Moving to the United States from Pakistan

Visa Pathways for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter the United States for any purpose. Pakistan is not part of the Visa Waiver Program ^[1]. All travel requires a visa issued by a US embassy or consulate.

Family-based immigration.

Family sponsorship is the most heavily used immigration pathway for Pakistani nationals. US citizens can petition for a spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 as an immediate relative, which is not subject to annual numerical caps ^[2]. Other family preference categories (married adult children, siblings) have per-country limits and wait times that can stretch to many years for high-demand countries.

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

Pakistani professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field can qualify for H-1B sponsorship ^[3]. The H-1B is widely used by Pakistani IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers ^[3]. The annual cap and lottery system make selection competitive.

Employment-based immigrant visas.

The EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degrees or exceptional ability, including the National Interest Waiver), and EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals) categories are available ^[4]. Pakistani nationals generally face shorter wait times in employment-based categories compared to Indian and Chinese applicants due to per-country limit mechanics.

E-2 Treaty Investor visa.

Pakistan has an active E-2 treaty with the United States, with the treaty in force since February 12, 1961 ^[5]. Pakistani nationals can invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business and obtain an E-2 visa to direct that business ^[5]. The E-2 is renewable but does not directly lead to permanent residence ^[5].

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Pakistan is typically eligible for the annual DV lottery, which makes up to 55,000 immigrant visas available to nationals of countries with historically low immigration rates ^[2]. The DV lottery is a significant pathway for Pakistani immigrants. Winners must meet education or work experience requirements.

Student visas.

The F-1 visa allows Pakistani students to attend SEVP-approved US institutions ^[6]. You need a Form I-20 from your school and payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee ^[6]. After graduating, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows up to 12 months of work in your field, with a 24-month STEM extension for qualifying degrees ^[6]. Many Pakistani professionals initially enter the US on F-1 visas and transition to H-1B or employment-based immigrant categories after graduation ^[3].

Consular processing.

Visa applications go through the US Embassy in Islamabad or the US Consulate General in Karachi. Security-related processing (administrative processing) can extend wait times beyond the standard consular timeline. Starting the application process well in advance is advisable.

US Tax Obligations and the Pakistan Treaty

Once you become a US tax resident, either through the green card test or the substantial presence test, you owe tax on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts all days physically present in the current year, plus one-third of the prior year, plus one-sixth of the year before that, with a 183-day threshold ^[2].

US-Pakistan Income Tax Treaty.

The US and Pakistan have an income tax treaty that has been in force since 1957 ^[3]. The treaty provides for reduced withholding rates on certain categories of income (dividends, interest, royalties) flowing between the two countries and includes provisions to prevent double taxation. For individuals relocating, the treaty's residence article and foreign tax credit mechanisms are the most relevant provisions ^[3].

Foreign tax credit.

If you pay Pakistani income tax on the same income that the US taxes, you can claim a credit on Form 1116 to offset your US liability ^[4]. The treaty supplements this by providing additional clarity on which country has primary taxing rights for specific income types.

Filing as a new resident.

In your first year in the US, you may file as a dual-status alien: nonresident for the portion of the year before you became a tax resident, and resident thereafter ^[5]. Once you hold a green card for a full year or meet the substantial presence test for a complete calendar year, you file Form 1040 as a full-year resident ^[1].

ITIN for dependents.

Dependents who are not eligible for a Social Security number need an ITIN, applied for through Form W-7 ^[6].

FBAR and FATCA.

If you maintain financial accounts in Pakistan with an aggregate balance exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[7]. FATCA Form 8938 reporting applies at higher asset thresholds ^[8]. Pakistani bank accounts, investment accounts, and prize bond holdings all count toward these thresholds.

No totalization agreement.

The US and Pakistan do not have a Social Security Totalization Agreement ^[3]. If you worked in Pakistan and contributed to EOBI (Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution), those contributions do not reduce your US Social Security and Medicare obligations. You pay FICA taxes in the US independently, and your Pakistani work history does not count toward US benefit eligibility.

Healthcare and Insurance

No portable coverage.

Pakistan's public and private health insurance does not extend coverage outside the country. You need US-based health insurance from the date you arrive.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most US employers with 50 or more full-time employees are required to offer health coverage. Enrollment is typically available at hire or during the annual open enrollment period. Employer plans generally offer the best value because the employer subsidizes a portion of the premium.

ACA Marketplace.

Lawful permanent residents can purchase plans through healthcare.gov. Premium tax credits are available based on income, which can reduce monthly costs significantly. A change in immigration status qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Medicaid waiting period.

Lawful permanent residents face a five-year waiting period before Medicaid eligibility in most states. Some states waive this for pregnant women and children.

Prescription drugs.

Bring documentation from your Pakistani doctor listing medications by generic name (International Nonproprietary Name) and dosage. Many medications available over the counter in Pakistan require a US prescription. Controlled substances face additional regulatory requirements. Your US doctor will write new prescriptions.

Dental and vision.

These are separate from medical insurance in the US. Costs for dental procedures are significantly higher than in Pakistan. Employer plans sometimes offer dental and vision as optional add-ons; otherwise, you purchase standalone policies or pay out of pocket.

Halal dietary considerations in healthcare.

US hospitals and healthcare facilities are increasingly aware of dietary requirements, but halal meal options are not universally available. During hospital stays, you can request accommodations. For outpatient visits, this is generally not relevant, but if you take medications, verify that gelatin capsules and other ingredients comply with your dietary requirements if this is a concern.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open an account with a passport, visa, and US address. Most major banks serve immigrant clients. A Social Security number is preferred; an ITIN is accepted at many institutions. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all open accounts for new immigrants.

Building credit.

The US credit system does not recognize credit history from Pakistan. You start with no US credit score. Secured credit cards are the standard starting point. After several months of on-time payments, you can graduate to unsecured cards. Building credit early is important because landlords, auto dealers, and some employers run credit checks.

Sending money to Pakistan.

Remittances to Pakistan are a major financial flow. Services like Wise, Remitly, and Xoom handle USD-to-PKR transfers. The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) program, while designed for non-resident Pakistanis, allows certain banking operations in Pakistan from abroad. Compare total costs across providers, including exchange rate markups and transfer fees.

Foreign account reporting.

Pakistani bank accounts, National Savings Certificates, prize bonds, and investment accounts count toward FBAR reporting thresholds ($10,000 aggregate) ^[1] and FATCA Form 8938 thresholds ^[2]. Many Pakistani immigrants maintain accounts in Pakistan for family support, property management, or savings; all must be reported if thresholds are met.

Social Security.

As a US worker, you pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on earned income. You need 40 work credits (roughly 10 years) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. There is no totalization agreement with Pakistan, so your EOBI contributions do not count toward US credits.

Zakat and tax treatment.

Zakat and other charitable contributions to qualified US tax-exempt organizations (501(c)(3)) are deductible on your US tax return. Contributions to Pakistani charities or Islamic institutions in Pakistan are generally not deductible on US returns unless the organization has US tax-exempt status.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Ocean freight from Pakistan (Karachi port) to US ports (New York/Newark, Los Angeles, Houston) takes several weeks. A 20-foot container runs in the mid-four to low-five figures depending on volume and destination port. Get multiple quotes from international movers. Door-to-door service including customs clearance on both ends simplifies the process.

US Customs.

Personal effects owned and used before your move enter duty-free under the personal effects exemption. Prepare an itemized inventory in English with approximate values. Textiles and clothing may receive additional scrutiny. Food items, particularly meats and fresh produce, are restricted by CBP.

Pets.

Dogs entering the US from Pakistan must meet CDC requirements, including rabies vaccination documentation and a health certificate. Check the CDC's current dog importation rules, as requirements have tightened. Pakistan is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies by the CDC, which may impose additional requirements or restrictions on dog imports. Cats generally need a health certificate and rabies documentation. Airlines serving Pakistan-US routes (PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines) have varying pet transport policies.

Driver's license.

US states set their own requirements. Most require proof of legal presence, a Social Security number, proof of residency, and passing written and driving tests. A Pakistani driver's license is not directly transferable. An International Driving Permit, obtainable through authorized organizations in Pakistan, allows limited driving in the US while you work toward a state license.

Electrical standards.

Pakistan uses 220V/50Hz electricity; the US uses 120V/60Hz. Electronics designed for 220V will not work without a step-down transformer or dual-voltage capability. Most modern laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage. Larger appliances should generally be replaced rather than converted.

Time zones.

Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) is UTC+5. The US East Coast is UTC-5 (EST) or UTC-4 (EDT during daylight saving time), a difference of 10 to 11 hours. This matters for staying in touch with family and for any remote work arrangements involving Pakistan.

Cultural Adjustment

Language.

English is widely used in Pakistani education and professional settings, giving many Pakistani immigrants a foundation for US life. However, American English idioms, accent variations, and workplace communication styles differ from the English used in Pakistan. Investing in accent training or professional communication courses can accelerate professional integration.

Pakistani communities.

The US has established Pakistani communities in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, Houston, Chicago, the Washington DC area, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Community mosques, cultural organizations, and professional networks (like the Pakistani American community associations) provide social connections, legal referrals, and practical support.

Cost of living.

Housing, healthcare, and education costs are substantially higher than in Pakistan. Rent in major US cities consumes a large portion of income. Many Pakistani immigrants initially settle near family or community members to share costs and access support networks.

Religious observance.

Mosques and Islamic centers operate in every major US metropolitan area and many smaller cities. Friday prayers, Ramadan observances, and Eid celebrations are accommodated by many US employers, though accommodations vary. Halal food is widely available in areas with Muslim populations, and halal groceries and restaurants can be found through community networks and apps.

Food and grocery.

Pakistani and South Asian grocery stores are common in areas with large Pakistani populations. Staples like basmati rice, lentils, spices, halal meats, and specific produce items are available. Prices may be higher than in Pakistan but are generally affordable. American supermarkets also carry many staples.

Education system.

US public schools are free and assigned by address. Many Pakistani families prioritize education and settle in areas known for strong public school systems. For higher education, financial aid and scholarships are available. In-state tuition at public universities, available after establishing residency, is significantly less than out-of-state or private university tuition.

Social norms.

Gender dynamics, personal space conventions, and social interaction patterns differ from Pakistan. Workplace equality is legally mandated and culturally expected. Building cross-cultural friendships takes time and openness. Community organizations and interfaith groups can bridge the transition.

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