How to Move to the USA from Pakistan

How to Go to the USA from Pakistan

Introduction

If you are planning a trip from Pakistan to the USA. Then first you need to get the right visa and prepare for a new life in a different country. This article will help you with everything you need to know to make your move easy and successful.

Make sure your passport is valid and then apply for the visa. You should visit the US Embassy for an interview. In Pakistan, the US Embassy is located in Islamabad. You must visit there for some other details. If your visa is approved, then you have a chance to go the USA.

When you arrive in the USA, it’s important to understand the local culture and laws. Find a place to live and look into health insurance options. You might also need to open a bank account and get a local phone number.

U.S. Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

General Requirements (Applicable to All Visa Types)

• DS-160 Form: Fill out the online visa application form.
• Passport: Make sure you have a valid passport.
• Photo: Get a recent photo that is 2x2 inches.
• Visa Fee: Pay the visa application fee.
• Interview Appointment: Schedule an interview at the US Embassy or consulate.
• Supporting Documents: Gather any other documents you need to support your visa application.

Choosing the Right Visa

1. Visitor Visas and its Types:

If you’re planning a short trip to the USA, you’ll need a visitor visa (B-1/B-2). 

The B-1 visa is for people coming for business.

The B-2 visa is for tourists.

2. Student Visas and its Types:

For those who want to study in the USA, the F-1 visa is the most common choice. 

There are also M-1 visas for vocational studies and J-1 visas for exchange programs.

3. Work Visas and its Types:

If you’ve found a job in the USA, you’ll need a work visa. 

The H-1B visa is for jobs that require special skills, 

the L-1 visa is for people transferred within a company, 

the O-1 visa is for people with exceptional talents.

4. Immigrant Visas:

If you are planning to live permanently in the USA, you’ll need an immigrant visa. This includes visas for family members, people with certain jobs, and winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process has a few simple steps:

Filling Out the DS-160 Form

Before your visa appointment complete the DS-160 form online. Make sure all the information you provide is correct and honest.

Scheduling an Appointment

After submitting the DS-160 form, book an appointment at the US Embassy in Islamabad. Try to schedule this early because there is often a high demand for appointments.

Paying the Visa Fee

In the next step, you have to pay the visa fee. There are many types of Visas. The visa fee depends on the visa you are applying for. Pay the fee and keep the receipt, as you will need it for your visa interview.

Visa Types and their Fees

This table shows the main U.S. visa types for Pakistani citizens, their purposes, and fees in USD. It includes both temporary (non-immigrant) and permanent (immigrant) visas.

Visa Type	Purpose	Fee (USD)
Nonimmigrant Visas
B-1	Business activities	$185
B-2	Tourism/Visit	$185
F-1	Academic studies	$185 + SEVIS fee ($350)
M-1	Vocational studies	$185 + SEVIS fee ($350)
J-1	Exchange programs	$185 + SEVIS fee ($220)
H-1B	Specialty occupation	$190
L-1	Intra-company transfer	$190
O-1	Extraordinary ability	$190
Immigrant Visas
IR1/CR1	Spouse of U.S. citizen	$325 + $120
IR2/CR2	Child of U.S. citizen	$325
IR5	Parent of U.S. citizen	$325
F1	Unmarried son/daughter of U.S. citizen	$325
F2A	Spouse/child of permanent resident	$325
F2B	Unmarried son/daughter of permanent resident	$325
F3	Married son/daughter of U.S. citizen	$325
F4	Sibling of U.S. citizen	$325
EB-1	Extraordinary ability worker	$345
EB-2	Advanced degree professional	$345
EB-3	Skilled/professional worker	$345

Visa Interview

The visa interview is an important step in your application process. 

Important Documents

Bring these items with you:

• Your passport
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee receipt
• Any other papers like financial statements, acceptance letters from US schools, or job offers

Common Interview Questions

Here are some common interview questions. Be prepared to talk about these:

• Why are you visiting the USA?
• What are your plans to do there?
• How you pay for your stay?

Tips for a Good Interview

Follow these tips to impress your interviewer:

• Dress properly
• Be honest
• Give clear and short answers

After Your Visa is Approved

Once your visa is approved, you will get it in a few days. Here’s what to do next:

Getting Your Visa

Get your visa from the US Embassy. Check that all the details are correct and know the rules of your visa.

Getting Ready to Travel

Book your flight. Look for the best routes, layover times, and airlines. Direct flights cost more but can save you time and trouble.

Before You Leave

Getting ready and packing smartly make your trip easier:

What to pack

Bring clothes for the weather and how long you'll stay. Remember important papers, gadgets, and some local money.

Know U.S. Rules

Learn what you can bring to the USA. Avoid packing things that aren't allowed to speed up customs.

Stay Healthy and Safe

Have health insurance that works in the USA. Take any medicine you need and get the right shots before you go.

Traveling to the USA 

When traveling to the USA, must follow these tips :

Best Airlines

For the best travel experience, consider flying with reputable airlines such as: 

• Kuwait Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines

These airlines are known for their excellent service and amenities.

Airport:

Arrive early at the airport, drop off your bags, and go through security. Keep your travel papers nearby.

Tips for Flight :

Stay hydrated and try to sleep to avoid jet lag. Movies and games can make the flight more enjoyable.

Arrival Procedures:

When you land, look for signs of immigration. Show your documents to the immigration office, answer any questions if they ask, and pick up your bags carefully.

After Arriving  

Once you arrive:

Customs and Immigration: 

Expect more questions. Tell the truth about what you're bringing into the US, as required by their law.

Getting from the Airport:

After you leave the airport. Choose taxis, rideshares, or public transport. Look up what works best for where you're going.

Temporary Housing:

If you don't have any relatives in US, so book a hotel or apartment for rent. This gives you a base while you settle in and find something more permanent.

Adjusting in the USA

Adjusting to life in the USA involves a few important steps:

Cultural Differences: 

Now you are in a new country. Every country has its own traditions and culture. Learn and respect their local customs and how people interact.

Setting up a Bank Account:

In the US you always need a bank account. Pick a bank, open an account in it, and understand what kind of services they provide. This helps you manage your money easily.

Some popular Banks in the USA:

• 1. JPMorgan Chase  
• 2. Bank of America 
• 3. Wells Fargo 
• 4. Citibank 
• 5. U.S. Bank

Getting a SIM Card:

Now you need a sim card to use your phone in us. Choose a mobile phone company that provides good internet coverage and affordable plans. Staying in touch with people is important for your daily life.

Some Popular sim card in the USA:

• Lycamobile
• Verizon
• Mint Mobile
• Cricket Wireless
• Holafly

Job Opportunities

In the US finding a job is usually a top priority:

Strategies for Finding a Job

Use websites to find jobs, go to job fairs, and connect with professionals. Make your resume fit for US standards.

Work Environment in the USA

If you are new to the US, you have to learn about how to behave at work, like being on time, how to communicate, and why teamwork matters.

Job Finding 

Here are some popular websites for finding jobs in the USA:

• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• CareerBuilder
• Monster
• USAJOBS
• SimplyHired
• ZipRecruiter
• Dice
• Snagajob

Conclusion

In conclusion, moving from Pakistan to the USA is a big step that needs planning and preparation. Learn about the visa process, prepare for your journey, and adapt to life in a new country to make your move easier and more successful. Try it find new experiences and opportunities, and remember, every challenge brings you closer to your new life in the USA.

FAQs

Q: What are the common reasons for visa denial?

Ans: Common reasons include 

• incomplete applications
• lack of supporting documents

Q: How long does the visa process take?

Ans: The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of visa and the current backlog at the Embassy.

Q: What should I pack for my trip to the USA?

Ans: Pack according to the weather and duration of your stay. Include important documents, electronics, personal items, and some local currency.

Q: Can I work while studying in the USA?

Ans: Yes, students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during holidays.

Q: How can I extend my stay in the USA?

Ans: You can apply for an extension of stay through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your current visa expires.