H1b Visa
Bhai, these searches like e2 visa, b1 visa, h1b visa, f1 student visa—everyone in Lahore, Karachi, Dubai, Abu Dhabi is doing the same. Immigrant visas (green cards) have been suspended for Pakistanis since Jan 21, 2026—a big list of countries including us, because of “public benefits” worries. No new issues till they review. But non-immigrant (temporary) ones? Still going, though waits are killer and officers ask more about ties/money.
E2 Visa (Treaty Investor, or “visa e2” as people type)
E2 Visa is for investing in a US business and running it. Pakistan has been on the treaty list since 1961—yes, still good in 2026. UAE nationals no, but Pakistani passport works even if you’re in Dubai.
Need substantial cash at risk—$100k+ usually to convince them it’s real (small service biz maybe lower, but rare). Own 50%+, manage it, create jobs. Apply at the consulate (Islamabad/Karachi or Abu Dhabi/Dubai). No lottery, renew forever if business survives. Spouse work auth, kids school. Good if you have money and a plan.
B1 Visa, B2 Visa, B1 B2 Combo
What is a b1 and b2 visa? B1 = short business (meetings, conferences, deals—no US pay). B2 = tourism/family/medical. Most get a b1 b2 visa combo for flexibility.
Waits right now: Islamabad ~6.5 months for interview, Karachi ~7-7.5 months. Dubai ~12.5 months, Abu Dhabi pushing 16 months sometimes. Book early on ustraveldocs. Need strong home ties—job letter, family, property, banks. Show trip money, return plan. Still issuing, no block like green cards.
H1B Visa + Lottery
Degree-level specialty job, employer sponsors. Lottery cap 85k/year.
2026 change (for FY2027 registrations March): Wage-weighted now. Higher pay (DOL Level III/IV) gets more “entries”—Level IV = 4 shots, Level I = 1. Low-wage jobs have almost no chance. If the offer pays well, odds jump big. Pakistani IT folks chase this a lot, but the company has to want you bad.
L1A Visa (Managers/Execs)
Company transfer if 1+ year managerial abroad in the last 3. No cap/lottery. Up to 7 years. Spouse works.
Requirements: Prove manager role, company link. L1A visa to green card—best path, EB-1C, no PERM labor cert. Faster if docs are good.
L1B Visa
Specialized knowledge (company-unique stuff). Up to 5 years. Green card slower (EB-2/3 with PERM).
F1 Visa / F1 Student Visa
Full-time study. School acceptance → I-20 → SEVIS fee → interview. Prove funds, return intent.
Waits the same as B1/B2 (long). Campus work limited, OPT after for jobs.
Real quick: Non-immigrant visas moving (E2, B1/B2, H1B, L1, F1), but immigrants paused for Pakistanis. Waits are painful—months everywhere. Strong proof of roots (job/family/property) and clear plans win interviews.
