How to Apply for a USA Visa from Dubai, UAE?
Introduction
UAE citizens and other residents holding passports from different countries require a visa to visit the United States if they are not eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program. A USA visa from the UAE is required for both immigrant and non-immigrant purposes. Further, there are several sub-categories under these two primary visa categories.
The US immigration authorities invariably reject the wrong visa application. Hence, choosing the right type of visa is crucial for the success of your visa application. A clear understanding of the US visa application procedure helps to avoid common errors and saves time & money. The applicants can present a stronger case and significantly improve their chances of obtaining a US visa.
Types of US Visas Available for UAE Residents
Non-Immigrant Visas
Visitor Visas
B-1 Visa: This visa is granted for business activities like meetings, seminars, conferences, and training
B-2 Visa: This visa is ideal for tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment
B-1/B-2 Visa: A combined visa is typically issued for both business and tourism purposes
Student Visas
F-1 Visa: This visa is for academic students attending a university, college, high school, or language training program.
F-2 Visa: Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders must obtain a F-2 visa to enter the US
M-1 Visa: This visa is issued for vocational or non-academic training programs
M-2 Visa: Spouses and children of M-1 visa holders must obtain a M-2 visa to enter the US
Work Visas
H-1B: A H-1B visa is issued for individuals in specialized occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher (areas such as IT, engineering, and finance)
H-2B: A H-2B visa is meant for temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work (travel, hospitality, construction, etc.)
Other Non-Immigrant Visas
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: This visa is issued for participants in exchange programs, including students, interns, researchers, and professors
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: This visa is granted to employees transferring to a U.S. office of the same company in a managerial or specialized knowledge role
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa: Individuals with exceptional ability or achievements in fields like arts, sciences, athletics, or business can apply for an O-1 visa
P Visa: This visa is suitable for athletes, artists, and entertainers participating in events or performances
R-1 Religious Worker Visa: Religious workers coming to the U.S. to work for a nonprofit religious organization must obtain a R-1 visa
Immigrant Visas
Employment-Based
EB-1 Visa: This visa is suitable for priority workers with extraordinary abilities, managers of multinational corporations, or outstanding professors/researchers
EB-2 Visa: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in specific fields can obtain an EB-2 visa
EB-3 Visa: This visa is issued for skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified workers.
EB-4 Visa: Special immigrants such as religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign missions, and certain others can enter the US on an EB-4 visa
EB-5 Visa: Investors who invest $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise and create at least ten full-time jobs are eligible to get an EB-5 visa
Family-Based
Spouses, children, parents, or siblings of U.S. citizens can enter America on a family-based immigrant visa. This category also includes the K-1 visa issued to individuals who intend to marry a US citizen.
Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
A DV lottery facilitates the acquisition of permanent residency in the US by foreign nationals from countries with historically low immigration rates.
US Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
Eligibility Criteria
Visitor/Tourist Visa (B1/B2)
The reason for travel must be temporary, such as tourism, medical treatment, or family visits
The applicants must prove strong ties to the UAE or their home country (i.e. family, employment, or property ownership)
Travelers should have sufficient funds to cover the expenses during their US stay
The applicants must demonstrate a clear intent to return to the UAE after the US visit
Work Visa (H-1B, L1, etc.)
The applicants must have a job offer from a US company willing to sponsor them
They must meet the qualifications, experience, and skills for the specific job and visa type
The applicants must meet all requirements related to the specific visa category they are applying for
Student Visa
The applicant must have an acceptance letter from a US school or university
Prospective students must show they can financially support themselves or they should have sponsorship
The student visa applicants should demonstrate strong ties to the UAE or their home countries
Documentation
General Documents (for all types of visa)
DS-160 online application form along with the confirmation page
A valid passport with at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US
Visa fee payment receipt as proof of payment of the visa application fee
A recent passport-sized photograph as per US visa specifications
Additional Documents (Based On the Visa Type)
Visitor/Tourist Visa (B1/B2)
Proof of financial means i.e. bank statements for the last three months
Marriage certificate, property deeds, lease agreements, or a letter from the employer as evidence of ties to the UAE/home country
A travel itinerary (if applicable)
Work Visa (H-1B, L1, etc.)
Approved petition form (Form I-797) for H1-B and other employment-based visas
Job offer letter from the US employer
Additional documents may include proof of work experience, qualifications, and previous employment letters
Student Visa
Form I-20 issued by the U.S. institution confirming the applicant’s admission
SEVIS fee receipt as proof of payment for the SEVIS fee
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements, sponsor letters, or scholarships.
Academic transcripts, degrees, or diplomas
How to Apply for a US Visa from Dubai?
Choose the right type of visa
There are two main visa categories i.e. Immigrant and Non-immigrant visas. Further, there are several sub-categories under them. Selecting the wrong type of visa will inevitably result in the rejection of your application
Submit the visa application at the right place
A US visa application from Dubai can be submitted at the offices of the US embassy or the Consulate General (in Dubai)
Fill out the application form
The US visa application form is also known as the DS-160 form. You can complete the DS-160 form online through the Consular Electronic Application Center
Pay the visa fees and schedule an appointment
Visit the official website of the US Visa Information and Appointment Services. Sign up for an account and follow these steps:
- Enter the DS-160 confirmation number
- Complete the courier document return process
- Pay the prescribed visa fee for your chosen category
Schedule two appointments
US visa applicants from Dubai must schedule two appointments as follows: (i) an Appointment at the Visa Application Center for biometrics i.e. photos and fingerprints (ii) an Appointment at the US Embassy/Consulate in Dubai for a visa interview
Attend the appointments
Gather all the required documents for your visa category and attend the appointments at the scheduled date and time
Wait for the Visa Processing & Approval
The processing time for a US visa may vary based on the visa type and specific factors. You can track your visa application status online
After approval, the passport along with the US visa can be collected at designated centers. You can also get it delivered through a courier service.
How to Schedule a US Visa Appointment in Dubai?
Visit the official website of the US State Department for Visa Appointment Services. Create a new account (Existing users can log into their accounts)
Enter your personal details, including the DS-160 confirmation number and visa fee payment receipt number
Choose the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai as your interview location
Select an available date and time for your visa interview. Please schedule well in advance of your intended travel date
Tips for a Successful Visa Interview
Attending a visa interview is one of the critical steps in your US visa application process. Here are some tips to help you crack the interview with confidence and ease.
Have a clear understanding of the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying. You must have no confusion about the reason for traveling to the US and your subsequent plans
Be direct and honest with all your answers. Please avoid over-explaining or providing additional details unless you are asked to do so
Be ready to prove that you have adequate financial means to cover all your expenses in the US (for Visitor/Student visas). Bring bank statements, sponsorship letters, or any other documents to support your claims
You must be able to demonstrate strong ties to the UAE or your home country (through family ties, employment, business, or property ownership)
Do not treat the visa interview as a casual activity. Be punctual to the interview and demonstrate a professional demeanor with your appearance and behavior
Be prepared for a few common questions such as ‘Why do you want to visit the US?’, ‘What are your travel plans?’ and ‘Who will cover your expenses?’
Stay calm and confident during the interview. Make sure to maintain clear eye contact with the interviewer
Visa Fees for UAE Residents
The cost of a US non-immigrant visa is $185 (approx. AED 680). Please note that this amount is subject to change. The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Frequently Asked Questions about USA Visa from Dubai
The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of select countries to visit the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. However, the US VWP is currently not available for the UAE.
Yes. UAE residents can submit the online visa application form DS-160 (for non-immigrant visas) through the US Department of State website.
The processing time for a US visa in Dubai may vary based on the visa type and individual factors. As per the latest information, it may take around four to six weeks to process a US visa application.
Some of the common reasons for the rejection of a US visa application are as follows:
- Incomplete or incorrect application
- Issues with passport validity and other supporting documents
- Inadequate financial means or dubious financial records
- Weak ties to home country (such as lack of employment, business, family ties, assets, etc.)
- Criminal record of two or more convictions
- Any health condition that is likely to pose a serious risk to the US public health system
Yes. UAE residents must obtain a prior visa to visit the US. They can apply for a B1/B2 visa (for tourism or business) and stay in the US for up to six months.
You can reschedule a US visa appointment up to two times. You may have to pay visa application fees afresh for further rescheduling.
The waiting time for a US visa appointment in Dubai can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. Hence, the US State Department advises applicants to start the application process about three months before their expected travel date.
