United StatesUS Immigrant Visa Pause for Pakistani Nationals: What Happens Now
2026 has been a difficult year for Pakistani families waiting on US immigrant visas. From 21 January 2026, the State Department paused immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, which it described as high risk for relying on public benefits. On 21 August 2026, US District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan struck the policy down as unlawful. A few days later, on 25 August, the State Department paused immigrant visa interviews worldwide while consular officers were trained on new public-charge screening. This post sets out where things stand and who is affected. Visitor (B1/B2) visas are not part of either pause.
If your immigrant visa case is pending
All documents must be original or certified by the issuing department. Never submit forged papers.
Keep your NVC case current
Finish any outstanding civil documents and forms unless the embassy tells you otherwise.
Watch for embassy emails
Interviews cancelled during the pause are being rescheduled. Check your inbox and spam folder.
Keep medicals and police certificates valid
Check expiry dates so your file is ready when interviews restart.
Update your sponsor's financial evidence
Public-charge screening is the focus of the new training. Current tax returns and Affidavit of Support evidence matter.
B1/B2 applicants: carry on as normal
Visitor visa interviews in Islamabad and Karachi are not paused. Prepare your DS-160 and interview as usual.
Step-by-Step Application Process
January 2026: nationality-based pause
From 21 January, immigrant visas were not issued to Pakistani nationals and nationals of 74 other countries. Interviews could still take place.
21 August 2026: court ruling
Judge Vargas ruled the policy exceeded the Secretary of State's authority and conflicted with US immigration law.
25 August 2026: worldwide interview pause
The State Department paused immigrant visa interviews at every embassy for public-charge training. Officials called it temporary.
Rescheduling
Affected applicants are being told they will get new interview dates. No official restart date had been confirmed when we checked.
Individual decisions resume
When processing restarts, each case is still decided on its own facts, including public charge, fraud, security and past immigration history.
Public charge is now the main test
Both actions this year point the same way: consular officers will look harder at whether an immigrant might rely on US public benefits.
Processing Time & Consular Submission Centers in Pakistan
Immigrant visa interviews were paused worldwide from 25 August 2026 with no confirmed restart date; B1/B2 interviews continue
Timelines are based on typical consular adjudication schedules and may fluctuate during peak holiday windows.
Islamabad & Karachi Consular Facilities
Biometrics and physical passports are lodged at VFS Global Islamabad/Karachi or authorized Gerry's Visa Drop Box counters in Blue Area Islamabad.
Common Refusal Reasons & How to Avoid Them
Frequently Asked Questions (United States)
Are US visit visas (B1/B2) paused for Pakistanis?
No. Both 2026 pauses cover immigrant visas only. B1/B2 visitor, student and work visas continue at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate in Karachi.
Is the US immigrant visa ban on Pakistan still in effect?
A federal judge struck down the nationality-based pause on 21 August 2026. Separately, immigrant visa interviews were paused worldwide from 25 August for officer training. Check the embassy's latest notice before acting.
When will US immigrant visa interviews resume in Pakistan?
The State Department has not published a firm date. Officials described the pause as temporary. Applicants are being told they will be rescheduled.
Should I cancel my NVC process?
No. Unless the embassy tells you otherwise, keep completing pre-interview steps so your case is ready.
This guide is based on statutory rules from official authorities (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan: Pause on Immigrant Visa Issuances for Pakistani Citizens; U.S. Department of State: Immigrant Visa Processing Updates). Consular fees and immigration rules are verified on a continuous basis. Our advisers confirm the current government tariff before submission.
Next step
Need an expert review for your United States visa?
Visit our consultancy desk at Eagle Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad or talk to an adviser on WhatsApp. We inspect your bank statement, formulate your cover letter, and guide you through submission.
Mon–Sat 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Mezzanine No. 122, Eagle Plaza, Fazal-e-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad 44000, PakistanDirections