Policy Updates

Given the security-focused nature of the order, applicants from Pakistan are likely to face more intensive screening of their criminal and background records. This could result in a higher rate of administrative processing delays for those seeking extraordinary ability status.

Pakistani nationals applying for extraordinary ability visas will face higher costs for 15-day processing. This adjustment is consistent with fee increases across all non-backlogged countries.

The policy update helps Pakistani professionals in sports that may be less common in the U.S. to understand how their international awards and memberships are weighted. This provides a more level playing field for athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds.

Applicants from Pakistan may experience longer adjudication windows as USCIS applies more rigorous background and credential vetting to EB-1A extraordinary ability claims.

Pakistani applicants will face the new fee structure for I-140 petitions starting in FY 2026. This change is administrative and does not reflect any change in visa availability or processing priority for Pakistan.

The court order regarding the 2024 USCIS fee rule affects the cost of filing Form I-140 for Pakistani nationals. This change primarily concerns the Asylum Program Fee, which is a mandatory cost for most employer-sponsored EB-1A petitions.

Strict State Bank of Pakistan regulations regarding foreign exchange transfers may complicate direct electronic payments to USCIS. Applicants may need to seek specific approvals or utilize specialized financial services to comply with the mandate.

The addition of law enforcement authorities to USCIS vetting will likely lead to more frequent and deeper background checks for Pakistani EB-1A candidates. This will increase the risk of long-term delays in visa issuance.

The move to electronic funds reduces the dependency on physical financial instruments which can be subject to loss or damage during international transit from Pakistan.

Applicants from Pakistan must provide clear, authentic evidence of their national or international acclaim. The policy update highlights the severe consequences for any misrepresentation found during the adjudication process, including permanent visa bars.

Pakistani EB-1A applicants often encounter delays in security clearances. The new focus on 'Anti-Americanism' allows for more subjective denials during the 'final merits determination' phase of the EB-1A adjudication.

Pakistani applicants can now rely on the 'Dates for Filing' chart to protect their children's status. This is a significant improvement for families who may face administrative processing delays or temporary visa unavailability.

Pakistani nationals applying for EB-1A based on athletic excellence will face the new USCIS standards. This requires a more nuanced presentation of gender-specific sports achievements to ensure they meet the 'top of the field' requirement under the new policy.

Pakistani high-skilled workers will face higher upfront costs for Form I-140. The change is a standard administrative adjustment that applies to all Pakistani applicants in this category.

Pakistani applicants, who may occasionally face additional scrutiny, will benefit from the mandatory disclosure of derogatory information. This allows for a formal rebuttal process, ensuring that the I-140 adjudication is based on a complete and accurate record.

Pakistani EB-1A applicants are protected from the expiration of their medical exams, which is particularly useful if their cases are subject to extended administrative processing. This change ensures that the medical exam signed after Nov. 1, 2023, will not need to be repeated.

Pakistani nationals applying for Adjustment of Status will no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This simplifies the coordination with civil surgeons and reduces the overall time spent on the medical exam phase.

This procedural update requires Pakistani nationals to mail their Form I-140 to specific new locations. Failure to do so may result in the return of the application package, though it does not affect visa availability.

The office closure will result in the rescheduling of any interviews or biometrics for Pakistani nationals. There is no specific policy impact beyond the general administrative delay affecting all applicants.

Visa Bulletin Advancement: EB-1 Rest of World (2023-10)

The Department of State advanced the EB-1 Final Action Date for Rest of World chargeability to Current in the 2023-10 bulletin. Applicants in this category can now file or have their cases adjudicated without priority date restrictions.