United States Work Visa for Pakistani Passport Holders
Fee Breakdown
Key Requirements
- ✓ US employer must sponsor and file H-1B petition with USCIS
- ✓ Pass H-1B lottery (cap is 65,000 + 20,000 for US master degree holders)
- ✓ Bachelor degree or equivalent in specialty occupation
- ✓ Job offer in specialty occupation (tech, engineering, medicine, etc.)
Documents Required
Step-by-Step Application Process
US employer submits H-1B petition to USCIS in April (lottery in March)
If selected, wait for USCIS approval (I-797)
Complete DS-160 and pay $190 MRV fee
Schedule and attend visa interview at US Embassy Islamabad
Receive H-1B visa stamp in passport and travel to USA
⚠️ Important Notes
The H-1B is the primary work visa for Pakistani professionals. IT and tech workers have the highest success rates. Consider L-1 or O-1 visas as alternatives if H-1B lottery is not favorable.
Common Rejection Reasons
- ✗ Not selected in H-1B lottery
- ✗ Job not qualifying as specialty occupation
- ✗ Educational qualifications not meeting requirements
- ✗ Employer not eligible to sponsor
Frequently Asked Questions
The US H-1B visa has an annual cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for US master degree holders). Due to high demand, USCIS uses a lottery system each March.
L-1 (intracompany transfer), O-1 (extraordinary ability), EB visas (employment-based green cards), and TN visas (for NAFTA countries) do not have lottery caps.
Your spouse and children under 21 can come on H-4 dependent visas. Spouses on H-4 may be eligible to apply for work authorization (EAD) in certain circumstances.
Ready to Apply?
Apply through the official portal. Always use official government/embassy websites.
Apply for United States Work Visa →