USA WORK PERMITS

Description

Allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field — commonly used in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and academia.

Rules & Regulations

• Subject to an annual numerical cap (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 for US master's degree holders), allocated through a lottery when demand exceeds the cap.
• As of 2026, a $100,000 supplemental fee applies to new H-1B petitions for beneficiaries who are outside the United States at the time of filing. This fee is under active legal challenge — status should be verified before advising clients.
• Initial approval is valid for up to 3 years, extendable up to a maximum of 6 years (longer in certain green-card-pending cases).
• Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor before submitting the H-1B petition.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (varies by classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for employers with 25 or fewer employees) + $1,500 ACWIA Training Fee ($750 for small employers) + $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee + $4,000 Public Law 114-113 Fee (only for employers with 50+ staff where over 50% hold H-1B/L-1 status) + $215 H-1B registration fee. As of 2026, an additional $100,000 supplemental fee applies to petitions for beneficiaries outside the US at filing. Optional Premium Processing: $2,965 (effective 1 March 2026).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-8 months depending on service center workload. Premium Processing (optional, extra fee): USCIS guarantees action within 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• A job offer from a US employer for a role that qualifies as a "specialty occupation."
• A bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) or higher in a field directly related to the job.
• The employer must sponsor and file the petition (Form I-129) — the applicant cannot self-petition.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• Pakistani nationals are fully eligible for H-1B — there is no country-based restriction on this category.
• Applicants apply for the visa stamp at the US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate General Karachi after USCIS approves the employer's petition.
• The 2026 immigrant-visa pause affecting Pakistani nationals does NOT apply to H-1B — it is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa and continues to process normally.
• BEOE Protector clearance is required before departure, separate from the US visa process.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport (6+ months beyond intended stay)
• Form I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Employer's job offer letter and LCA
• Educational credential evaluation (if degree earned outside the US)
• Updated CV/resume
• Passport-size photo meeting US visa specifications
• Visa application fee and (if applicable) $100,000 supplemental fee receipt

Description

Allows US agricultural employers to bring in foreign workers for temporary or seasonal farm labor when there are not enough qualified US workers available.

Rules & Regulations

• Available only to nationals of countries on the DHS/State Department's annually published list of H-2A-eligible countries.
• Employer must obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor confirming no US workers are available.
• Visa is tied to a specific employer and job; validity matches the certified need, typically under 1 year, renewable.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (H-2A classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + applicable Asylum Program Fee ($600 or $300 for small employers). DOL temporary labor certification (Form ETA-9142A) is filed separately and does not carry a DOL fee, but requires employer recruitment costs.

Processing Time

DOL labor certification: typically 2-3 months. USCIS I-129 petition after certification: several weeks to a few months (Premium Processing not always available for this classification — confirm current eligibility).

General Eligibility

• A genuine job offer from a US agricultural employer for a temporary/seasonal role.
• Employer-filed Form I-129 petition with an approved temporary labor certification.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• Pakistan's status on the current H-2A eligible-countries list changes periodically (the list is republished roughly annually) — Pakistan's current designation must be confirmed with USCIS before this category is advertised or advised on.
• Even if not on the standard list, USCIS may approve H-2A petitions for non-listed countries on a case-by-case basis if it is determined to be in the US interest — this route requires stronger employer justification.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Employer's job offer and approved labor certification
• Passport-size photo
• Proof of intent to return to Pakistan after the work period

Description

Allows US employers in non-agricultural industries (hospitality, landscaping, construction, seafood processing, etc.) to bring in foreign workers for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural jobs.

Rules & Regulations

• Subject to an annual numerical cap, split between two half-year allocations.
• Available only to nationals of countries on the DHS-published list of H-2B-eligible countries (a list similar to, but separately maintained from, the H-2A list).
• Employer must obtain a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (H-2B classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + applicable Asylum Program Fee ($600 or $300 for small employers). DOL temporary labor certification filed separately. Optional Premium Processing: $1,780 (effective 1 March 2026, a different rate than most other I-129 classifications).

Processing Time

DOL labor certification: typically 2-3 months. USCIS I-129 petition: several weeks to a few months regular; 15 business days with Premium Processing.

General Eligibility

• A genuine job offer from a US employer for a temporary, seasonal, peak-load, or one-time non-agricultural need.
• Employer-filed Form I-129 petition with an approved labor certification.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• As with H-2A, Pakistan's current H-2B eligible-country designation must be confirmed before this category is advertised — status is reviewed annually and can change.
• Case-by-case approval for non-listed countries is possible but requires stronger employer justification and is less predictable.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Employer's job offer and approved labor certification
• Passport-size photo
• Evidence of ties to Pakistan / intent to return after the temporary job ends

Description

Allows a foreign national to come to the US temporarily to receive training in almost any field (not available for graduate medical training) that is not available in their home country, or for certain special education training programs.

Rules & Regulations

• Training must not be primarily productive employment — it must be genuinely training-focused, with any incidental productive work secondary to the training.
• Maximum stay is 2 years, with no extensions beyond that period.
• Trainee must show the training will benefit them in pursuing a career outside the United States.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for small employers). Optional Premium Processing: $2,965 (effective 1 March 2026).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-6 months. Premium Processing (optional): 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• A US employer or organization offering a structured training program.
• Evidence that similar training is not available in the applicant's home country.
• Intent to use the training outside the US after the program ends.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani nationals are eligible for H-3.
• Applicants should be prepared to clearly demonstrate why equivalent training is not available in Pakistan, as this is a common area of scrutiny at interview.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Detailed training program description from the US employer/organization
• Evidence of unavailability of equivalent training in Pakistan
• Passport-size photo

Description

Allows multinational companies to transfer an executive, manager (L-1A), or employee with specialized knowledge (L-1B) from a foreign office to a related US office (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).

Rules & Regulations

• The foreign and US entities must have a qualifying relationship (parent-subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office).
• Employee must have worked for the foreign entity for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years before the transfer.
• L-1A validity: up to 3 years initially, extendable to a maximum of 7 years. L-1B: up to 3 years initially, extendable to a maximum of 5 years.
• New-office L-1 petitions (for companies establishing a new US office) get an initial approval of only 1 year.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (L classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for small employers) + $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee + $4,000 Public Law 114-113 Fee (only for employers with 50+ staff where over 50% hold H-1B/L-1 status). Optional Premium Processing: $2,965 (effective 1 March 2026).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-7 months depending on service center. Premium Processing (optional): USCIS guarantees action within 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• Employment in an executive, managerial (L-1A), or specialized-knowledge (L-1B) role.
• A genuine, qualifying corporate relationship between the Pakistani/foreign entity and the US entity.
• Employer-filed Form I-129 petition (with Form I-129S supplement for treaty considerations where applicable).

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani nationals are fully eligible for L-1A/L-1B.
• Common route for Pakistani business owners expanding operations into the US who want to transfer themselves or key staff as executives/managers.
• Visa stamping takes place at the US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate Karachi after USCIS approval.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Proof of qualifying relationship between the Pakistani and US entities (ownership/control documents)
• Proof of 1+ year of qualifying employment abroad
• Detailed job description (foreign and US roles)
• Passport-size photo

Description

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics, and extraordinary achievement in arts, motion picture, or television.

Rules & Regulations

• Requires evidence of sustained national or international acclaim — a high evidentiary bar, typically met through awards, publications, high salary, media coverage, or significant contributions to the field.
• No annual cap, and no minimum degree requirement (evidence-based, not credential-based).
• Initial validity up to 3 years, extendable in increments (typically 1 year at a time) with no fixed maximum.
• Requires either a US employer/agent sponsor or a qualifying event/itinerary — cannot be fully self-petitioned without an agent.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee: $1,015 for employers with 26+ employees, $530 for small employers/nonprofits (25 or fewer employees) — plus $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for small employers). Optional Premium Processing: $2,965 (effective 1 March 2026).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-4 months. Premium Processing (optional): USCIS guarantees action within 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• Documented extraordinary ability/achievement meeting at least 3 of the USCIS evidentiary criteria (or a comparable one-time achievement such as a major award).
• A specific job offer, event, or engagement in the US requiring the applicant's expertise.
• A consultation/advisory opinion letter from a relevant US peer group, where required.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani nationals with genuinely exceptional profiles (academics, IT specialists, athletes, artists, entrepreneurs) are eligible.
• This is an evidence-heavy category; realistic client assessment before proceeding is important, since weak evidence is the most common reason for refusal.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Portfolio of evidence (awards, publications, media coverage, reference letters, salary evidence)
• US employer/agent petition and itinerary
• Passport-size photo

Description

Allows nationals of a country with a qualifying trade treaty with the US to enter the country to carry on substantial trade, principally between the US and the treaty country.

Rules & Regulations

• Trade must be "substantial" (a sizable, continuous flow of trade items) and "principal" (more than 50% of the trader's total international trade must be between the US and Pakistan).
• Visa validity for Pakistani nationals is typically up to 5 years with multiple entries, renewable indefinitely as long as the trade continues.
• Does not lead directly to a Green Card — it is a renewable nonimmigrant status.

Government Fee

No USCIS petition (Form I-129) required for consular applicants — E-1 is filed directly with the US Embassy/Consulate. Consular processing (MRV) application fee applies per applicant — confirm the current amount with the US Embassy Islamabad, as this is a State Department fee separate from USCIS.

Processing Time

Consular processing timeline varies by post; typically several weeks from application to interview and decision at the US Embassy Islamabad.

General Eligibility

• Pakistani nationality (treaty-based eligibility).
• Ownership (50%+) of the trading business, or employment in an executive/supervisory or essential-skills role for a qualifying trader.
• Evidence of substantial, ongoing trade between Pakistan and the US.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• Pakistan has held a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States since 1961 — Pakistani nationals ARE eligible for E-1.
• Applications are filed directly at the US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate Karachi — E-1/E-2 do not go through USCIS petition first for consular applicants.
• This is a nonimmigrant visa and is unaffected by the 2026 immigrant-visa pause for Pakistani nationals.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Evidence of Pakistani nationality (principal owner/employee)
• Detailed trade documentation (contracts, invoices, shipping records showing US-Pakistan trade volume)
• Business ownership/organizational documents
• Passport-size photo
• Visa application fee (MRV) receipt

Description

Allows nationals of a treaty country to enter the US to develop and direct a business in which they have invested, or are actively investing, a substantial amount of capital. It is one of the most commonly used routes for Pakistani entrepreneurs seeking to establish a business presence in the US.

Rules & Regulations

• There is no fixed minimum investment in the law — but in practice, consulates look for an investment that is "substantial" relative to the business type; cases are commonly filed in the $100,000–$250,000+ range.
• The investment must be at risk in a real, operating (non-marginal) commercial enterprise, with funds already committed or irrevocably committed.
• The investor must own at least 50% of the business or otherwise have operational control.
• Pakistani nationals receive one of the most favorable reciprocity terms available — a 5-year, multiple-entry visa is common, renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains viable.
• Does not directly lead to a Green Card — investors typically remain on E-2 long-term or later pursue EB-5 or another category.

Government Fee

No USCIS petition (Form I-129) required for consular applicants — E-2 is filed directly with the US Embassy/Consulate. Consular processing (MRV) application fee applies per applicant — confirm the current amount with the US Embassy Islamabad, as this is a State Department fee separate from USCIS.

Processing Time

Consular processing timeline varies by post; typically several weeks from application to interview and decision at the US Embassy Islamabad.

General Eligibility

• Pakistani nationality (treaty-based eligibility — the individual investor must personally hold Pakistani nationality; a Pakistan-incorporated company owned by non-Pakistanis does not qualify).
• A substantial, at-risk investment in a genuine US commercial enterprise.
• Majority ownership (50%+) or demonstrated operational control of the business.
• A viable, non-marginal business plan showing the enterprise will generate more than minimal income within 5 years.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• Pakistan has held a qualifying investment treaty with the United States since 1961 — Pakistani nationals ARE fully eligible for E-2, unlike nationals of some other countries (e.g., India, UAE) who cannot access this category at all.
• Applications are filed directly at the US Embassy Islamabad or Consulate Karachi (or Dubai/Abu Dhabi for Pakistanis based in the UAE, applying on their Pakistani passport).
• This is a nonimmigrant visa and is unaffected by the 2026 immigrant-visa pause for Pakistani nationals — E-2 continues processing normally, including interviews and issuance.
• Spouses of Pakistani E-2 holders can apply for US work authorization (Form I-765) and work in any job once approved.
• Dual nationals: if a Pakistani investor also holds citizenship of another E-2 treaty country, they may in some cases apply under that second nationality instead — worth exploring case by case.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Proof of Pakistani nationality
• Evidence of source of investment funds (bank statements, sale of assets, business income — showing lawful origin)
• Proof funds have been invested or are irrevocably committed (wire transfers, lease agreements, equipment purchases, escrow)
• Detailed business plan showing 5-year viability and job creation potential
• Business registration/formation documents for the US entity
• Passport-size photo
• Visa application fee (MRV) receipt

Description

Allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily to work in a religious vocation or occupation for a bona fide non-profit religious organization.

Rules & Regulations

• Applicant must have been a member of a religious denomination with a genuine non-profit religious organization in the US for at least 2 years immediately before applying.
• Initial validity up to 30 months, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years total.
• The religious organization must be a bona fide non-profit, tax-exempt entity.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (R-1 classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for small employers). Optional Premium Processing: $1,780 (effective 1 March 2026, a different rate than most other I-129 classifications).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-6 months. Premium Processing (optional): 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• At least 2 years' prior membership in the same religious denomination as the sponsoring US organization.
• A genuine job offer for a religious vocation (e.g., minister) or religious occupation (e.g., religious instructor, counselor) — not purely administrative/janitorial roles.
• Sponsoring organization must file Form I-129 with supporting religious-organization documentation.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani nationals affiliated with a qualifying religious organization are eligible.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Proof of 2+ years' membership in the religious denomination
• Sponsoring organization's non-profit/religious documentation
• Detailed description of religious duties
• Passport-size photo

Description

For internationally recognized athletes and qualifying members of internationally recognized entertainment groups coming to the United States for competitions, performances, or engagements.

Rules & Regulations

• P-1A (athletes): requires internationally recognized status, or membership on a team that is internationally recognized.
• P-1B (entertainment groups): the group itself must be internationally recognized, and most members must have been with the group for at least 1 year.
• Validity tied to the event/competition/tour, generally up to 5 years for athletes (individual competitions shorter), extendable.

Government Fee

Base Form I-129 filing fee (P classification, verify exact figure via the USCIS Fee Calculator) + $600 Asylum Program Fee ($300 for small employers). Optional Premium Processing: $2,965 (effective 1 March 2026).

Processing Time

Regular processing: typically 2-4 months. Premium Processing (optional): USCIS guarantees action within 15 business days.

General Eligibility

• Evidence of international recognition in the sport or entertainment field.
• A specific competition, event, or engagement in the US requiring the applicant's participation.
• A US employer, sponsor, or US-based agent to file the petition.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani athletes and performers with genuine international recognition are eligible.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form I-797 Approval Notice
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Evidence of international recognition (rankings, awards, media coverage)
• Contract/itinerary for the US event or engagement
• Passport-size photo

Description

For participants in approved exchange visitor programs, including research, training, internships, teaching, academic programs, and specialized skill-transfer programs.

Rules & Regulations

• Must be sponsored by a US State Department-designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor (universities, research institutions, specific training programs).
• Some J-1 categories carry the 2-year home-residency requirement (Section 212(e)) — the participant must return to Pakistan for 2 years before being eligible for certain other US visa categories or a Green Card, unless a waiver is obtained.
• Program duration varies by category (from a few weeks for short-term scholars to several years for research scholars).

Government Fee

No USCIS Form I-129 petition — sponsored via Form DS-2019 issued by the program sponsor. SEVIS I-901 fee: $220. Consular (MRV) application fee applies separately — confirm current amount with the US Embassy Islamabad.

Processing Time

Program sponsor DS-2019 issuance timeline varies by program. Consular scheduling and interview at the US Embassy Islamabad typically add several weeks.

General Eligibility

• Acceptance into a designated Exchange Visitor Program.
• Sufficient funding for the program duration (self, sponsor, or scholarship).
• Sufficient English proficiency for the specific program.

Eligibility for Pakistani Nationals

• No nationality-based restriction — Pakistani nationals are commonly accepted into US academic and research exchange programs.
• Applicants should check early whether their specific J-1 category carries the 2-year home-residency requirement, as it affects future US visa planning.

Document Checklist

• Valid passport
• Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) from the program sponsor
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Proof of funding for the program
• Passport-size photo