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United States · H-1B, L-1, O-1 or H-2B visa

US Work Visas from Pakistan: H-1B, L-1, O-1 and H-2B

The US has no single work visa. A US employer, or for O-1 an employer or agent, must first get a petition approved by USCIS in the category that fits you: H-1B for degree-level jobs, L-1 for transfers within one company, O-1 for extraordinary ability and H-2B for temporary non-farm work. Only then do you apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate in Pakistan.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026

At a glance

Who starts
The US employer or agent, by filing a petition with USCIS
H-1B
Specialty jobs needing a relevant degree; most employers must be selected first
L-1
Managers, executives and specialists moving within the same company
O-1
People with sustained national or international acclaim
H-2B
Temporary non-agricultural jobs with a Labor Department certification
Where you apply
US embassy or consulate in Pakistan, after approval

Who this is for

  • IT, engineering, finance and other professionals with a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent and a US job offer (H-1B).
  • Managers, executives and staff with specialised knowledge who have worked for a related company abroad for one continuous year within the last three (L-1).
  • Researchers, artists, athletes, doctors and business leaders with strong evidence of recognition in their field (O-1).
  • Workers for seasonal or peak-load jobs, such as hospitality or landscaping, where the employer has a temporary labour certification (H-2B).

When another route fits better

  • Meetings, conferences or negotiating contracts without being paid by a US source: the B-1 business visitor visa fits instead.
  • Moving to the US permanently through an employer: that is a separate employment-based green card process.
  • Studying first and working later: the F-1 student visa is the starting point, with its own limited work options.

Documents to prepare

Everyone

  • Valid passport
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Visa fee receipt and interview appointment confirmation
  • Copy of the USCIS approval notice (Form I-797) for your petition
  • Photo that meets US visa requirements
  • Letter from the employer describing the job, pay and start date

For your category

  • H-1B: degree certificates and transcripts, with a credential evaluation if relied on in the petition
  • L-1: proof of continuous employment with the related company abroad, such as appointment letters, payslips and tax records
  • O-1: evidence of awards, publications, media coverage, memberships or high pay, as filed with the petition
  • H-2B: the job terms and evidence of your experience for the work
  • Marriage and birth certificates if your spouse or children apply as dependants

Step by step

  1. 1

    Choose the right category

    Your employer, usually with an immigration lawyer, decides which category fits the job and your background. The choice shapes every later step.

  2. 2

    Employer completes the labour steps

    For H-1B the employer gets a certified Labor Condition Application from the US Department of Labor. For H-2B it needs a temporary labor certification. Most H-1B employers must also register you and be selected.

  3. 3

    Employer files the petition

    The employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, with evidence for your category. You cannot file it yourself.

  4. 4

    Complete the DS-160 and book

    Once USCIS approves the petition, fill in the online DS-160, pay the visa fee and book an interview in Pakistan.

  5. 5

    Attend the interview

    Bring your passport, approval notice and supporting documents. The officer checks that you match the petition and that the job is real. Some cases are held for further administrative processing.

  6. 6

    Receive the visa and travel

    If the visa is issued, it is placed in your passport. At the US border, Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you and for how long.

Costs to plan for

  • USCIS petition fees and related charges, which the employer pays for these categories.
  • Any extra H-1B payment for workers outside the US that is in force when the petition is filed. It falls on the employer, and its status has been subject to court rulings.
  • Your visa application fee, paid before you book the interview.
  • Degree evaluation, translations and attested copies of your documents.
  • Travel to the interview city in Pakistan, then flights and first living costs in the US.

Why applications get refused

  • The officer is not satisfied you match the petition, for example your degree or experience does not fit the job.
  • Inconsistent answers about the employer, duties, salary or where you will work.
  • For L-1, weak proof of continuous employment with the related company abroad.
  • Missing documents, which often leads to the case being held under section 221(g) until you provide them.
  • Past overstays, immigration violations or misrepresentation on earlier applications.
  • Security or background checks that are not cleared.

Tips before you apply

  • Never pay anyone in Pakistan to 'arrange' an H-1B or H-2B job. In the US system the employer files the petition.
  • Keep your DS-160 answers consistent with the petition, your CV and your public profiles.
  • The State Department reviews the online presence of H-1B applicants and their dependants. Follow any instruction about social media privacy settings.
  • Check the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan website for current appointment rules before you book.

Questions people ask

Generally no. H-1B, L-1, O-1 and H-2B all begin with a petition filed by a US employer, or for O-1 an employer or agent. You apply for the visa only after USCIS approves it.

Most private employers can file an H-1B petition only if their registration for you is selected in the yearly round, typically held in March. Universities and some research organisations are not subject to the cap.

A September 2025 proclamation required a large extra payment for some new H-1B petitions for workers outside the US. A federal court later vacated the guidance applying it, and DHS said it would comply while it considers next steps. Your employer should check the USCIS H-1B page for the latest position.

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for dependant visas: H-4 for H-1B and H-2B, L-2 for L-1 and O-3 for O-1.

The pause on immigrant visa issuance for Pakistani citizens, announced in January 2026, covered immigrant visas. The US Embassy said it did not apply to non-immigrant visas such as those for skilled workers. Check the embassy website for any change.

Official sources

Fees, fund requirements and processing times change. Check the current figures on the official site before you apply.

Last reviewed 8 October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. VisaWala is not affiliated with any embassy or government, and only the issuing authority decides a visa application.