Get your E2 visa USA from Pakistan. Complete requirements, costs, processing times, and how to find the best E2 visa lawyer Pakistan for success.
Pakistani entrepreneurs have a unique advantage. The 1961 treaty between Pakistan and the United States opens doors that remain closed to many other countries. The E2 visa USA from Pakistan lets you invest in an American business and manage it yourself. You live in the United States. Your family comes with you. Your spouse can work. Your kids go to school.
Even better? Pakistan has one of the most favorable reciprocity agreements. Pakistani nationals are eligible to receive a multiple entry E-2 visa for as long as 5 years, and the E-2 visa can be extended and renewed without any limitations.
Ready to explore your US business opportunity? Beyond Border offers free consultations for Pakistani entrepreneurs considering the E2 visa pathway.
First, you must be a Pakistani citizen. Dual citizenship works as long as one passport is Pakistani.
Second, you need to invest or be actively investing in a US business. The minimum investment amount is typically over US $150K (Pakistani Rupee 26 Million), though some sources suggest amounts as low as $100,000 may work for certain business types.
There's no legal minimum written in the law. But immigration experts recommend $100,000 to $150,000 for a strong application. Anything less faces heightened scrutiny. You can learn more about E-2 requirements on the official USCIS E-2 Treaty Investors page. Third, you need to show intent to leave when your visa expires. Yes, this sounds contradictory when renewals are unlimited. But the law requires this demonstration.
Need help determining the right investment amount for your business idea? Beyond Border's E2 visa attorney Islamabad team can assess your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Although under US law an investment in an E-2 business must be "substantial" there is no minimum investment requirement. But here's the catch - what counts as "substantial" depends on the type of business involved. E-2 visa applications showing less than about USD 100,000 in investment tend to receive heightened scrutiny.
Good E2 visa lawyers Pakistan help with this. They assist in creating corporate and escrow trust accounts in the name of your new US business. They make sure you have proper documentation showing the source of your funds. Speaking of fund sources, be careful with gifts from family members. Despite gifts being a legitimate source of funds, they often raise concerns among immigration officers at Pakistani consulates during E2 visa interviews.
Almost any legitimate business works for the E2 visa. But some choices are smarter than others. Popular options for Pakistani investors include franchises, restaurants, consulting firms, retail stores, and service businesses. An investor from Pakistan could opt for investing a substantial amount in buying Franchises, restaurants, consulting business or purchase an existing business. Choose businesses that make sense for your background and experience. If you've run a tech company in Karachi, a tech consulting firm in Silicon Valley makes sense.
Getting E2 visa USA from Pakistan takes planning.
Step 1: Form your US company. Establish your US business entity before you file your visa application. Most investors create a limited liability company or corporation.
Step 2: Transfer investment funds. Move your capital from Pakistan to your US business bank account. Keep detailed records of every transaction.
Step 3: Develop your business plan. Create a comprehensive business plan showing your company's viability. Include market analysis, financial projections for 5 years, organizational structure, and how many jobs you'll create. A weak business plan sinks applications.
Step 4: Complete Form DS-160. Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application. Every detail must match your supporting documents exactly.
Step 5: Pay visa fees and schedule an interview. For investors in Home-country, the DS-160 form fee is $205. After payment, schedule your interview at either the US Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi.
Step 6: Attend your interview. This is the moment everything comes together. Bring all original documents. Be ready to explain your business, your investment, and your plans. Review the US Department of State visa information before your appointment.
Step 7: Wait for processing. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months.
If you're already in the United States on another visa, you can file Form I-129 for a change of status instead. Learn more about changing your status on the USCIS website. If present in the USA, the average time is 5 months, with premium processing time of 15 days for $2,500.
Want expert guidance through the application process? Beyond Border's team specializes in helping Pakistani citizens navigate every step of the US investor visa Pakistan process.
Pakistani applicants face unique scrutiny that citizens of other countries might not encounter. Consulates exhibit distinct tendencies that E2 applicants should be aware of, including scrutinizing the source of funds especially if it's a gift from a family member. If using gifts, be prepared with extensive documentation.
It appears that the consulates in Pakistan uphold the intent to leave requirements more rigorously compared to other countries. You must demonstrate ties to Pakistan. Property ownership, family connections, business interests back home. The nature of the business comes under scrutiny if it's similar to that of a family member's in the US. If your brother runs a convenience store in Houston and you're opening one in Dallas, expect questions.
For applicants outside the United States, consulate processing varies. E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months. Should you hire an E2 visa lawyer in Pakistan? It depends.
Complex cases benefit from professional help. If you have complicated fund sources. If you're using property equity as capital. If your business model is unconventional. Get expert guidance. Look for attorneys with specific experience in Pakistani E2 cases. The best E2 visa consultant Pakistan should have a track record of successful Pakistani E2 approvals. They should understand State Bank of Pakistan regulations.
EB-5 Investor Visa
A successful application for an EB-5 visa results in the issuance of "green cards" for the principal investor and his immediate family but requires a minimum investment of either USD 900,000.00 or USD 1,800,000.00. This is expensive. But it gives you permanent residency immediately.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
For Pakistan, the EB2 NIW timeline is much more favorable without major backlogs, with most Pakistani applicants completing the EB2 NIW process in about 12 to 18 months. This pathway works if your business serves America's national interest. Advanced degree holders or people with exceptional ability qualify. Read more about EB-2 classification requirements on USCIS.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability
If you've achieved extraordinary success in your field, EB-1A might work. This is the fastest employment-based green card category with no backlog for Pakistani citizens.
Beyond Border specializes in helping E2 visa holders transition to green cards. Our team can evaluate your E2 visa green card pathway Pakistan options and create a customized strategy for permanent residency.
For getting E2 visa USA from Pakistan, investors present in the USA, Form I-129 fee is $460 with Form I-539 at $370 per dependent, and 15 days premium processing at $2,500. For investors in Home-country, the DS-160 form fee is $205 per person.
Professional legal fees typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on case complexity. Setting up your US company costs $500 to $2,000. Professional business plans cost $2,000 to $5,000. Medical examination is required before your interview. Budget approximately $200 to $400. Don't forget the biggest cost. Your actual business investment of $100,000 to $150,000 or more. Total costs excluding the investment itself typically run $10,000 to $25,000. This includes all government fees, legal fees, and preparation costs.
The E2 visa offers Pakistani citizens an incredible opportunity. But the application process is complex. Beyond Border specializes in helping Pakistani entrepreneurs navigate the E2 visa USA from Pakistan process. We understand the unique challenges you face. Fund transfer issues. Source of funds documentation. Interview preparation. Business plan development.
Our team includes experienced immigration attorneys, business consultants, and specialists who've helped hundreds of Pakistani citizens obtain E2 visas successfully.
Ready to start your American business dream? Contact Beyond Border today for a free consultation. Our E2 visa lawyer Pakistan team is ready to help you succeed.
Can Pakistani citizens apply for an E2 visa to the United States?
Yes, Pakistani citizens qualify for the E2 visa USA from Pakistan based on the 1961 treaty between Pakistan and the United States, receiving one of the most favorable visa terms with 5 year validity and unlimited renewals.
What is the minimum investment required for Pakistani citizens applying for an E2 visa?
While no legal minimum exists, E2 visa requirements for Pakistani citizens typically need $100,000 to $150,000 in investment, with amounts below $100,000 facing heightened scrutiny from immigration officers.
How long does E2 visa processing take for Pakistani applicants?
US investor visa Pakistan processing takes 2 weeks to 4 months at consulates in Islamabad or Karachi, while applicants already in the US face 5 months average wait time or 15 days with premium processing.
Does the E2 visa lead to a green card for Pakistani citizens?
The E2 visa does not provide a direct E2 visa green card pathway in Pakistan, but holders can transition to permanent residency through EB-5 investment, EB-2 NIW self-petition, EB-1A extraordinary ability, or marriage to a US citizen.
Where can I find the best E2 visa lawyer in Pakistan?
The best E2 visa consultant Pakistan should have specific experience with Pakistani E2 cases, understand State Bank regulations, and maintain high approval rates; Beyond Border offers specialized E2 visa attorney Islamabad services with free consultations.
