What Is the US Visa Fee for Pakistani Citizens?
What Is the US Visa Fee for Pakistani Citizens?
If you are a Pakistani citizen planning to apply for a U.S. visa, one of the first costs you will need to understand is the visa application fee. The amount depends on the type of U.S. visa you are applying for, so there is no single fee that applies to every visa category.
For the most common short-term travel categories, including the B-1 business visitor visa, B-2 tourist or visitor visa, and combined B-1/B-2 visa, the current U.S. Department of State application processing fee is US$185. This is a non-refundable application processing fee.
For Pakistani nationals, there is an important additional point: the U.S. Department of State maintains a country-specific reciprocity schedule. The current Pakistan schedule lists no additional visa issuance fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas.
That means a Pakistani applicant applying for a standard B-1/B-2 visitor visa generally needs to account for the US$185 application processing fee, while also understanding that other personal expenses associated with the application and trip are separate.
Current US Visa Fee for Pakistani Citizens
The U.S. visa fee is officially determined according to the visa category. The U.S. Department of State currently lists the following major nonimmigrant application processing fees:
| Visa category | Current application processing fee |
|---|---|
| B-1 Business Visitor | US$185 |
| B-2 Tourist/Visitor | US$185 |
| B-1/B-2 Visitor | US$185 |
| F Student | US$185 |
| M Vocational Student | US$185 |
| J Exchange Visitor | US$185 in standard fee-paying cases |
| H Temporary Worker | US$205 |
| L Intracompany Transferee | US$205 |
| O Extraordinary Ability | US$205 |
| P Athlete/Artist/Entertainer | US$205 |
| Q Cultural Exchange | US$205 |
| R Religious Worker | US$205 |
| E Treaty Trader/Investor | US$315 |
| K Fiancé(e)/Spouse of U.S. Citizen | US$265 |
These are application processing fees, and different visa categories can have additional charges or exemptions.
For someone asking specifically about a U.S. tourist or visitor visa from Pakistan, the key figure is US$185.
Is the US Tourist Visa Fee $185 for Pakistanis?
Yes. The standard B-2 visitor visa is currently included in the US$185 non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa application fee.
The same US$185 application fee applies to the B-1/B-2 category, which is commonly used by applicants whose intended travel may include business activities, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or other activities permitted under the visitor visa rules.
The fee is paid as part of the visa application process. It is not a payment that guarantees an interview outcome or visa approval.
Is There a Separate Reciprocity Fee for Pakistani Citizens?
The United States has a reciprocity system under which some foreign nationals may have to pay a separate visa issuance fee after approval.
This is different from the initial visa application processing fee.
For Pakistan, the current U.S. Department of State reciprocity schedule lists the fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas as None.
Therefore, Pakistani applicants for these visitor visa categories should distinguish between:
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The US$185 application processing fee
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Any possible visa issuance or reciprocity fee
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Private service-provider charges
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Travel expenses
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Document-related expenses
For B-1/B-2 applicants from Pakistan, the current reciprocity table does not list an additional issuance fee.
What Does the $185 US Visa Fee Cover?
The US$185 amount is the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee.
It is associated with processing the visa application. It should not be confused with the overall cost of travelling to the United States.
For example, paying US$185 does not mean that the applicant has also paid for:
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Airfare
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Hotel accommodation
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Travel insurance
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Local transportation
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Food
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Passport services
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Photographs
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Translation
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Private document preparation
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Immigration consultant services
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Travel-agent services
Those expenses, when applicable, are separate.
Is the US Visa Fee Refundable?
The U.S. Department of State identifies the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee as non-refundable.
This is important because an applicant should not treat the fee as a refundable deposit.
If an applicant is refused a visa, the application processing fee is not normally returned.
Applicants should therefore make sure they understand the correct visa category and current application instructions before making payment.
Does Paying the US Visa Fee Guarantee Approval?
No.
The visa fee is a processing charge. It does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Visa applicants must still satisfy the requirements applicable to their visa category. For visitor visas, the applicant's purpose of travel and individual circumstances are considered during the application process.
Payment of the fee should therefore not be described as buying or securing a visa.
US Visa Fee in Pakistani Rupees
The official U.S. Department of State fee schedule publishes the standard nonimmigrant application fee in U.S. dollars.
Applicants in Pakistan may encounter a local-currency payment amount through the authorized payment process used for visa applications. The actual Pakistani-rupee amount can depend on the applicable payment instructions and exchange-rate arrangements.
For this reason, it is better not to rely on an old fixed rupee figure found on a blog or social media post.
If you are preparing an application, check the current payment instructions for applicants in Pakistan before making the payment.
Does the US Visa Fee Change?
Visa fees can change.
The U.S. Department of State maintains the official fee schedule, so applicants should verify the current amount before paying.
This is especially important if you are using an older guide, social media post, travel-agent quotation, or saved information from a previous application.
A fee that was correct several years ago may not necessarily be the current fee.
US Visa Fee vs. Agent Fee
Pakistani applicants sometimes see advertisements for packages that combine visa assistance with other services.
A private company or agent may charge for services such as:
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Form-filling assistance
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Document organization
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Appointment assistance
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Translation
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Travel consultation
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Interview preparation
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Courier handling
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Other optional services
Such charges should not be confused with the U.S. government's visa application fee.
If an agent quotes a package price, ask for a clear breakdown showing which amount is the official visa fee and which amount is the company's own service charge.
A private package price is not automatically an official U.S. government requirement.
Is There a Required Bank Balance Because the Visa Fee Is $185?
No.
The US$185 visa application fee should not be confused with a bank-balance requirement.
The application fee is simply the fee charged for processing the applicable nonimmigrant visa application.
A Pakistani applicant should therefore not assume that paying US$185 means that a particular bank balance is officially required.
Financial circumstances can still be relevant to an individual visitor visa application, particularly when an applicant needs to demonstrate how a proposed trip can be supported. However, that is different from saying that the U.S. government has established a universal bank-balance amount equal to, or directly linked to, the visa fee.
Does a US Tourist Visa Have a Separate Issuance Fee for Pakistanis?
The current Pakistan reciprocity schedule lists no issuance fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas.
This means applicants should not automatically add a separate reciprocity fee to the US$185 application fee for these visitor categories.
However, applicants should always check the current official reciprocity schedule because fees and country-specific rules can change.
How Long Is a US Visa Valid for Pakistani Citizens?
Visa validity is a separate issue from the application fee.
The current U.S. Department of State reciprocity schedule for Pakistan lists B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas with:
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Multiple entries
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60-month validity
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No reciprocity fee
A 60-month visa validity period does not mean that the holder can remain in the United States continuously for five years.
Visa validity generally concerns the period during which the visa can be used for travel to request admission. The authorized period of stay after entry is a separate matter.
Other US Visa Fees for Pakistani Applicants
Not every Pakistani applicant is applying for a tourist visa.
The U.S. Department of State currently lists different application fees for different nonimmigrant categories.
Petition-Based Nonimmigrant Visas
Many petition-based categories, including H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories, have a current application processing fee of US$205.
Additional fees can apply in certain cases.
For example, some L visa applications can involve separate fraud-prevention or other statutory charges depending on the circumstances.
Applicants should therefore avoid calculating the total cost of an employment-related visa simply by adding US$205.
E Visa
The current U.S. Department of State fee schedule lists US$315 for E treaty trader/investor and certain related categories.
The eligibility and nationality requirements for E visas are different from those for ordinary visitor visas.
K Visa
The current application processing fee listed for K fiancé(e) or spouse categories is US$265.
This is a different visa category and should not be confused with the B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Immigrant Visas
Immigrant visa fees are separate from nonimmigrant visa fees.
For example, the Department of State currently lists different fees for family-based and employment-based immigrant visa applications.
Therefore, someone applying for permanent immigration should not use the US$185 B-1/B-2 figure to estimate the immigrant visa application cost.
What Additional Costs Might a Pakistani Applicant Have?
The official visa application fee is only one possible cost associated with the overall application and travel process.
Depending on the individual situation, an applicant may have other expenses.
These can include:
Passport-Related Expenses
If you need to obtain or renew a passport, the relevant passport fee is separate from the U.S. visa fee.
Photographs
A photograph may be required in certain circumstances, including where the online photo submission does not meet the applicable requirements.
Any photographer's charge is separate from the visa fee.
Translation
If documents need translation for a particular purpose, translation charges are separate.
Travel to the Interview
An applicant travelling from another city may have transportation, accommodation, and food expenses.
These are personal travel costs rather than U.S. visa fees.
Optional Professional Assistance
Applicants who choose to use an agent, consultant, lawyer, or other private service provider may pay a separate professional fee.
Using such a service is not the same as paying the official government application fee.
Should You Use an Agent to Apply for a US Visa?
There is no need to treat a private agent's package price as the official U.S. visa fee.
Applicants should carefully distinguish between government charges and private services.
If you use a private service provider, ask:
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How much is the official U.S. visa application fee?
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How much is the company's service fee?
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Are taxes included?
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Are courier charges included?
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Are photographs included?
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Are translation charges included?
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Are refunds available for the private service?
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What happens if the visa application is refused?
Getting these details in writing can help prevent confusion about the total cost.
How to Check the Current US Visa Fee
The safest way to check the fee is to use the U.S. Department of State's current visa-fee information.
You should also check the current instructions applicable to applicants in Pakistan before making payment.
Avoid relying solely on:
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Old YouTube videos
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Facebook posts
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WhatsApp messages
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Unverified websites
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Old screenshots
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Travel-agent advertisements
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Previous applicants' experiences
Visa fees and application procedures can change.
Important Difference Between Visa Fee and Visa Validity
Applicants sometimes assume that a higher fee means a longer visa.
That is not how the system should be understood.
The application fee is a charge associated with processing the visa application. Visa validity is determined according to the visa category and applicable rules.
For Pakistani B-1/B-2 applicants, the current reciprocity schedule lists 60-month validity and multiple entries, but this does not mean that every applicant will necessarily receive a visa or that every trip will be permitted for five years.
Important Difference Between Visa Validity and Length of Stay
This distinction is especially important for first-time applicants.
A visa allows a traveller to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission during the visa's validity period. It does not itself establish the length of every stay.
The period of admission is determined separately when the traveller enters the United States.
Therefore:
Visa validity ≠ authorized length of stay.
A Pakistani citizen should not interpret a 60-month B-1/B-2 visa validity period as permission to live in the United States for 60 months.
Final Points for Pakistani Applicants
For the standard U.S. visitor visa, the most important fee figure is straightforward: the current application processing fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visas is US$185.
For Pakistani nationals, the current reciprocity schedule lists no additional issuance fee for these visitor visa categories.
However, the actual cost of pursuing a U.S. trip can be higher because applicants may have separate expenses for passports, photographs, transportation, accommodation, document preparation, translations, or optional private services.
The US$185 payment also does not guarantee approval and should not be treated as a bank-balance requirement.
Before submitting an application or making payment, check the latest U.S. Department of State fee schedule and the current visa instructions applicable to Pakistan. This is particularly important because government fees and procedures can change.
The most useful approach is to separate the costs into three groups:
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Official U.S. visa application fee
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Any applicable official additional or issuance fee
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Personal or optional third-party expenses
For a Pakistani citizen applying for a standard B-1/B-2 visitor visa under the current published fee schedule, the first category is US$185, while the current Pakistan reciprocity table lists no additional issuance fee for that category.
Guide Information
Eligibility
Pakistani citizens applying for a U.S. visa must meet the requirements of the specific visa category. The visa application fee generally applies to applicants in the relevant fee-paying category. For B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, the current nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is US$185. Eligibility and supporting requirements depend on the purpose of travel and the applicant's circumstances.
Required Documents
For a U.S. visitor visa application, applicants generally need a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee payment information or receipt as applicable, and a photograph if the online photo submission does not meet the applicable requirements. Additional documents may be appropriate depending on the applicant and purpose of travel. Applicants should follow the current instructions for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they apply.
Fees
For most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, the current U.S. Department of State application processing fee is US$185 and is non-refundable. Pakistan's current reciprocity table lists no additional visa issuance fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas. Other visa categories have different application fees, including US$205 for many petition-based categories, US$315 for E visas, and US$265 for K visas. Additional costs such as travel, document preparation, photographs, courier services, or optional assistance are separate from the government visa application fee.
Processing Time
Visa processing time varies by visa category, location, appointment availability, administrative processing, and individual circumstances. The US$185 application fee does not guarantee visa approval or a particular processing time.WHEN TO APPLY:Applicants should apply sufficiently early to allow time for the DS-160, fee payment, interview scheduling, and any additional processing. Exact appointment availability and processing conditions can change, so applicants should check the current official U.S. visa information before applying.
Application Method
Complete the appropriate U.S. visa application pro
Validity Period
For Pakistani nationals, the current U.S. Department of State reciprocity table lists B-1, B-2, and
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify the correct U.S. visa category for your intended travel.
- Confirm whether you need a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa.
- For tourism or ordinary short-term business travel, review the B-1/B-2 visitor visa requirements.
- Check the current U.S. Department of State visa fee information.
- Confirm the application fee for your specific visa category.
- For a standard B-1/B-2 application, note that the current application processing fee is US$185.
- Understand that the application processing fee is generally non-refundable.
- Check whether your nationality has a separate reciprocity or visa issuance fee.
- For Pakistani B-1/B-2 applicants, check the current reciprocity table.
- Confirm that the current Pakistan reciprocity table lists no issuance fee for B-1/B-2.
- Prepare the information needed for Form DS-160.
- Complete the DS-160 accurately.
- Review every answer before submitting the DS-160.
- Submit the DS-160 electronically.
- Save and print or retain the DS-160 confirmation information as instructed.
- Follow the current Pakistan-specific U.S. visa appointment instructions.
- Create or use the required visa appointment profile if the current process requires one.
- Select the appropriate visa category.
- Follow the current instructions for paying the visa application fee.
- Pay the required US$185 fee for a B-1/B-2 application when that fee applies.
- Retain proof of fee payment.
- Follow the instructions for scheduling the visa interview.
- Select an available appointment according to the current system.
- Check the interview location and appointment details carefully.
- Prepare your passport and DS-160 confirmation information.
- Prepare documents relevant to the purpose of your proposed trip.
- Prepare evidence that accurately explains your circumstances if requested.
- Attend the scheduled visa interview.
- Answer the consular officer's questions truthfully and directly.
- Follow any additional instructions given after the interview.
- If administrative processing is required, follow the official instructions provided.
- Check the official status information when appropriate.
- If the visa is approved, follow the instructions concerning passport return and visa issuance.
- Check the issued visa carefully for errors.
- Remember that visa validity is not the same as authorized length of stay in the United States.
Official Information
Official Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
Contact: Use the current contact and application instructions published by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate responsible for the application and the official U.S. visa information portals. Contact details can change and should be checked directly on official sources before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
For B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visitor visas, the current nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is US$185.
The U.S. Department of State identifies the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee as non-refundable.
Yes. The B-2 tourist visa and B-1/B-2 visitor visa fall within the current US$185 non-petition-based nonimmigrant application fee category.
The standard application processing fee is based primarily on the visa category. Pakistani applicants should also check the Pakistan reciprocity table for any separate issuance fee.
The current Pakistan reciprocity table lists no reciprocity or visa issuance fee for B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas.
No. Paying the application fee does not guarantee that a visa will be approved.
The US$185 is the visa application processing fee associated with the applicable nonimmigrant visa application. Applicants must separately follow the current interview scheduling instructions.
Fee requirements depend on the visa category and applicable exemptions. Applicants should check the current official fee rules for each applicant.
The U.S. Department of State publishes the fee in U.S. dollars, while the actual payment procedure and applicable local-currency amount can depend on the authorized payment system used for applicants in Pakistan.
Yes. Visa fees can be changed by the U.S. government, so applicants should verify the current amount before payment.
A B-1 business visitor visa is currently within the US$185 non-petition-based nonimmigrant application fee category.
The current application processing fee for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is US$185.
Both B-1 and B-2 are currently covered by the US$185 non-petition-based nonimmigrant application processing fee.
The current Pakistan reciprocity table lists no issuance fee for B-2 visas.
No. Airfare, accommodation, transportation, insurance, and other travel expenses are separate.
No. Any agent or private service-provider charge is separate from the U.S. government application fee.
No. Costs for optional document preparation, translation, photographs, or other private services may be separate.
No. Different visa categories have different application processing fees.
Many petition-based nonimmigrant visa categories currently have a US$205 application processing fee, although additional fees can apply depending on the category and circumstances.
The U.S. Department of State currently lists a US$315 application processing fee for E visa categories covered by its fee schedule.
The U.S. Department of State currently lists a US$265 application processing fee for K visa categories.
No. Immigrant visa application fees are separate from nonimmigrant visitor visa fees.
No. Any reciprocity fee depends on the specific visa classification and the applicable Pakistan reciprocity schedule.
The current Pakistan reciprocity table lists B-1, B-2, and B-1/B-2 visas with a 60-month validity period and multiple entries when issued under the listed conditions.
No. Visa validity determines the period during which the visa can generally be used for travel. The authorized length of each stay is determined separately.
No. The application fee is a processing charge and should not be treated as a bank-balance requirement.
No. The US$185 fee itself does not establish a specific bank-balance requirement.
The nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is non-refundable, including when an application is refused.
Applicants should follow the current official application sequence and payment instructions applicable to Pakistan rather than relying on older procedures.
The U.S. Department of State's official Fees for Visa Services page provides the current published fee schedule.
The U.S. Department of State's Pakistan Reciprocity and Civil Documents page provides the applicable visa classification, fee, entries, and validity information.
The published application fee is set by the U.S. Department of State, while the local payment process may display the applicable amount in accordance with the authorized payment system.
The applicable fee depends on the visa category and any relevant exemptions or additional fees.
Yes. Applicants should check the current official U.S. Department of State and applicable Pakistan-specific visa instructions before making payment.