How to apply for a US visa from Dubai
The US visa application process from Dubai is often considered daunting, mainly because a lot of people don’t know where to start and the potential pitfalls. In reality, however, this is not the case. Once you know the step-by-step process, you’ll realise that applying for a USA visa from Dubai is quite simple. And we’ve broken the process down for you, let’s take a look.
WHO NEEDS TO APPLY FOR A USA VISA FROM DUBAI?
All UAE passport holders and residents, except those with passports from countries on the US Visa Waiver Program, must apply for a US visa from Dubai to be allowed entry into the United States of America. As a UAE citizen or resident, you need a US visa whether you are travelling to the country for immigration or business/leisure purposes.
COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE US VISA WAIVER PROGRAM
If you are a resident of Dubai but a citizen of one of the following countries – you may visit the US after applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). You can find this form online, where you have to pay an application fee of 21 USD.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the USA for leisure and business. You can stay up to 90 days via VWP. Countries on the US VWP include:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Republic of Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
WHAT TYPE OF USA VISA DO YOU NEED?
You can apply for two main categories of USA visas from Dubai.
- USA non-immigrant visas
- USA immigrant visas
Each category has further subcategories that align with various types of applicants and their travel purposes. Knowing what visa you’re applying for is important because your visa application process from Dubai depends on that.
In this post, we are dealing with nonimmigrant visas or the simple USA visit visa from Dubai. This particular visa type has two major subcategories:
- The US business visa or the B1 Visa
- The US tourist visa or the B2 Visa
The US Business Visa from Dubai is for those who wish to visit the USA for business. The US Tourist Visa from Dubai is for general travel purposes. Once approved, the US visit visa from Dubai allows you to enter and stay in the US for designated periods of time, which is subject to a variety of factors. Now, keep reading to find out how to apply for a USA visit visa from Dubai:
The USA Visit Visa from Dubai application process
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a USA visa. We have also detailed USA visit visa requirements from Dubai to help you understand the process.
STEP 1: FILE YOUR US VISA APPLICATION FROM DUBAI
Anyone who wishes to apply for a US tourist visa or a US business visa (categories B1 and B2) must first complete the online DS-160 application form.
Here’s how you can do that.
- Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center
- Select your location
- Enter the Captcha code
- Start your online application for a US visa from Dubai
- Complete the DS-160 application form
- Submit
- Print the DS-160 barcode page and keep it
Please Note:
- Even though an Arabic translation is available for most pages of the form, the online application for a US visa from Dubai should be completed in English.
- All fields are mandatory, except the ones specified as “optional” or “does not apply.” Make sure you fill in all the fields.
- The DS-160 application automatically times out after 20 minutes of staying idle. You risk losing any unsaved data on the application when it times out. So, save your information after regular intervals.
- Always save your online application for a US visa from Dubai before submitting it.
STEP 2: PAY THE US VISA FEES FROM DUBAI
The next step in the USA visa application process is to pay the fee and schedule your US visa appointment from Dubai. The US visit visa fee is currently USD 185, approximately AED 680. Please keep in mind that this AED amount is subject to change.
To pay your USA visa fee from Dubai, here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the US Department of State Visa Appointment Service website
- Create your user account
- Input your DS-160 application confirmation number
- Enter details for your courier document return process
- Pay your non-refundable, nonimmigrant (MRV) USA visa application fee
- Schedule your Consular Section appointment for an interview
Don’t forget to schedule your US visa appointment from Dubai because the embassy will not do it. If you’re applying via a travel agency in Dubai, they may charge you a service fee in addition to the official USA visa fee of USD 185.
STEP 3: GATHER THE DOCUMENTS
To complete your USA visa application in Dubai, you must assemble essential documents that help the consulate/embassy staff evaluate your case. You must submit them just as required to ensure a hassle-free process.
The USA visit visa from Dubai requirements are as follows:
- The confirmation page of the DS-160 form completion
- Your passport with at least one (1) blank page (must be valid for more than six months from your intended date of travel)
- Previous USA visas (if any)
- Receipt of US visa application fee paid
- A recent (taken within the past six months) US Visa photograph. You don’t need one if you’ve already attached a photograph in the DS-160 form.
- A police certificate. You can easily obtain a police clearance certificate in the UAE via the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website and app.
- Confirmation of USA visa appointment
- You also need documents showing any previous entry rejections or deportations from the USA that you may have faced.
Anyone applying for a US tourist visa must submit the following documents to support their application.
- A cover letter that details the purpose of your visit
- Bank statements as proof of having enough funds to finance your stay in the US
- US visa invitation letter (optional) from family or friends in the US
- Diploma or transcripts (in case you’re a student)
- Copies of relative’s and/or friend’s status in the US (in case you’re visiting friends/family)
- Medical report (in case you’re travelling for medical treatment)
You also need to prove that you have strong ties with your home country (in this case, Dubai). You can prove this with the following documents:
- Proof of family (dependents)
- A property lease or deed
- A valid job contract
- Anything that supports the notion that you will return once your trip ends
People who have an active job must also have the following documents for USA visa application in Dubai
- Letter of employment
- Three months’ pay slips
STEP 4: TAKE THE INTERVIEW
Attending the interview is the last step of the US visa application process in Dubai. Please note that the interview is compulsory for all visa applicants aged 14 to 79. This is the most important step of the process, so don’t take it casually.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Make sure you’re on time. Your US visa appointment from Dubai will be cancelled if you’re late.
- Take all your application documents; the consulate staff will examine them.
- Answer all interview questions honestly and comply with the information in your documents.
While you wait for your interview, the consulate staff will take your biometrics. To improve your chances of getting a US visa, you must have the complete set of required documents. Most importantly, be confident and truthfully answer all questions regarding your intended trip.
WHERE TO APPLY FOR US VISA IN DUBAI?
All US visa applications from Dubai are processed at either the US Consulate General in Dubai or the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The US missions in the UAE are located at the following addresses.
US EMBASSY, ABU DHABI
- Location: Plot No. 38, Sector W-59-02, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-414-2200
US CONSULATE GENERAL, DUBAI
- Location: Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-309-4000
FAQS ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR US VISA FROM DUBAI
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS US VISA APPLICATION IN DUBAI?
The US visa processing time in Dubai can take from four to six weeks. However, the duration may vary from case to case basis.
The processing time usually depends on the number of visa applications the US Embassy receives at the same time as yours.
HOW CAN I RENEW MY US VISA FROM DUBAI?
If your US visa expired less than four years ago, you can renew it in Dubai. Ideally, you should start the renewal process three months before the visa expires so that you have enough time for renewals. The process for the renewal is similar to applying for a new tourist visa (filling out the D-160 form and submitting it at the consulate).
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR US VISA IS DENIED?
If your US visa application from Dubai is denied, you can always apply again. Remember that you must pay the US visa fee every time you file an application. The best way to ensure that your US visa is not denied is by producing all the required documentation and completing the form correctly.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR MY USA VISA FROM DUBAI?
Ideally, you should apply for your US tourist visa from Dubai at least eight months before your tentative date of travel. You may get the visa sooner, but given the varying length of visa processing time, it’s always better to plan well ahead.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO MAKE A USA VISA APPOINTMENT FROM DUBAI WHILE LIVING IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, all residents and citizens of the UAE can apply to any of the two US missions in the country.
Those travelling from the capital will be able to apply for US preclearance in Abu Dhabi.
DOES PURCHASING A RETURN TICKET FOR THE TRIP GUARANTEE VISA APPROVAL?
No, it does not. While having a return ticket does count as compelling evidence of your intention to return to the UAE, it does not guarantee a visa. The US Consulate in Dubai strongly advises against purchasing non-refundable air tickets until the visa is stamped on your passport.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PASSPORT ONCE MY VISA IS STAMPED?
Once stamped, your visa will be delivered via a courier service in Dubai. It may take seven to ten working days after the interview for your visa-stamped passport to be delivered. US visa applicants in Dubai must not visit the US Consulate to pick up their passports personally.
IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK MY UAE VISA STATUS?
You can use your passport number to use the ICA Smart Services portal for visa status checks in the UAE.
That’s all we have for you now. We hope this information helps you get started on your USA visa application from Dubai. Please note that this process only details the specifics of a US tourist visa application and its process. However, the USA’s international tourism trends keep changing, so it is advised to keep yourself familiar with the changes before planning a trip.
The process for an immigration visa is different and more complex. Thankfully, there are companies offering immigration services in Dubai to help you get through the process with greater ease. You can also book an appointment at the foreign embassies in the UAE for specific matters.
Did you know that there are certain US cities you can fly to directly from Dubai? These include New York, Houston, LA and Seattle.
Planning to visit Japan? The visa application process from Dubai to Japan is fairly simple. UAE nationals can travel to Japan visa-free for up to 30 days. If you’re a UAE resident, you can apply for an eVisa.
