Us Business Visa For Pakistani
If your family is expatriate and belongs to Pakistan, you can apply for a US business visa. This type of visa is designed to promote trade between two countries, Pakistan and the USA. These visas are mainly tailored to those entrepreneurs who want to start business in the USA. In order to understand more about this category of visa, we have simplified its requirements and benefits so that you may check the eligibility criteria as well as learn how to apply for a US business visa on your own.
Visas. The word itself is sometimes enough to scare anyone away from going on a trip or planning an event in another country. If you’re a resident of the United States and want to attend a fair or event in Pakistan, you may need to apply for US business visa . Read through this article to learn how to get one.
Us Business Visa For Pakistani
Pakistan is a country that has been known for its vibrant culture, rich history and diverse population. It is also one of the safest countries in South Asia as there are no security threats. The country has many attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Pakistan for business purposes, then you might need to get an Us Business Visa For Pakistani.
The process of getting an US business visa can be quite tedious and time-consuming if not done correctly. You need to apply for a visa and submit documents proving your eligibility before the application is accepted by the US Embassy or Consulate General in Pakistan. If you do not submit the required documents, you might have to resubmit your application after some time, which means wasting more time and money on your travel plans.
Getting a US visa from Pakistan is much easier than applying from other countries. However, it’s still important to follow all the necessary steps before applying so that your application gets approved on time with no delays or rejections due to incomplete information provided by you during application process.
If you are a Pakistani national, you may be eligible for an Us Business Visa. A U.S. visa is a document issued by the United States Department of State that permits a foreign citizen to travel to the United States for business or pleasure. There are many different types of visas including:
Tourist Visa (B1/B2): This visa is for those who want to travel to the U.S. for personal or business reasons, but it does not allow the holder to work or study in the country.
Student Visa (F1): This type of visa allows students to study in any accredited post-secondary institution in America.
Employment Visa (H1B): This type of visa is designed for workers who want to come to the United States as temporary employees with specialized knowledge in fields such as science and technology, medicine, engineering, and information technology.
The application process for obtaining a U.S. business visa can take up to 90 days from start to finish depending on your situation and whether or not you have been approved before by another government agency (i.e., FBI).
The US business visa for Pakistani applicants is quite a different process from the other types of visas. The main goal of this visa is to allow people to come to America to do business and not just visit. This is a non-immigrant visa that allows people to travel to the US and participate in business events, conferences, or seminars.
The US government makes it very clear that this type of visa cannot be used for tourism purposes. You should not use this type of visa if you plan on staying in America longer than 90 days. It is only valid for up to 30 days or 90 days depending on your nationality.
To apply for this type of visa you must be able to prove that you are participating in an event related to your job or industry. You also need proof that you have enough money saved up so that you can pay for transportation costs as well as accommodation fees while staying in America during your trip.
How Can a Pakistani Investor Obtain a US Visa?
Because of treaties entered into between Pakistan and the United States in 1961, Pakistani nationals benefit from being eligible for both E-2 non-immigrant and EB-5 immigrant visas. This can be compared to Indian Nationals who are not eligible for the E-2 visa, thus are limited to applying for either the L-1 or EB-5 visas.
Unlike the L-1 visa, the E-2 visa does not require the involvement of a foreign (i.e Pakistani) entity. Moreover, the E-2 visa focuses on the investment, and the anticipated US enterprise. Therefore, having an operational Pakistani business is not required for your E-2 eligibility and instead focuses on the source of your capital investment, as well as the legitimacy of the US-based entity.
An E-2 visa has the advantage of potentially requiring substantially less investment than the EB-5 visa, and permits a Pakistani business owner or investor to operate and manage a business in the United States. Unlike with an E-2 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.Removing Capital from Pakistan and Use of Property
One of the challenges with investor visas can be the ability of the investor to remove his or her capital from Pakistan. Davies & Associates will assist with the creation of a Corporate and Escrow-Trust Account in the name of a new US-business to ease this transfer of funds. Furthermore, many of our clients seek to free up capital from their ownership of properties. Our Business Investor team has significant experience in ensuring that the proper documentation presented to the US Government when it comes to withdrawing capital from Pakistan and investing it in the United States.Is there a Minimum Investment for an E-2 Visa?
Although under US law an investment in an E-2 business must be “substantial” there is no minimum investment requirement. While what is “substantial” depends on the type of business involved E-2 visa applications evidencing less than about USD 100,000 in investment tend to receive heightened scrutiny. The lack of clarity in what is a “substantial investment” is part of the reason why an expertly prepared business plan is essential in E-2 cases. The MBA lawyers at Davies & Associates work with a dedicated team of business analysts to prepare what we truly believe to be the very best immigration business plans available.How can Davies & Associates Assist Pakistani Nationals Obtain a US Investor Visa?
Our US investor visa lawyers are some of the best credentialed US immigration lawyers in the world. Very few US immigration firms offer experienced lawyers with “ivy league” law degrees coupled with training in one the world’s 100 largest law firms. Our key difference is that our lawyers also have extensive business experience holding MBA degrees from Universities such as the Wharton School of Business. The inclusion of lawyers who can advise on issues such as the withdrawal of capital from Pakistan, and our international business visa team make us truly unique. Perhaps this the reason why to-date no visa application we have filed on behalf of a Pakistani national has ever been denied or even referred for an “RFE”.Our Promise
Our promise is simple. We promise to take every effort to ensure that our Pakistani clients receive the very best possible service and results available.Bringing Employees to the United States
A business that is qualified as a Pakistani E-2 business is able to sponsor certain Pakistani national employees and bring them to the United States as E-2 visa employees. The requirements of E-2 employee visa issuance are complex and we invite you to contact us for further details.Seamless Processing in the United States and Pakistan
Although our US immigration lawyers are based in the United States we have fully staffed affiliate offices nearby in Dubai. Our US immigration lawyers are not only available 7 days a week by phone but also frequently visit with clients in our Dubai location.As a Pakistani National, how long will I obtain the E-2 visa? And How often can I enter the United States?
Pakistani Nationals have one of the most favorable E-2 Treaties in terms of “reciprocity.” This means that Pakistani Nationals are eligible to receive a multiple entry E-2 visa for as long as 5-years. Furthermore, the E-2 visa can be extended and renewed without any limitations. You can view the reciprocity schedule for Pakistani Nationals here.
Address of US Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan
U.S. Embassy Islamabad
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: (+92) 51-208-0000 / (+92) 051-201-4000
U.S. Consulate General Karachi
3,4,5 New TPX Area
Mai Kolachi Road
Karachi, Pakistan
Phone: (+92) (21) 3527-5000
U.S. Consulate General Lahore
50, Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees
(Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill
Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: (+92-42) 3603-4000
U.S. Consulate General Peshawar
11, Hospital Road
Peshwar, Pakistan
What are E-2 Visa Requirements for Pakistan?
E2 visa requirement – Pakistan
- Be a citizen Pakistan. It has signed a treaty with USA.
- Requires investor’s investment be typically over US $150K (Pakistani Rupee 26 Million) with minimum 50% ownership.
- Move to US to establish and manage the business.
- Generate significant returns for investors and economy – employing US workers.
- Funds must be “at risk”
See details of E2 Requirements
The E-2 U.S. Immigrant Investor Visa Program is available to Pakistan citizens. There is growing demand for the E-2 Visa category among Pakistan nationals.
How long does it take to get an E-2 visa for Pakistani citizens?
E2 visa timeline – Pakistan
The processing time for an E-2 visa depends on Pakistani Investor. If present in the USA, the average time is 5 months. Premium processing time is 15 days for $1,225. For outside of the US, E2 visa processing time through a Consulate varies from 2 weeks to 4 months.
Details on USCIS E-2 processing times
How does this apply to your Situation?
Get info on E-2 Visa Business Opportunities!
GET MORE INFORMATION
How much does E-2 Visa Cost for Pakistani citizens?
E2 visa cost – Pakistan
Minimum investment amount is typically over US $150K (Pakistani Rupee 26 Million). For investor present in USA – Form I-129 fee $460 (Form I-539 – $370 per dependent), 15 days premium processing at $1,440. Investor in Home-country – $205 fee per DS-160 form. Lawyer’s charges, Business entity formation costs.
State Bank of Pakistan is the regulatory body that has framework and monetary policy for moving assets and money outside of Pakistan.
Details of E-2 Visa Costs
Is Pakistan an E-2 visa treaty country?
Yes, the United States maintains treaties of commerce and navigation with Pakistan. Nationals of treaty countries must be coming to the United States to engage in substantial trade, or develop and direct the operations of a business in which the investor has invested a substantial amount of capital.
See list of E-2 Treaty Countries
See list of E-2 Non-treaty Countries
E-2 businesses for Sale for Pakistani investor
Though it depends on each investor’s interest in terms of the type of business. An investor from Pakistan could opt for investing a substantial amount in Multinational corporations or buying Franchises, restaurants, consulting business or purchase an existing business.
As long as a substantial investment is made in the business by the investor it can qualify. As mentioned above some of the popular businesses are franchises/restaurants/consulting businesses which will help the US economy.
E-2 Visa Pakistan FAQ
Is an Pakistani national eligible for an E-2 Visa?
Yes, As an Pakistani citizen, you are eligible for an E-2 Visa. Pakistan has signed the E-2 treaty with the US.
Can a spouse of a E-2 Visa holder from Pakistan work in the US?
Spouses of E-2 visa holders from Pakistan are able to work in the US only once they apply for work authorization by filling form I-765, if approved they are allowed to work in the US.
Can an Pakistani citizen work in the USA with an E-2 Visa in 2022?
Yes. As a Pakistan national, you are eligible to work in the US but only the business that you have invested or if you are an employee at the organisation which sponsored your E-2 visa.
For an Pakistani citizen, What businesses qualify for an E-2 Visa?
There is no specific list of businesses under the E-2 treaty. As long as the investor has made a significant investment in a business and is approved by the US citizenship and immigration services.
What happens when an Pakistani citizen’s E-2 Visa for USA expires?
The E-2 visa holders from Pakistan are allowed to renew their visas. The extensions are granted for 2 years and there are no restrictions on the number of extensions available to the E-2 investors.
Conclusion
So, if you are a Pakistani citizen and want to take a business trip to the United States, keep in mind that there are many benefits that will come with such a visa. The most important, is traveling on one to begin with. If you have reason to believe that your company may need this, talk to a legal expert before applying.
In order to do some business in any other country, it is necessary to take the Visa first. The visa issued by one country doesn’t work in another country. But if you have a US Business Visa, you can visit the visa restricted countries around the world. Ranging according to your purpose, you can apply for a business visa of different categories.