ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) Embassy in Islamabad announced on Tuesday that it is taking measures to significantly reduce the wait times for visa appointments for Pakistani citizens.
In a news release, the US Embassy acknowledged that the demand for US visas from Pakistan is currently at an all-time high. They stated, “We are processing more visa applications than ever before and are working diligently to decrease visa appointment wait times.”
The embassy also noted that thousands of non-immigrant visa appointments have been expedited, with over 10,000 Pakistani visa applicants in Karachi, originally scheduled for 2024, having their appointments rescheduled for 2023, some even as early as next week.
The embassy urged individuals with upcoming visa appointments at the US Consulate General in Karachi to check their email and log in to their accounts on the website ustraveldocs.com/pk to confirm their expedited appointment times.
To offer more flexibility to Pakistani travelers, the embassy stated that visa applicants could reschedule their appointments at either the Consulate General in Karachi or the US Embassy in Islamabad, depending on what suits them best.
Starting September 25, the US Consulate General in Karachi will also accept new interview waiver applications for certain applicants who have previously been issued US visas. Eligible applicants can check their eligibility on ustraveldocs.com/pk, obtain a confirmation letter, and submit their application materials to a drop box without the need for an appointment.
📢 🔔 Today, we’re announcing three steps to help bring down visa appointment wait times: tens of thousands of expedited appointments, flexible scheduling in either Islamabad or Karachi, and interview waiver applications for eligible applicants at the @usconsulatekhi. 🗓️ 🗽 pic.twitter.com/W4mIZY4BnF
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 19, 2023
US Embassy Prioritizes Strengthening US-Pakistan Ties
The US Embassy emphasized its commitment to fostering strong ties between the United States and Pakistan. Their goal is to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States as efficiently as possible, recognizing the importance of staying connected with family, building business relationships, pursuing education, and fostering cultural connections with the United States.
For more information, the Embassy encouraged individuals to visit ustraveldocs.com/pk or contact the Non-Immigrant Visa Call Center at +92-21-111-234-111.
