This guide adapts our EB-2 NIW guide for professionals applying from Pakistan, covering degree equivalency, consular processing in Islamabad, and the policy changes Pakistani applicants should know about in 2026.
Key takeaways
- You can file EB-2 NIW from Pakistan, with no U.S. employer.
- Pakistan has generally had no EB-2 visa bulletin wait.
- A 4-year BS is often equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's; a 2-year BA/BSc usually is not.
- The final stage runs through NVC and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
- Check the 2026 policy watch below before booking travel or resigning.
How do Pakistani degrees qualify for EB-2?
Your Pakistani degree must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. degree. A 4-year BS is often evaluated as a U.S. bachelor's; a 2-year BA or BSc usually is not, and MS/MPhil degrees can qualify as advanced degrees.
| Pakistani qualification | Typical U.S. equivalency | EB-2 route |
|---|---|---|
| BS (4-year), BE, BSc Engineering | Often a U.S. bachelor's | Bachelor's + 5 years experience |
| BA / BSc (2-year) | Usually not a U.S. bachelor's alone | May combine with a master's; evaluation needed |
| MBBS | Often a U.S. professional degree | Advanced degree route, case by case |
| MS, MPhil, MBA (after 4-year BS) | Often a U.S. master's | Advanced degree |
| PhD | U.S. doctorate | Advanced degree |
Get your degrees HEC-attested before the credential evaluation. Equivalency depends on the full educational history, so always confirm with a professional evaluation.
Which fields build strong NIW cases from Pakistan?
Pakistani applicants commonly build strong cases in engineering, IT and cybersecurity, medicine and public health, agriculture and water, energy, finance and fintech, and academic research.
- Engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical)
- IT, software and cybersecurity
- Medicine and public health
- Agriculture and water management
- Energy and renewables
- Finance and fintech
- Academic and scientific research
- Entrepreneurship and startups
See field-specific strategies on our EB-2 NIW by profession page.
How does consular processing in Islamabad work?
After I-140 approval, your case moves to the National Visa Center. You pay fees, submit Form DS-260 and civil documents, complete a medical exam, and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.
NVC & DS-260
Fees and online forms
Civil documents
NADRA and police records
Medical exam
Panel physician
Interview
U.S. Embassy Islamabad
- NADRA birth certificates (computerized)
- NADRA marriage registration certificate
- Police character certificates
- Passports for all applicants
- Medical exam with an embassy-approved panel physician
- Financial documents for public-charge review
2026 policy watch for Pakistani applicants
Consular conditions for Pakistan changed several times in 2026. Always check with us before booking travel or giving notice at work.
Updated {date}: The State Department paused immigrant-visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Pakistan, from January 21, 2026. A federal court vacated that pause, and it has not been in effect since August 21, 2026. The State Department then paused some immigrant-visa interview scheduling while consular officers received updated public-charge training. Sources: NAFSA and Global Immigration Blog.
How should I prepare for public-charge review?
Show that you are unlikely to depend on U.S. public benefits: financial resources, U.S. job prospects, assets, and sponsor options where relevant.
- Bank statements and savings
- Property and asset documents
- Evidence of U.S. job prospects or offers
- Professional licenses and qualifications
- Health insurance plans for arrival
- Affidavit of support options, if applicable
Book an Urdu or English consultation at our Karachi office, or online. We'll map out your NIW path step by step.
Local support in Pakistan
Phoenix Immigration offers consultations in Urdu and English at our Karachi office or online, with professional fees payable in PKR.
Karachi office
IBA City Campus: Plot # 68 & 88 Garden, Kiyani Shaheed Rd, Karachi, Sindh.
Urdu or English
Consultations in the language you prefer, in person or online.
PKR payments
Professional fees payable locally in Pakistani rupees.
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Official sources
- U.S. Department of State: Visa Bulletin
- U.S. Department of State: Immigrant Visa Process
- NAFSA: State Department pauses immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries
- U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Pakistan: Immigrant Visas
Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services LLC is an immigration consulting firm, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Information on this page is general and may change; always confirm current rules on uscis.gov and travel.state.gov. Filing a petition or application does not guarantee approval.
