The United States has the widest choice of universities in the world and some of the most generous funding for strong students, especially at master’s and PhD level. The visa process has also changed a great deal since 2025: interviews are now the norm, social media is reviewed, and from 15 September 2026 students are admitted for a fixed period rather than for the duration of their studies.
Pakistan is not on the list of countries under the 2026 US travel restrictions, and the pause on immigrant visas announced in January 2026 does not apply to student visas. Here is the process step by step.
Step 1: admission and the Form I-20
Apply to SEVP-certified universities. Once you are admitted and have shown that you can pay for the first year, the university issues a Form I-20. It lists your programme, start date and the estimated cost of attendance that you must be able to cover.
For funding, most universities ask for bank statements, a sponsor’s affidavit of support and evidence of the sponsor’s income. Assistantships and scholarships shown on the I-20 reduce the amount you need to prove.
Step 2: pay the fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 fee | $350 | Pay online after you receive your I-20 and keep the receipt |
| Visa application (MRV) fee | $185 | Paid through the US visa scheduling service for Pakistan; valid for 365 days |
| Visa integrity fee | $250 if and when collected | Legislated in 2025 but not being collected as of October 2026; check before you pay |
Step 3: the DS-160 and your interview
- Complete the DS-160 online, listing the social media identifiers you have used in the past five years.
- Set the privacy settings on all of your social media profiles to public, as the State Department asks of all F, M and J applicants.
- Pay the MRV fee and book an interview through the official scheduling service. Student visa interviews in Pakistan are held at the US Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Karachi, both of which prioritise student visas.
- Attend the interview with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, I-20, SEVIS receipt, financial documents and academic records.
An F-1 visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts, but you cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the start date on your I-20. The embassy recommends applying well ahead of your travel date.
What the interviewing officer is looking for
- A clear academic purpose. Why this programme, why this university, and how it follows from what you studied before.
- Credible funding. Who pays, where the money comes from and how it has built up.
- Your plans afterwards. The F-1 is a non-immigrant visa, so be ready to explain your ties to Pakistan and your career plans.
- Consistency. Your answers should match your DS-160, your I-20 and your social media.
New in 2026: a fixed period of admission
A Department of Homeland Security rule that took effect on 15 September 2026 replaces admission for “duration of status” with a fixed period tied to the programme end date on your I-20, up to four years at a time. The grace period after completing your studies falls from 60 to 30 days.
If you need longer, for example because of illness or a compelling academic reason, you apply to USCIS for an extension. The rule also limits changes of programme: graduate students generally cannot transfer or change their objective without an authorised exception, and a second degree at the same level is not permitted.
Work during and after your degree
F-1 students can work on campus, usually up to 20 hours a week during term. Off-campus work is only possible through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) linked to your course, or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
OPT gives up to 12 months of work after graduation, and graduates in eligible STEM fields can apply for a further 24-month STEM OPT extension, three years in total. The 2026 rule leaves OPT, STEM OPT and CPT eligibility unchanged.
Is the USA right for you?
The USA is the most expensive destination on sticker price, typically $25,000 to $60,000 a year in tuition, but assistantships and scholarships can change the picture entirely for strong master’s and PhD applicants. Compare it with the other countries in our cost comparison, or explore US universities.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pakistan affected by the US travel ban for students?
No. Pakistan is not on the list of countries under the 2026 travel restrictions. The January 2026 pause covers immigrant visas only and does not apply to F-1 student visas.
How much are the F-1 visa fees for Pakistani students?
The SEVIS I-901 fee is $350 and the visa application fee is $185. A $250 visa integrity fee was legislated in 2025 but was not being collected as of October 2026.
Where are US student visa interviews held in Pakistan?
At the US Embassy in Islamabad and the US Consulate General in Karachi.
Do I have to make my social media public for an F-1 visa?
Yes. The State Department asks all F, M and J applicants to set their social media profiles to public.
How long can I work in the USA after graduation?
Up to 12 months on OPT, plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM degrees.
Sources
Every figure in this guide was checked against the official sources below on 2 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you apply.
- U.S. Department of State: Student visa
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan: Nonimmigrant visas
- U.S. Department of State: Expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants
- ICE: I-901 SEVIS fee
- U.S. Department of State: Nonimmigrant visa fee of $185 from 17 June 2023
- Federal Register: Fixed time period of admission for F, J and I nonimmigrants
- Mayer Brown: DHS ends duration of status
- WashU OISS: Guidance on 2026 travel restrictions
