NOTE: As of press time, the Islamabad consulate is closed due to a security crackdown tied to the US Embassy bombings in Africa. The consulate has released the following statement:

Due to security concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan is currently in the process of evacuating nonessential personnel. No visa services will be available during the evacuation period.

Once the drawdown of personnel is completed, the Embassy will resume limited visa services. The Embassy's current plan is to accept nonimmigrant visa applications by appointment only. Normal immigrant visa processing will remain suspended until further notice, except for the following categories:

- orphan adoption applicants, and

- immigrant visa applicants who have current priority dates if the applicant is unmarried and about to turn 21.

Check with the consulate before visiting to ensure it is reopened. No dates have yet been announced for a reopening.

Addresses:

Mailing Address: American Embassy, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna-5, P.O. Box 1048, Islamabad, Pakistan

Telephone: (92)(51) 275270-72

Facsimile: (92)(51) 276427

Islamabad is nine hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Nonimmigrant Visas:

Islamabad has jurisdiction to issue nonimmigrant visas to residents from all of Pakistan. It is the only location in Pakistan issuing visas. Applications are accepted in person, and no appointments are made. An officer will see applicants who are in line by 10:00 am and visas are issued on the same day. The nonimmigrant visa unit is closed on the last Thursday of each month.

Immigrant Visas:

Immigrant visas are issued by appointment only, which occur on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday beginning at 8:00 am. If a visa is issued, it is usually available on the same day as the interview.

The average time for processing from receipt of the immigrant visa application to the interview is three to five months.

While the post will begin to process cases before receiving INS approval, however, because of fraud issues, they reserve the right to hold up the case until INS approval is received.