Become a U.S. Enrolled Agent from Pakistan, UAE or Anywhere
A Practical Pathway Into the U.S. Tax Profession
If you have a BA or bachelor’s degree and want a credible U.S.-recognized professional qualification without needing a CPA or a U.S. degree, the Enrolled Agent route is one of the most powerful options available.
An Enrolled Agent, often called an EA, is a federally authorized tax practitioner licensed by the IRS. Unlike CPAs, EAs specialize purely in taxation and can represent clients before the IRS in all 50 states.
Here is the complete step-by-step roadmap.
Step 1️⃣ Get Your PTIN from the IRS
Before you can sit for the exam, you need a PTIN, which stands for Preparer Tax Identification Number.
You apply directly through the IRS website.
The process is online and typically takes a short time.
Once approved, you are officially registered as a tax preparer candidate.
Simple. No U.S. degree required.
Link: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/ptin-requirements-for-tax-return-preparers
Step 2️⃣ Prepare for the SEE Exam
The SEE, Special Enrollment Examination, has 3 parts:
Individuals
Businesses
Representation, Practices and Procedures
Each part focuses on U.S. tax law and IRS procedures.
You can study online from Pakistan, UAE or anywhere. Many candidates prepare in 3 to 6 months depending on consistency.
This is not about memorizing theory. It is about understanding real tax rules and application.
Step 3️⃣ Take the Exam
You take the SEE at authorized Prometric centers.
The good news is that Prometric centers are available in:
Bangalore, India;
Hyderabad, India;
New Delhi, India;
Tokyo, Japan;
Seoul, Korea;
Toronto, Canada; and
London, England (We will do a video to apply for visit visa on our web site www.sarimuniversity.com)
You book your slot, appear for the computer-based exam, and receive results quickly.
No travel to the U.S. required.
Step 4️⃣ Pass All 3 Parts Within 3 Years
You do not need to pass all parts at once.
You have a 3-year window to clear all three sections.
Many candidates complete one part at a time while working or studying.
Once all 3 parts are passed, you qualify to apply for enrollment.
Step 5️⃣ Apply to the IRS – Form 23
After passing the exam:
• Submit Form 23 to the IRS
• Complete a background check
• Pay the enrollment fee
Once approved, you officially become an Enrolled Agent.
You now have federal authority to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
This credential is globally respected and U.S. recognized.
Step 6️⃣ Plan Your U.S. Pathway
Becoming an EA is a professional credential. Immigration is a separate discussion.
Once you build real tax experience and income, you can explore different U.S. pathways:
B1/B2 – Short Professional Visits
You may visit the U.S. for conferences, networking, or business exploration.
▶ Watch my Free course on how to apply B1 B2: https://sarimuniversity.com/b1-b2-course
E-2 – If You Open a Qualifying Business
If you start a legitimate tax or consulting business and invest qualifying capital, you may explore the E-2 investor route, depending on nationality eligibility.
▶ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uU1sYXNzEE
H-1B – Employer Sponsorship
If a U.S. firm hires you in a specialized role and sponsors you, H-1B can be explored.
▶ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYgj_qTp9Ns&t=1711s
EB-2 NIW or Other Employment-Based Options
If you build strong expertise, impact, and specialization, certain employment-based pathways may become relevant depending on your profile.
Every case is different. Strategy depends on experience, income, and long-term positioning.
▶ Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVirbPQZ5iY
Do You Need a CPA? ❌
No.
Do You Need a U.S. Degree? ❌
No.
Even with just a BA or bachelor’s degree, you can pursue this.
What matters:
• Passing the SEE exam
• Developing real tax skills
• Building client experience
• Positioning yourself professionally
This is skill-based, not degree-based.
Cost and Timeline Overview 💰⏳
General expectations:
PTIN fee – about $18.75 (one-time to obtain and then annually to renew)
SEE exam fee per part – about $267 for each of the 3 parts (Individual, Business, Representation)
Total SEE exam cost (if you pass each on first try) – about $801 for all 3 parts
IRS enrollment fee (Form 23) – about $140 once you’ve passed all 3 exam parts and apply to be enrolled
Optional study materials or review course costs are not set by the IRS, but typically range from around $300 to $1000+ depending on provider and materials chosen.
PTIN + SEE exam fees + enrollment fee = roughly $960 (excluding study materials) 📊
Most candidates complete everything within 6 to 12 months depending on preparation speed.
Why This Path Is Powerful 🚀
U.S. federal license
Global credibility
Remote work opportunity
Scalable consulting potential
Entry point into U.S. professional ecosystem
For many professionals in Pakistan and UAE, this can be a smart first step into U.S.-aligned career positioning.
