The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan has officially opened applications for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2027. Consequently, Pakistani high school students now have a remarkable opportunity to spend the spring 2027 semester in the United States. Furthermore, the U.S. government fully funds this exchange program.
The U.S. Congress originally established the YES program in October 2002. It aims to build long-term connections between young people in the United States and participating countries through educational and cultural exchange. The upcoming semester will begin in January 2027. During this time, selected students will live with American host families. Additionally, they will attend U.S. high schools and participate in activities focused on leadership, culture, governance, business, and innovation.
Who Can Apply for the YES Program 2027?
The program enforces specific age, academic, and educational requirements. First, applicants must be 15 to 17 years old on January 1, 2027. Therefore, they must have been born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012. Second, students must be currently enrolled in the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade in Pakistan. O Level students in the 9th or 10th grade can also apply. However, O Level 11th graders remain ineligible.
Academically, students need at least 60% marks in each of the past three academic years. Moreover, they must maintain at least a 60% score in major subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Sciences. Applicants must not have any failing grades during this three-year period. Additionally, they must be able to communicate effectively in English.
Finally, only Pakistani citizens currently residing in Pakistan qualify. The program strictly rejects students with a gap year or a repeated academic year. Furthermore, students who graduate from secondary school before the program begins cannot participate.
Interested candidates must meet the program’s J-1 visa requirements. Most importantly, applicants must not have previously traveled to the United States. Dual nationals do not qualify for this program. Additionally, siblings or children of YES alumni cannot participate. The program also excludes the children and siblings of Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan project staff.
How to Apply Before the Deadline
Students can start the application process by visiting yesprogram.pk. There, they should check their eligibility and select the “Apply Now” option. First, applicants must complete the form electronically. Next, they must print it and sign it by hand. Finally, candidates must submit the physical application along with the required documents exclusively via post or courier.
Applicants need to include school-attested photocopies of their final mark sheets for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 academic years. Alongside these, they must attach a photocopy of one valid identity document. Acceptable documents include a NADRA B-Form, Smart Card, Family Registration Certificate (FRC), or a birth certificate.
Send the complete package to:
YES Program: Spring Semester 2027 Application
Society for International Education
88-H, P.E.C.H.S. Block-6, Karachi
Act quickly, because the last date to submit applications is September 15, 2026. Officials will use a rigorous, merit-based selection process to choose participants. Consequently, the program may not consider incomplete, unsigned, or incorrectly submitted applications.
