The United States offers a wide range of visa types for individuals seeking to visit, study, work, invest, or settle there permanently. Understanding the right visa category and its specific requirements is crucial before applying — as each category serves a unique purpose and has its own conditions.

This guide provides an overview of the most common U.S. visa categories available to applicants from Pakistan and other countries, along with key eligibility points and process highlights.

1. B1/B2 – Visitor Visa (Tourism, Family, Business)

Purpose: Short-term stay for tourism, family visits, or business meetings.

Typical Uses:

• Visiting relatives or friends

• Attending events or ceremonies

• Business conferences or meetings

• Medical treatment (under B2)

Application Includes:

• DS-160 form submission

• Visa appointment & interview at U.S. embassy

• Proof of return intent & financial ability

🔸 This is a non-immigrant visa valid for up to 10 years (usually multiple entry).

2. F-1 – Student Visa

Purpose: Study at a U.S.-accredited university, college, or language school.

Requirements:

• Admission to a SEVP-approved institution

• I-20 form issued by school

• SEVIS registration

• Proof of financial support

• Academic documents and intent to return

🔸 Spouses or children can apply for F-2 dependent visa.

3. K-1 – Fiancé(e) Visa

Purpose: For foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage.

Highlights:

• Must marry within 90 days of arrival

• Requires proof of genuine relationship

• Leads to green card process after marriage

🔸 A non-immigrant visa that transitions to permanent residency.

4. CR1/IR1 – Family-Based Immigrant Visas

Purpose: Reunite close family members with U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Eligible Relations:

• Spouse

• Children

• Parents or siblings (in some cases)

Process Includes:

• I-130 petition

• NVC & embassy processing

• Affidavit of support & eligibility screening

🔸 Results in permanent residency (green card).

5. E-2 – Treaty Investor Visa

Purpose: For individuals investing in and managing a business in the U.S.

Key Criteria:

• Citizenship of a treaty country (Pakistan is eligible)

• Substantial investment (typically $100,000+)

• Active business involvement, not passive investment

🔸 This is a renewable, non-immigrant visa often valid for 5 years.

6. EB-1 – Employment-Based Green Card (Priority Workers)

For individuals with:

• Extraordinary ability (EB-1A)

• Outstanding academic achievements (EB-1B)

• Multinational executive/manager background (EB-1C)

Benefits:

• No employer sponsorship needed in some cases

• No labor certification required

• Faster green card path for eligible profiles

7. L-1 – Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Purpose: Transfer to a U.S. branch of an existing overseas business.

Types:

• L-1A: Executives and managers

• L-1B: Employees with specialized knowledge

Eligibility:

• Must have worked for the overseas company for at least one year in the last three years

• U.S. entity must be linked to the foreign company

🔸 Spouses on L-2 can apply for work authorization.

8. EB-2 – National Interest Waiver (NIW)

Purpose: Green card for professionals with exceptional ability or advanced degrees working in areas of U.S. national interest.

No job offer required if applicant proves:

• Work benefits the nation

• They’re well-positioned to advance the work

• U.S. gains outweigh the need for employer sponsorship

🔸 Ideal for researchers, engineers, physicians, and entrepreneurs.

 9. H1-B – Specialty Occupation Visa

Purpose: Temporary work visa for professionals in fields like:

• IT & Software

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• Finance

• Education

Key Points:

• Employer must sponsor the application

• Subject to annual lottery cap

• Initially valid for 3 years (extendable)

10. J-1 – Exchange Visitor Visa

Purpose: Cultural and educational exchange programs

Applicable To:

• Teachers

• Interns and trainees

• Research scholars

• Au pairs

Process Involves:

• DS-2019 issued by sponsor

• SEVIS fee and visa interview

• Possible home residency requirement post-program

11. R-1 – Religious Worker Visa

For:

• Clergy members

• Religious missionaries

• Faith-based workers invited by U.S. religious organizations

Requirements:

• Proof of employment with nonprofit religious institution

• Evidence of prior religious affiliation

• Petition filed with USCIS

12. B-2 (Medical Purpose) – Medical Treatment Visa

Purpose: Non-immigrant visa for short-term medical care in the U.S.

Must Include:

• Letter from treating physician in home country

• Appointment or invitation from U.S. hospital

• Proof of financial ability to cover costs

Why Choose AMB Travel n Tour for Your U.S. Visa?

With a 90%+ visa success rate and physical offices in both Pakistan and the USA, AMB Travel n Tour is more than a consultancy — it's your global visa partner.

• ✔ Legally reviewed files

• ✔ Tailored guidance for complex family and business visas

• ✔ Fast-track services for refusals and time-sensitive cases

• ✔ Real-time coordination between our Lahore & Orlando offices

Last Words

U.S. immigration options vary from temporary visits to permanent settlement. Selecting the right path — and preparing the correct documentation — can make the difference between approval and rejection.

Before applying, it’s wise to consult updated policies, seek professional advice, and stay informed about recent embassy guidelines and interview protocols.

Common Questions from Applicants

Can I change my visa status inside the U.S.?
Yes, but it’s subject to approval and legal filing. Intent at the time of entry must match the visa category.

Can I take my family with me?
Most long-term categories (F-1, E-2, L-1, etc.) allow spouses and children to apply as dependents. Work/study rights vary.

What if my visa was refused earlier?
You can reapply. Strengthening documentation and clarifying intent increases the chances of approval.

Is investment necessary for all business-related visas?Not all — L-1 focuses on business expansion, while E-2 requires fresh investment in a U.S. entity.