This site never promises visa approval, an interview date, exact processing time, exact DQ-to-interview duration, an exact interview-letter date, or an exact visa issuance date.
Before the interview
After you receive a visa interview appointment, complete each step on the official U.S. Embassy Islamabad immigrant visa supplement. If you do not complete each step before the appointment, the consular section may require you to reschedule. Register online and select a document pick-up location as instructed on that page so the embassy has correct passport-return information.
Medical exam
As soon as you receive your appointment date, schedule a medical exam in Pakistan with an embassy-approved physician. Results from other physicians will not be accepted. If the doctor gives you a sealed envelope, do not open it. Bring it to the interview.
Documents
Complete the official pre-interview checklist. Failure to bring all required original documents will result in a denial of the visa application. In most cases, applicants must also upload and submit required and updated documents through CEAC before the interview. Typical items listed on the supplement include the NVC interview letter, an unexpired passport valid for six months after intended U.S. entry, photographs, birth certificates with translations and photocopies, medical results if provided in an envelope, and additional family, police, court, military, or employment documents if they apply.
Security
All visitors must follow embassy security procedures. Visitors who refuse screening cannot enter. You cannot bring cell phones, cameras, or other electronic equipment. All bags are searched. Bring only what is required.
Arrival
The U.S. Embassy is in the Diplomatic Enclave. All applicants must take a shuttle bus from 3rd Avenue, Quaid-e-Azam University Road, Islamabad. The supplement states the shuttle fee is approximately 1500 Pakistani Rupees for a two-way trip, charged by a private company and subject to change.
Who may accompany you
Anyone whose name is not listed on the visa appointment letter will not be allowed to enter. Petitioners are not required to attend. Due to limited space, the embassy cannot accommodate petitioners or attorneys in the waiting room or at interviews, except one interpreter if needed, or one person to help an elderly, disabled, or minor applicant.
Interview
Consular officers can only decide after reviewing the formal application and interviewing the applicant. There is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Do not sell your house, car, or property, resign from your job, or make non-refundable travel arrangements until you receive your immigrant visa.
Possible administrative processing
If more documents are needed, the officer will give a refusal letter with instructions. Administrative processing takes additional time after the interview and varies based on each case. If you must send documents later, follow the officer’s instructions; do not mail documents directly to the embassy unless those instructions say to.
Passport return and visa issuance
If a visa is approved, the embassy keeps the passport while it prepares the immigration packet and prints the visa. Passports are returned by courier only. Review the visa for spelling errors. If you receive a sealed envelope, do not open it and do not put it in checked luggage.
After visa approval
Enter the United States before the visa expires, usually six months from the print date. The principal applicant must enter before or at the same time as other family members with visas. Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before travel if it applies. Your Permanent Resident Card is mailed to the U.S. address on the visa application.
