So, you’ve got that dream: studying in the United States. Maybe it’s the Ivy League calling your name, maybe it’s a tech program in California, or maybe you just want to experience the American campus life you’ve seen in movies. Whatever your reason, one thing is certain: you’ll need a US Student Visa from Pakistan to make it happen.
In this post, I’ll break it all down for you: the types of visas, what the SEVIS system is, how to prepare your finances in a way that actually convinces the consular officer, and how to make that nerve-wracking visa interview a lot less scary.
Step 1: Understand Your Visa Type
F-1 Visa – This is the big one. If you’re going to a US college, university, high school, or even an English language program, this is probably your category. It lets you work part-time on campus, and later, possibly do OPT or CPT.
J-1 Visa – This is for exchange programs, research fellowships, or when you’re funded by a government or approved sponsor. Some J-1 visas come with a “two-year home rule,” meaning you might have to return to Pakistan for two years after your program.
M-1 Visa – For vocational or technical programs such as flight schools or culinary programs. Work rights are more limited here.
Step 2: Get Into a SEVP-Approved School
You can’t even apply for a student visa until you’ve been accepted by a SEVP-approved institution. SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) keeps track of all international students through the SEVIS system.
Once you’re accepted, your school will send you:
- Form I-20 if you’re an F-1 or M-1 student
- Form DS-2019 if you’re a J-1 student
Check your form carefully: your name, program dates, tuition costs — everything must match your passport.
Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fee
You pay this at fmjfee.com — $350 for F/M visas, $220 for J-1. Keep the receipt; you’ll need it for your interview.
Step 4: Fill Out the DS-160 Form
This is your online visa application. Head to Consular Electronic Application Center and start filling it out. It will ask for:
- Personal details
- Education and work history
- Travel plans
- US contact (usually your school’s DSO)
Save often — the form times out quickly. Double-check your answers to avoid inconsistencies.
Step 5: Pay the MRV Fee and Book Appointments
At US Travel Docs, create a profile, pay the $185 MRV fee, and book:
- VAC (Biometrics) – fingerprints and a photo.
- Visa Interview – at the US Embassy in Islamabad or Consulate in Karachi.
Interview slots can fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
Step 6: Prepare Your Financial Proof
The officer needs to see that you can pay for:
- Year 1 tuition and living expenses (exact amounts are on your I-20/DS-2019)
- Reasonable access to funds for the rest of your program
What works:
- Six months of bank statements (yours or your sponsor’s)
- Fixed deposits with maturity details
- Scholarship or assistantship letters from your school
- Education loan sanction letters from reputable banks
What doesn’t work:
- Sudden unexplained deposits
- Non-liquid assets like land without a clear plan to use them for tuition
Step 7: Ace the Interview
It’s short — often three to five minutes. Here’s what they’re looking for:
- Your plan: Why this school, why this major, and how it fits into your career in Pakistan.
- Your funding: Who’s paying, how much, and where it is.
- Your ties to Pakistan: Family, career, property, or business that ensures you’ll return.
Common questions:
- Why did you choose this university?
- Who will fund your studies?
- What are your plans after graduation?
Answer confidently and briefly. Don’t give extra details unless asked.
Step 8: After Approval
Your passport will come back with the visa. Check:
- Your name and passport number
- Visa type (F-1, J-1, or M-1)
- SEVIS ID in the annotation
Book your ticket, but remember: you can enter the US only 30 days before your program starts.
Step 9: First 30 Days in the US
- Report to your school’s DSO
- Register for classes
- Update your US address in SEVIS
- Get your student ID, health insurance, and explore campus life
Quick Checklist Before Your Interview
- Valid passport (six+ months beyond intended stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- MRV and SEVIS fee receipts
- I-20 or DS-2019, signed
- School acceptance letter
- Financial proof
- Academic transcripts and test scores
- Property or employment documents for ties to Pakistan
Useful Links
Final Word: Getting a US student visa is about proving you’re a serious student with the means to support yourself and a clear plan to return to Pakistan. Solid documents and a confident, consistent story will go a long way toward getting that visa stamp in your passport.