current U.S. visa appointment system for Pakistan.
Create a profile if you are a new applicant, or sign in if you already have an account.
You will normally need to provide information such as:
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Passport details
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DS-160 confirmation number
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Visa category
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Contact information
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Fee-payment information
Enter the information carefully.
A mistake in the DS-160 number or passport details can create problems during appointment scheduling.
Step 6: Select the Appropriate Interview Location
The U.S. Department of State's current visa-issuing-post list identifies two U.S. visa posts in Pakistan:
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U.S. Embassy Islamabad — all visa categories
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U.S. Consulate General Karachi — nonimmigrant visas
Therefore, applicants should not assume that Lahore is a current U.S. visa interview location.
For a nonimmigrant visa such as B-1/B-2, the appointment system will show the locations and availability applicable to the applicant.
Current U.S. Visa Interview Wait Times in Pakistan
Appointment availability changes over time.
The Department of State's global wait-time information was updated on September 17, 2026. For B-1/B-2 interview appointments, it listed the following next-available estimates:
| Location | B-1/B-2 next available appointment |
|---|---|
| Islamabad | 12.5 months |
| Karachi | 7.5 months |
These figures are not guarantees. The Department of State explains that new appointments are released regularly and applicants may sometimes move an existing appointment to an earlier available slot.
Because these figures can change, do not treat an old screenshot or third-party website as a permanent appointment schedule.
Can You Get an Earlier US Visa Interview?
Possibly.
The Department of State says embassies and consulates release additional appointment slots regularly. Applicants who already have an appointment can check the scheduling system and move to an earlier available appointment if a suitable slot appears.
This does not mean that an earlier appointment is guaranteed.
A practical approach is to keep checking the official scheduling system rather than paying someone who claims to have special access to U.S. visa appointment slots.
Step 7: Select an Available Appointment
After your application and payment information are accepted by the appointment system, review the available calendar.
Select:
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Interview location
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Date
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Time
Before confirming, carefully check the information displayed on the appointment page.
Make sure that your appointment corresponds with the correct applicant and visa category.
Step 8: Save the Appointment Confirmation
After successfully scheduling the appointment, save the appointment confirmation.
It is useful to keep:
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A digital copy
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A printed copy
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Your DS-160 confirmation page
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Your payment confirmation
Check your appointment confirmation for errors.
If you later reschedule, retain the latest valid confirmation rather than relying on an older appointment date.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
The U.S. Department of State identifies several important items for visitor visa interviews, including a passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee-payment receipt where required, and photograph where the online photo submission does not meet the requirements.
Additional documents depend on the visa category and the individual circumstances.
For a B-1/B-2 application, applicants should organize documents that accurately support the information in the application and explain the purpose and circumstances of the proposed trip when appropriate.
Do not create fake documents or submit documents simply because an agent tells you that they are supposedly mandatory.
Do You Need a Bank Balance to Book the Interview?
No specific bank balance is required merely to book the interview.
The appointment process requires completion of the application and payment of the applicable visa fee.
Financial circumstances can be relevant to some visa applications, but this is separate from the appointment-booking process.
Therefore, do not confuse:
Visa application fee ≠ bank-balance requirement
For a B-1/B-2 application, the current application fee is US$185, but that does not mean an applicant must maintain a specific bank balance simply to obtain an interview appointment.
Is an Interview Always Required?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants, although limited exceptions and interview-waiver procedures can apply.
The Department of State's visitor visa guidance states that interviews are generally required, subject to limited exceptions, and that a consular officer may require an interview even where an applicant might otherwise qualify for an exception.
The applicable interview-waiver rules can change, so applicants should check the current official instructions rather than relying on an old waiver policy.
Important 2026 Rule About Where to Apply
A significant current point is the Department of State's updated guidance dated July 15, 2026.
It states that nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence may face additional difficulties, and fees paid for such applications are not refundable or transferable.
For a Pakistani citizen who lives in Pakistan, this means the normal process is to apply through the U.S. visa posts serving Pakistan rather than choosing another country simply because an appointment appears sooner.
Can You Change Your Appointment?
Appointment changes depend on the current scheduling system and available slots.
If you need to change your appointment, use the official appointment system.
Do not cancel an existing appointment simply because someone promises an earlier date. Make sure you understand the system's rules before making changes.
The Department of State notes that applicants can check for newly available earlier appointments after an appointment has already been scheduled.
What If No Appointment Is Available?
If you cannot find a suitable date, check again later.
This is because appointment availability is not static.
The Department of State says posts release additional appointment slots regularly. A date that is unavailable today may become available later because of newly released slots or cancellations.
Do not assume that a third-party agent has access to a hidden government calendar.
Should You Pay an Agent for a US Visa Appointment?
Applicants can complete the process themselves using the official systems.
A private agent may offer services such as:
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Form-filling assistance
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Document organization
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Appointment guidance
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Translation
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Interview preparation
Any such payment is a private service charge. It is not the U.S. government's visa application fee.
Be particularly careful with anyone who claims to sell a guaranteed U.S. visa appointment.
An appointment does not guarantee visa approval.
How to Avoid US Visa Appointment Scams
Appointment scams can involve claims such as:
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Guaranteed appointment slots
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Guaranteed visa approval
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Special embassy access
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Secret appointment calendars
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Guaranteed early dates
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Fake payment links
Use the official U.S. visa appointment system and official U.S. government websites.
Never provide your login credentials to an unknown person simply because they claim to have access to better appointment dates.
What Happens on the Interview Day?
On the appointment date, go to the location shown on your confirmation.
You will go through the applicable security procedures and then follow the consular section's instructions.
For a visitor visa, a consular officer interviews the applicant to determine whether the applicant qualifies under U.S. law. Digital fingerprint scans are generally part of the visa application process, although the exact timing can vary by location.
Answer questions truthfully.
Do not memorize artificial answers supplied by an agent.
The information you provide should be consistent with your DS-160 and genuine circumstances.
What Happens After the Interview?
The result can vary.
If the application is approved, the applicant will receive instructions concerning passport return and visa issuance.
In some cases, the application may require additional administrative processing. The Department of State explains that a consular officer will inform the applicant if further administrative processing is required.
An interview appointment itself does not mean that the visa will be approved.
Important Difference Between Appointment and Visa Approval
This distinction is essential:
Booking an appointment does not mean you have received a U.S. visa.
The appointment only provides a date and time for the consular process.
The consular officer evaluates the application according to U.S. immigration law and the applicable visa requirements.
Likewise, paying the visa fee does not guarantee approval.
Should You Buy Your Air Ticket Before the Interview?
Applicants should be careful about making non-refundable travel arrangements before the visa is issued.
The Department of State explains that a visa allows a foreign national to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission, but it does not itself guarantee entry into the United States.
Therefore, an interview appointment should not be treated as confirmation that travel will take place.
Final Checklist Before Booking
Before you begin the appointment process, make sure you have:
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Correct visa category
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Valid passport
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Completed DS-160
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DS-160 confirmation page
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DS-160 confirmation number
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Correct personal information
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Applicable visa fee
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Payment confirmation when required
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Appointment profile
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Current appointment instructions
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Appropriate interview location
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Appointment confirmation
Also check the current Department of State wait-time information before making plans based on a particular expected appointment date.
Final Advice for Pakistani Applicants
Booking a U.S. visa interview in Pakistan is primarily an online process. The important sequence is to complete the DS-160, retain its confirmation page, follow the current fee-payment instructions, create or access the appointment profile, and select an available interview appointment.
For B-1/B-2 applicants, the current application fee is US$185. Appointment availability, however, is a separate issue and can involve substantial waiting periods.
As of the Department of State's September 17, 2026 update, the next-available B-1/B-2 appointment estimates were 12.5 months in Islamabad and 7.5 months in Karachi. These figures are only snapshots of availability and can change as appointments are released.
The safest approach is therefore to use the official appointment system, check availability regularly, keep your DS-160 and appointment information consistent, and avoid unofficial services that promise guaranteed appointments or visa approval.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Eligibility depends on the U.S. visa category. For a nonimmigrant visa such as B-1/B-2, applicants generally complete the DS-160, pay the applicable visa application fee, and schedule an interview unless they qualify for an applicable interview-waiver process. U.S. Department of State guidance effective July 15, 2026 states that nonimmigrant applicants should generally schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence.
Required Documents
For a typical nonimmigrant visa interview appointment, applicants should have the information required to complete the DS-160 and appointment profile, including a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and visa application fee payment information or receipt where required. Additional documents depend on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Fees
For B-1/B-2 visitor visas, the current U.S. Department of State application processing fee is US$185. The fee is non-refundable. Other visa categories have different fees. Applicants should follow the current payment instructions for Pakistan rather than relying on old payment methods or third-party instructions.
Processing Time
Appointment availability varies by location, visa category, season, and demand. As of the U.S. Department of State's September 17, 2026 update, the published next-available B-1/B-2 interview estimate was 12.5 months in Islamabad and 7.5 months in Karachi. These are estimates, not guarantees, and appointment slots can be added or become available through rescheduling.WHEN TO APPLY:Apply as early as practical because interview availability can vary significantly. The U.S. Department of State recommends applying early because wait times vary by location, season, and visa category. Check the current appointment availability and official wait-time information before planning travel.
Application Method
Complete the DS-160 through the U.S. Department of
Validity Period
The interview appointment itself is valid only for the date and time shown in the appointment confir
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine which U.S. visa category you need.
- Confirm that you are applying as a Pakistani citizen or resident through the appropriate Pakistan process.
- Review the current U.S. Department of State visa instructions for your category.
- Open the official DS-160 application system for a nonimmigrant visa.
- Select Pakistan and the appropriate intended interview location when completing the DS-160.
- Start your DS-160 application.
- Save your DS-160 application ID.
- Complete the personal-information section accurately.
- Enter your passport information exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Provide your travel information accurately.
- Answer the security and background questions truthfully.
- Review the entire DS-160 before submission.
- Submit the DS-160 electronically.
- Save the DS-160 confirmation page and barcode.
- Check the current U.S. visa appointment instructions for Pakistan.
- Open the current appointment-scheduling system used for U.S. visas in Pakistan.
- Create an appointment profile if you do not already have one.
- Log into your existing profile if you already have an account.
- Enter the requested applicant information.
- Enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
- Select the appropriate visa category.
- Follow the current instructions for paying the visa application fee.
- For a B-1/B-2 application, verify the current US$185 application fee before payment.
- Complete the authorized payment process shown by the appointment system.
- Keep your payment receipt or confirmation information.
- Return to the appointment system after the payment is recognized.
- Select the available interview location applicable to your application.
- Review the appointment calendar.
- Select an available interview date.
- Select an available interview time.
- Confirm the appointment details carefully.
- Save or print the appointment confirmation.
- Check that your name and DS-160 information are correct.
- Review the current document instructions for your visa category.
- Prepare your passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
- Prepare evidence relevant to your stated purpose of travel.
- Check the appointment date and arrival instructions before travelling to the interview location.
- Attend the interview at the scheduled time.
- Follow embassy security instructions.
- Answer the consular officer's questions truthfully and clearly.
- Follow any instructions provided after the interview.
- If administrative processing is required, follow the official instructions provided by the consular section.
- Monitor your application or passport status using the official system where applicable.
- If you need an earlier appointment, check the official scheduling system periodically for newly released or cancelled slots.
- If you reschedule, make sure the old appointment is handled according to the system's instructions.
- Keep the latest appointment confirmation after any successful rescheduling.
- Do not rely on agents or unofficial websites for appointment availability.
- Do not pay a third party for a slot that is supposed to be booked through the official appointment system.
- Recheck the official U.S. Department of State information before attending if your appointment is scheduled far in advance.
- Attend the interview with the documents and information required for your particular visa category.
Official Information
Official Website: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/pk/en/
Contact: Use the current official U.S. visa appointment support and U.S. Embassy Pakistan contact channels published on the official visa and embassy websites. Contact details and support procedures can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete the DS-160, pay the applicable visa application fee through the current authorized process, use the U.S. visa appointment system for Pakistan, and select an available interview date and time.
Yes. The U.S. Department of State requires a completed DS-160 for nonimmigrant visa applications, and the confirmation information is used during the appointment process.
The DS-160 is completed online through the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center.
Use the current official U.S. visa appointment scheduling system designated for applicants in Pakistan.
You should complete and submit the DS-160 before proceeding with the appointment process.
For B-1/B-2 visitor visas, the current application processing fee is US$185. The fee is a visa application processing fee rather than a separate charge for the interview itself.
No. The U.S. Department of State describes the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee as non-refundable.
The appointment system shows the locations and appointment options available to applicants. Pakistan's U.S. visa issuing posts include the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for all visa categories and the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi for nonimmigrant visas.
The U.S. Department of State's current visa-issuing-post list identifies Islamabad and Karachi for Pakistan. Lahore is not listed as a U.S. visa-issuing post.
Islamabad is a U.S. visa-issuing post in Pakistan and handles all visa categories according to the Department of State's current listing.
Karachi is listed as a nonimmigrant visa issuing post for Pakistan.
It varies. On September 17, 2026, the Department of State listed a next-available B-1/B-2 interview estimate of 12.5 months in Islamabad and 7.5 months in Karachi. These figures can change and are not guarantees.
No. The Department of State says wait times vary by location, season, and visa category, and additional appointment slots are released regularly.
You may be able to move an existing appointment to an earlier available slot if one becomes available in the scheduling system.
The Department of State recommends checking regularly because embassies and consulates release additional appointment slots.
Rescheduling is possible according to the current appointment system's rules and available slots.
No. Earlier appointments depend on actual availability.
You can use the official appointment system yourself. If you use a private service provider, do not treat its service charge or claims about appointment availability as an official U.S. government requirement.
Avoid giving sensitive account credentials or documents to unverified third parties. Use the official appointment system and follow its current security instructions.
Commonly required items include your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation, and the documents applicable to your particular visa category.
The U.S. Department of State says applicants should print and retain the DS-160 barcode confirmation page for the interview.
The Department of State states that you need the DS-160 confirmation page rather than the full application.
Follow the current Pakistan-specific appointment instructions. The scheduling process requires recognition of the applicable visa fee payment before the appointment can be finalized.
Follow the current appointment system's sequence. Applicants generally need to complete the required payment process before finalizing the appointment.
Current Department of State guidance says nonimmigrant applicants should generally schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence, subject to the applicable exceptions and designated-post rules.
Current guidance generally directs nonimmigrant applicants to their country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can involve additional difficulties and non-refundable fees.
No. An appointment only schedules the interview. A consular officer determines whether the applicant qualifies for the visa.
Do not assume that you can freely change the DS-160 after scheduling. If information needs correction, follow the current official DS-160 and appointment instructions to avoid creating a mismatch.
A mismatch can cause problems at the appointment stage. Check your confirmation number carefully and follow the official appointment support instructions if a correction is required.
Check the official scheduling system periodically. Appointment slots can be added or released, and availability changes over time.
Emergency or expedited appointment procedures may exist for qualifying circumstances, but applicants must meet the applicable criteria and follow the official instructions.
No. An expedited request must be approved under the applicable procedure, and availability still determines the appointment.
Save the appointment confirmation, prepare the required documents, and attend the interview at the scheduled location and time.
The Department of State says ink-free digital fingerprint scans are generally taken as part of the visa application process, although the exact timing varies by location.
Applicants should be cautious about making non-refundable travel arrangements before the visa is issued because an interview appointment does not guarantee visa approval.
Yes. New slots can be released, and applicants may sometimes find an earlier appointment through the scheduling system.
The U.S. Department of State publishes global visa appointment wait-time information and updates it monthly.
The Department of State's September 17, 2026 update listed 12.5 months as the next available B-1/B-2 interview estimate for Islamabad. This can change.
The Department of State's September 17, 2026 update listed 7.5 months as the next available B-1/B-2 interview estimate for Karachi. This can change.
No. Wait times are reported separately by visa category. The September 17, 2026 data listed different estimates for F, M, and J categories.
Current Department of State guidance generally directs nonimmigrant applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants should follow the current Pakistan-specific instructions and available appointment options.
Follow the current appointment system's instructions for rescheduling or other available options. Do not simply assume that the appointment will automatically be restored.
Use the official appointment system to cancel or reschedule according to its current rules.
Yes. Keep the latest appointment confirmation because it records the date, time, and location of the scheduled interview.
Generally, applicants required to attend an interview must appear themselves. Limited exceptions may apply to specific interview-waiver or special categories.
Interviews are generally required, but limited exceptions and interview-waiver procedures can apply to eligible applicants.
Use the official U.S. visa appointment system, do not pay unofficial sellers for appointment slots, and verify information through U.S. government websites.