Pakistani applicants · United States of America
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) for Pakistani citizens
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
This page covers the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) specifically for Pakistani applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Pakistan. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 4 months
- Government fees
- SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185.
- Typical duration
- Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Pakistani nationals are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Pakistani applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
2 weeks – 4 months
F-1 consular processing: 2–16 weeks depending on post and wait time for interview appointment.
Verified 1 June 2026 · DOS — Student visa (F-1) →
Visa overview
The F-1 visa is issued to students admitted to an SEVP-certified US academic institution. After completion, F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT); students with qualifying STEM degrees can extend by 24 months (STEM OPT), for a total of up to 36 months of post-graduation employment authorisation.
Additional sources
Primary source
ICE SEVP — Study in the States ↗ · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance at an SEVP-certified institution issuing Form I-20.
- ✓Sufficient financial support for tuition and living costs for the first year.
- ✓Genuine non-immigrant intent at consular interview.
Common blockers
- !Insufficient funding evidence at consular interview.
- !Incomplete SEVIS registration.
Typical evidence
- ·Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school.
- ·Bank statements, sponsor affidavits, scholarship letters.
- ·Evidence of ties to home country.
Application pathway
Receive I-20 from SEVP-certified school
Institution issues the I-20 after admission.
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee and complete DS-160
Schedule consular interview.
Maintain status during study
Meet full-course-of-study and reporting requirements.
OPT / STEM OPT application
Apply for post-completion OPT, and STEM OPT extension where eligible.
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Pakistani nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Pakistani citizens eligible for the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)?+
Eligibility for the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Pakistani applicants typically file the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)?+
a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Pakistani applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Pakistani nationals are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long does the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) take to process from Pakistan?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 4 months. Pakistani applicants usually file via a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DOS — Student visa (F-1), verified 1 June 2026.
Does F-1 OPT require a specific employer?+
Standard post-completion OPT does not require a specific employer at filing, but work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. STEM OPT requires employment with an E-Verify employer and a formal training plan (Form I-983).