Immigrant Visas Are Paused for Pakistan. But the E-2 Investor Visa Is Still Available.

As of January 21, 2026, the U.S. State Department has paused Immigrant Visa issuances for Pakistani nationals. You can still submit applications and attend interviews, but immigrant visas won't be issued during the pause. The E-2 Investor Visa is now your only immediate, secure path to the United States.

The Door to Green Cards Just Closed.

If you have been following the news, you know the situation has changed overnight. On January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State implemented a pause on the issuance of Immigrant Visas for nationals of several countries, including Pakistan.

What this means for you:

• Family Petitions (Frozen): If you were waiting for a brother, sister, or parent to sponsor you, that process is effectively halted.

• Employment Green Cards (Frozen): Even if you have an employer sponsor, they cannot bring you to the U.S. on a permanent immigrant visa right now.

• The "Waiting Game": Just waiting for visa issuance is not a good strategy.

However, there is a critical exception. The pause applies only to Immigrant Visas. It does not apply to Treaty Non-Immigrant Visas.

The E-2 Visa

Why the E-2 Visa is the Only Option Left

Because of the 1961 Commerce Treaty between Pakistan and the United States, Pakistani citizens have a "back door" that is still open.

The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa is a Non-Immigrant Visa. This means it is immune to the current Immigrant Visa pause. While others are stuck in indefinite administrative processing or facing blanket bans, E-2 investors can still:

1. Apply for a U.S. visa in Pakistan. Check appointment availability at the Islamabad Embassy or the Consulate General Karachi.

2. Receive their visa stamp.

3. Travel to the United States with their families.

If you want to live in the U.S. in 2026, you cannot rely on a lottery or a family member. You must rely on your own capital.

Understanding the Requirements

It’s Not About "Buying" a Visa. It’s About Building a Business.

Many Pakistani investors mistakenly believe they need the $800,000+ required for the (now frozen) EB-5 Green Card. The E-2 is different.

To qualify for the E-2, you do not need millions. You need a "Substantial Investment" in a real business.

1. The Investment Sweet Spot We successfully filed E-2 cases for Pakistani clients with investments ranging from $120,000 to $200,000.

• Note on Funds: You must prove the money is yours (from savings, property sales in the U.A.E., or business profits) and transfer it through legal banking channels.

  
  

2. Active Business Operations You cannot just buy a plot of land in Texas or a house in California. You must invest in an active business.

• Proven Models for Pakistanis: Trucking & Logistics fleets, IT Consulting firms, Franchise Restaurants, or Convenience Stores.

  
  

3. Ownership & Direction You must own at least 50% of the business and be coming to the U.S. to "develop and direct" it. This visa is for bosses, not passive investors.

Why SmartInvestorVisas.com?

Filing an E-2 case for a Pakistani national is different than filing for a European. The scrutiny on "Source of Funds" is higher, and the business plans must be flawless.

At SmartInvestorVisas.com, we specialize in high-stakes E-2 cases.

• We Navigate the Pause: We know exactly how to argue your eligibility despite the current State Department restrictions.

• Source of Funds Experts: We help you document the path of your money from Pakistan to the U.S. to satisfy the Consular Officer.

• Business Plan Included: We don't make you write it. Our experts craft a 5-year, USCIS-compliant business plan that justifies your investment.

The Rules Changed Yesterday. Did Your Plan?

The window for standard immigration has closed. The window for investors remains open. Do not wait for this rule to change—take advantage of the E-2 treaty today.

Book Your Emergency Strategy Session WhatsApp & Phone: +1 (818) 233-0308