The U.S. has announced that more Pakistani nationals who are renewing B1/B2 tourist and business visas are eligible for interview waivers. The process is accessable in U.S. Embassy Islamabad and the U.S. Consulate General Karachi.
All Pakistani nationals without age restrictions and with valid B1/B2 visas can apply. Those whose expiration dates fall within the previous 48 months are also welcome to apply. Until recently, only Pakistani nationals 45 and older could take part.
Through 2023, candidates for petition-based work visas and student visas who have originally occupied a U.S. visa are also eligible for interview waivers.
To speed up the renewal process for qualified Pakistani residents seeking tourist and business visas, the interview waiver eligibility has expanded.
Some qualified visa holders may required to attend interviews at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate General after submitting their applications, as mandated by U.S. law. To find out if they qualify for an interview waiver, candidates should visit the United States Mission in Pakistan website.
If an applicant is already scheduled for interview but is now qualified for an interview waiver can cancel their appointment online. He/She can start over under “New Application” on the scheduling panel, and submit their request through an interview waiver. The processing period for interview waiver applications is typically four weeks, and there are particular permitted courier service locations.
