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This website provides general informational guidance and publicly available visa-processing information. It is not a law firm, immigration attorney, U.S. government website, U.S. Embassy website, USCIS website, NVC website, or Government of Pakistan website.
Family preference
A guided page for this category only. This is not legal advice and not a decision on your case.
Step 1
F4 is the fourth family-sponsored preference: brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens. The Visa Bulletin describes F4 as brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens, and Department of State family-immigration guidance states U.S. citizens can file for a brother or sister.
Siblings of a U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years of age. Preference immigrants may have accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children under official rules. F4 is numerically limited and often has a long visa-bulletin wait. This site does not predict when a priority date will become current.
Step 2
A qualifying petitioner generally files an immigrant visa petition with USCIS (commonly Form I-130 for family cases). If USCIS approves the petition, it transfers the case to the National Visa Center for pre-processing. The applicant then pays fees, submits Form DS-260, and uploads civil and financial documents. After NVC finds the case documentarily complete, it works with Embassy Islamabad on interview scheduling. After the interview, a consular officer may issue a visa, refuse the application, request more documents, or place the case in administrative processing.
Civil documents for Pakistan are described on the Department of State Reciprocity Schedule. Typical items can include a birth registration certificate or accepted alternate civil evidence, marriage or divorce records if applicable, a police character certificate for applicants older than 16, a valid passport, photographs, and financial documents such as Form I-864 when required. English translations are required for documents not in English. Always confirm the current list on official NVC/CEAC instructions and the Islamabad immigrant visa supplement.
Family-based immigrant visa files have different people. Documents below are grouped by who prepares or submits them. This is general information, not a case checklist.
A joint sponsor is used only when required to meet Affidavit of Support rules. Many cases have no joint sponsor. This site does not publish poverty-guideline numbers or fee amounts. Verify current Form I-864 instructions.
1. Petition Filed
Most family-based immigrant visa cases begin when a qualifying petitioner files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Family cases commonly use Form I-130.
Documents at this step
Documents the petitioner / sponsor submits
Form I-130 Petition Evidence
Petitioner / sponsorThe U.S. petitioner files Form I-130 to start most family-based cases. Use the current USCIS form instructions for relationship evidence. This site does not invent an evidence list.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or LPR Status (Petitioner / Sponsor)
Petitioner / sponsorUSCIS Form I-130 instructions require the petitioner to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. Confirm the current acceptable documents on the official Form I-130 instructions. This site does not invent a status-evidence checklist.
Step 3
Family preference categories are numerically limited. A visa is generally available only when the applicant’s priority date is earlier than the cutoff date in the Visa Bulletin, and NVC still cannot predict an interview date even after a case is documentarily complete. This site does not publish an exact wait.
The National Visa Center (NVC) reviews paid fees, the immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support materials, and supporting documents. If NVC determines those items have been submitted, it sends a message that the case is documentarily complete. NVC then works with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule an interview. NVC cannot predict when an interview will be scheduled.
Official Islamabad DQ scheduling — Family preference
October 2024
NVC is scheduling most interviews for documentarily complete cases in this group from that month. Appointment notices are sent when those interviews are scheduled. This is not a personal interview date.
IV Scheduling Status Tool — Islamabad
Official page last updated: July 2026
Not a personal interview date. Not a guarantee.
Previous official update (April 2026): September 2023.
Historical/estimated timeline — not a guarantee. The official tool above is scheduling status, not a guaranteed wait.
Step 4
F4 is one of the most closely watched Visa Bulletin categories. Review the latest official bulletin. This website does not forecast future movement.
The priority date is central for F4. Compare it with the official Visa Bulletin Final Action Date for F4 in the applicable chargeability column. Do not assume a documentarily complete case will be interviewed before a visa number is available.
Latest stored bulletin: August 2026. Pakistan generally uses All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed.
| Chart | Category | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dates for Filing | F4 | June 2010 |
| Final Action Dates | F4 | September 2009 |
Step 6
Immigrant visa interviews for Pakistan are conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. After an appointment is scheduled, applicants must complete embassy instructions, including a medical exam with an embassy-approved physician, before attending the interview. A consular officer decides the case after reviewing the application and interviewing the applicant. Visa issuance is never guaranteed.
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.
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.
Step 7
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.
Wrong category? Choose a different category.
Petitioner Relationship Evidence (I-130)
Petitioner / sponsorThe petitioner must submit relationship evidence matching the I-130 category (for example marriage evidence for a spouse petition, or birth evidence for a parent or child petition). Use only the evidence listed in the current USCIS Form I-130 instructions.
Divorce Registration Certificate
Petitioner / sponsorIf the petitioner was previously married, USCIS Form I-130 instructions require evidence that the prior marriage ended (for example a divorce or death certificate). Confirm the current official instructions. This site does not invent filing rules.
2. Petition Approved
If USCIS approves the petition, it issues an approval notice and, for consular processing, transfers the approved petition toward Department of State processing.
3. Case Sent to NVC
After USCIS approves a petition for consular processing, it transfers the case to the Department of State’s National Visa Center for pre-processing.
4. NVC Welcome Letter
After creating a case, NVC sends a Welcome Letter by email or physical mail. That letter includes the information needed to log in to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
NVC Welcome Letter / CEAC Access
BeneficiaryNVC’s Welcome Letter is used to access CEAC. This website never collects NVC case numbers, invoice IDs, or CEAC passwords.
5. Pay Fees
NVC requires applicable immigrant visa fees to be paid before it reviews a case for interview scheduling. Fee types and amounts are set by the U.S. government and can change.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
NVC Welcome Letter / CEAC Access
BeneficiaryPay applicable immigrant visa fees only through the official CEAC/NVC process described in NVC instructions. Confirm current amounts on official Department of State fee pages. This site does not list fee amounts.
6. Submit DS-260
Immigrant visa applicants complete Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, through CEAC.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
DS-260 Confirmation Page
BeneficiaryAfter submitting DS-260 in CEAC, print or save the confirmation page. The Islamabad supplement later lists that page among medical-exam items.
7. Submit Civil Documents
Applicants upload required civil documents to NVC through CEAC. The Department of State publishes country-specific guidance on which civil documents exist and which authorities issue them.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
Birth Registration Certificate
BeneficiaryThe Department of State names Pakistan’s Birth Registration Certificate as the birth civil document. NVC collects civil birth evidence through CEAC.
Family Registration Certificate (FRC)
BeneficiaryThe Department of State lists FRC as an alternate document that Pakistanis may use in lieu of a birth registration certificate, along with a CRC / B-form. It is not described as required for every applicant.
Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC)
BeneficiaryOfficial reciprocity guidance names the Marriage Registration Certificate for Pakistan. Collect it if you are married and CEAC/embassy instructions ask for marriage evidence.
Nikah Nama
BeneficiaryFor Muslim marriages, the Nikah Nama is the underlying contract used to obtain the Marriage Registration Certificate. Confirm what the current NVC list requests.
Divorce Registration Certificate
BeneficiaryIf you were previously married, official reciprocity and embassy guidance discuss a Divorce Registration Certificate as the Pakistan divorce civil document.
Police Character Certificate
BeneficiaryThe Islamabad supplement requires an original Pakistan police certificate if you are older than 16, plus certificates from other countries where you have lived, with additional rules if a previously submitted certificate is more than one year old.
Passport
BeneficiaryPakistani passports are issued by the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports. NVC and the embassy later require an unexpired passport meeting the official validity rule.
English Translations
BeneficiaryNVC and the embassy require English translations of documents that are not in English. Upload readable scans in CEAC and keep originals for the interview.
8. Submit Financial Documents
Many family-based immigrant visa applicants must submit an Affidavit of Support and supporting financial evidence so NVC can review whether the sponsor meets public-charge related documentary requirements.
Documents at this step
Documents the petitioner / sponsor submits
Financial Documents / Affidavit of Support
Petitioner / sponsorThe petitioner is usually also the financial sponsor. NVC collects Affidavit of Support documents, commonly Form I-864, before many family-based cases can become documentarily complete. Follow the forms listed in CEAC and current USCIS I-864 instructions. This site does not invent income thresholds.
Sponsor Tax Evidence (returns / W-2s / IRS transcripts)
Petitioner / sponsorWith Form I-864, the petitioner/sponsor uploads tax evidence required by current USCIS Form I-864 and NVC instructions (for example federal tax returns, W-2s, or IRS transcripts). Confirm the current official list. This site does not invent tax-year rules.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or LPR Status (Petitioner / Sponsor)
Petitioner / sponsorNVC Affidavit of Support review and the Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist require proof of the sponsor’s legal status in the United States. The petitioner who is also the financial sponsor includes that proof with the I-864 packet.
Sponsor Proof of U.S. Domicile
Petitioner / sponsorForm I-864 requires evidence of the sponsor’s U.S. domicile. The Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist also lists proof of domicile. Follow current USCIS Form I-864 instructions; this site does not invent a domicile checklist.
Documents a joint sponsor submits if a joint sponsor is used
Only if this person is used in the case. Many family cases never need this group. Verify current official I-864 instructions.
Financial Documents / Affidavit of Support
Joint sponsor — if neededA joint sponsor is used only when required so Affidavit of Support rules can be met. That person files a separate Form I-864. Official Embassy Islamabad instructions require the appropriate Form I-864 for each financial sponsor, related W-2s, and proof of that sponsor’s legal status and domicile. Many cases have no joint sponsor. Confirm current USCIS I-864 instructions. This site does not invent income thresholds.
Sponsor Tax Evidence (returns / W-2s / IRS transcripts)
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, that person also submits the tax evidence required by current USCIS Form I-864 and NVC instructions for their own Form I-864. Many cases have no joint sponsor.
Documents a household member submits if a household member’s income is used
Only if this person is used in the case. Many family cases never need this group. Verify current official I-864 instructions.
Form I-864A (Household Member)
Household member — if usedForm I-864A is used only when a household member’s income or assets are counted under current USCIS I-864 instructions. Many cases do not use this form. Follow official I-864 and I-864A instructions. This site does not invent income thresholds.
9. Documentarily Qualified (DQ)
If NVC determines the applicant has paid the necessary fees and submitted the required immigrant visa application, Affidavit of Support, and supporting documents, NVC sends a message that the case is documentarily complete. Applicants and communities often call this Documentarily Qualified or DQ. NVC then works with the embassy to schedule an appointment. NVC cannot predict when the interview will be scheduled.
10. Wait for Interview Scheduling
NVC schedules interviews based on appointment dates the embassy provides. Official guidance states NVC fills appointments in a first-in, first-out manner for documentarily complete cases, and that a preference-category applicant also needs a current priority date.
11. Interview Appointment Notice
When an interview is scheduled, NVC sends the applicant, petitioner, and agent/attorney (if applicable) an email with the appointment date and time. In applicant communities this notice is often called an Interview Letter (IL). That community nickname is not a substitute for the official NVC appointment email and embassy instructions.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
NVC Interview Appointment Notice
BeneficiaryNVC emails the appointment date and time. The Islamabad supplement says to complete pre-interview steps after you receive that notice, including scheduling the medical exam.
12. Medical Examination
All immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, must have a medical examination before a visa can be issued. Only a physician approved by the U.S. Embassy can perform it. The Islamabad supplement instructs applicants to schedule the exam as soon as they receive an appointment date.
Official Islamabad supplement: schedule the medical exam as soon as you receive your appointment date, before the interview. The exam comes after the interview appointment notice and before you attend the embassy interview.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
NVC Interview Appointment Notice
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: bring your visa interview letter. Schedule the exam as soon as you receive your appointment date, and complete it before the interview.
Passport
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: bring your passport.
Photographs
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: six recently taken passport-sized color photographs.
Vaccination Records
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: a copy of your immunization records.
Medical History Records
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: medical records and test results for any major illnesses or surgeries you had or for which you are currently receiving treatment.
DS-260 Confirmation Page
BeneficiaryOfficial Islamabad medical-exam list: DS-260 confirmation page.
Approved panel physicians
Only physicians listed on the official Islamabad supplement can perform the exam. Use each center’s website to check current booking information.
Islamabad
House No. 1, Street 16, F-6/3, Islamabad
Phone: 051-287-3191 or 051-287-3192
Email: info@amcpk.com
Clinic hours listed on the official supplement: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Fax: 051-287-3193.
Schedule only with a physician listed on the current U.S. Embassy Islamabad immigrant visa supplement. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician. For information and online appointment, visit www.amcpk.com.
Appointment window
Appointment availability currently unpublished on the official page. Check the center’s website.
Official Source www.amcpk.com · Last verified August 2026
Islamabad
Ground Floor, IDC, Pakland Square Plaza, G-8 Markaz, Islamabad, 44000
Phone: 051 111 466 472
Email: mhdislamabad@iom.int
Working hours listed on the official supplement: Monday to Thursday 08:00 AM – 04:45 PM; Friday 08:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
Schedule only with a physician listed on the current U.S. Embassy Islamabad immigrant visa supplement. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician. For information and online appointment, email mhdislamabad@iom.int or use the contact details on the official supplement.
13. Interview at U.S. Embassy Islamabad
A consular officer reviews the formal application and interviews the applicant. The Embassy supplement states there is no guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
NVC Interview Appointment Notice
BeneficiaryOfficial pre-interview checklist: a copy of your NVC interview letter (does not apply to fiancé, adoptive, or asylee/refugee applicants).
Passport
BeneficiaryOfficial pre-interview checklist: unexpired passport valid for six months after the date you plan to enter the United States, plus a photocopy of the biographic page.
Photographs
BeneficiaryOfficial pre-interview checklist: two recent photographs of every person applying for a visa (5 cm x 5 cm). Review the official photo requirements.
Birth Registration Certificate
BeneficiaryOfficial pre-interview checklist: original birth certificate with an English translation and photocopies. Also bring original or certified birth certificates for all the principal applicant’s children even if they are not traveling.
English Translations
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist items that are not in English need a complete English translation, brought with the original and photocopies.
Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC)
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist: if you are married, bring your original marriage certificate with an English translation and a photocopy.
Divorce Registration Certificate
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist: if you were previously married, bring your original divorce or spouse’s death certificate with an English translation and a photocopy.
Death Certificate
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist lists a spouse’s death certificate as the alternative to a divorce certificate for previously married applicants.
Police Character Certificate
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist: if you are older than 16, an original police certificate is required from Pakistan, plus an original police certificate from every country where you have lived, with extra rules if a certificate submitted to NVC is more than one year old.
Court Documents
BeneficiaryOfficial checklist: if you have ever been convicted of a crime, bring original or certified court and criminal records, English translations, and photocopies.
Documents the petitioner / sponsor submits
Financial Documents / Affidavit of Support
Petitioner / sponsorFor family-based applications, the official checklist requires the appropriate Form I-864 for each financial sponsor, related W-2s, and proof of the sponsor’s legal status and domicile in the United States. The petitioner is usually that sponsor.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or LPR Status (Petitioner / Sponsor)
Petitioner / sponsorOfficial Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist: bring proof of the financial sponsor’s legal status in the United States with the Form I-864 packet. The petitioner is usually that sponsor.
Documents a joint sponsor submits if a joint sponsor is used
Only if this person is used in the case. Many family cases never need this group. Verify current official I-864 instructions.
Financial Documents / Affidavit of Support
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, the official family-based checklist requires the appropriate Form I-864 for each financial sponsor, related W-2s, and proof of that sponsor’s legal status and domicile in the United States. Many cases have no joint sponsor.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or LPR Status (Petitioner / Sponsor)
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, the official family-based checklist requires proof of that sponsor’s legal status in the United States with their Form I-864 packet.
Documents a household member submits if a household member’s income is used
Only if this person is used in the case. Many family cases never need this group. Verify current official I-864 instructions.
Form I-864A (Household Member)
Household member — if usedBring Form I-864A only if a household member’s income or assets were used under current USCIS I-864 instructions. Confirm the current official form and embassy checklist. Many cases do not use this form.
14. Administrative Processing if Applicable
Sometimes a consular officer cannot decide immediately because additional documents are needed or the case requires more administrative processing. The Embassy supplement states administrative processing takes additional time after the interview and varies based on the circumstances of each case.
15. Visa Issuance
If a visa is approved, the embassy prints the immigrant visa in the passport and may provide a sealed immigrant packet. Passport return is by courier according to embassy instructions. Visa issuance is never guaranteed.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
Sealed Immigrant Packet
BeneficiaryIf the embassy gives you a sealed immigrant packet, do not open it and do not put it in checked luggage. Carry it for U.S. immigration authorities on first arrival.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
BeneficiaryThe Islamabad supplement states most people issued an immigrant visa overseas must pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before travel. Official exceptions include children entering under the Hague Process, returning residents, and fiancé (K) visa travelers. This site does not publish the fee amount.
16. Travel to the United States
An immigrant visa holder must enter the United States before the visa expires, which the Embassy supplement states is usually six months from the date it is printed. USCIS then produces the Permanent Resident Card for eligible new immigrants.
Documents at this step
Documents the beneficiary submits
Sealed Immigrant Packet
BeneficiaryCarry any sealed packet and medical X-rays the embassy or panel physician instructed you to take to the United States. Enter before the visa expires.
USCIS Immigrant Fee
BeneficiaryPay the USCIS Immigrant Fee before travel if it applies. Confirm current instructions on the official USCIS page.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or LPR Status (Petitioner / Sponsor)
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, official Affidavit of Support and Embassy Islamabad family-based instructions require proof of that sponsor’s legal status in the United States with their Form I-864 packet.
Sponsor Proof of U.S. Domicile
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, that sponsor must also show U.S. domicile with their Form I-864 packet, as required by current USCIS instructions and listed on the Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist.
Appointment window
Appointment availability currently unpublished on the official page. Check the center’s website.
Official Source pakistan.iom.int/immigration-medical-examination-ime-us-visa-applicants · Last verified August 2026
Lahore
3-M, Model Town Extension, Lahore 54700
Phone: 0304-111-0-945
Email: customercare@wilcare.org
Helpline hours listed on the official supplement: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Schedule only with a physician listed on the current U.S. Embassy Islamabad immigrant visa supplement. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician. Online appointments (24/7): www.wilcare.org.
Appointment window
Appointment availability currently unpublished on the official page. Check the center’s website.
Official Source www.wilcare.org · Last verified August 2026
Karachi
JCHS 71, Block 7/8, Jinnah Cooperative Housing Society, Karachi, Pakistan
Phone: 0304-111-0-945
Email: customercare@wilcare.org
Helpline hours listed on the official supplement: Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Schedule only with a physician listed on the current U.S. Embassy Islamabad immigrant visa supplement. Medical examination results from other physicians will not be accepted. Pay all medical examination fees, including x-ray and blood test fees, directly to the examining physician. Online appointments (24/7): www.wilcare.org.
Appointment window
Appointment availability currently unpublished on the official page. Check the center’s website.
Official Source www.wilcare.org · Last verified August 2026
Sponsor Proof of U.S. Domicile
Official Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist: bring proof of the financial sponsor’s domicile in the United States with the Form I-864 packet.
Sponsor Tax Evidence (returns / W-2s / IRS transcripts)
Petitioner / sponsorOfficial Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist: bring related W-2s for each financial sponsor with the Form I-864 packet. Confirm any additional tax copies still listed on the current checklist and in CEAC messages.
Sponsor Proof of U.S. Domicile
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, the official family-based checklist requires proof of that sponsor’s U.S. domicile with their Form I-864 packet.
Sponsor Tax Evidence (returns / W-2s / IRS transcripts)
Joint sponsor — if neededIf a joint sponsor is used, bring that sponsor’s related W-2s and other tax copies listed on the current Embassy Islamabad family-based checklist with their Form I-864.