Are you a Dubai Resident looking to move to the US? Do you want to know how to apply for US visa from Dubai? If yes, then keep reading because this article will walk you through the complete application process for a US visa from Dubai in easy steps.
Settling in the USA is a dream shared by thousands of people worldwide. Recognized as a land of opportunities, it’s a country that offers excellent career and future prospects for immigrants and foreigners. However, whether you wish to visit the country as a tourist or want to study, work and settle there, you must possess a valid US visa for that category. The United States has set specific protocols for visa applications from different foreign countries, including the UAE. Below are the simple steps illustrated by Burj Diary that you can follow to apply for a US visa as a Dubai citizen or resident.
Guide of How to Apply for US Visa From Dubai
Select Visa Type:
The first step is to determine the visa type you are applying for as per your travel purpose. There are different types of immigrants (permanent visas for longer stays in the US) and non-immigrants (Temporary visas for limited stays in the US) US visas. The procedure for immigrant visa applications from Dubai is different, lengthy and more complex. Here, our discussion is mainly based on non-immigrant visas.
Applicants have to decide their visa category before submitting their visa application. For example, if you’re going to the US as a student from Dubai, you would have an F1 student Visa. If your purpose is working in the US, you’ll need a work visa. Some common types of non-immigrant US visas that various Dubai residents can apply for include:
| Visa Category | Description |
| F, M | Student/Academic Visa to obtain education from the US |
| H-1B, O-1, L-1 | Work Visas for different kinds of employment in the US |
| J | Exchange visa for attending different exchange programs or conferences in the US, often applicable to scholars, professors or PhD students |
| B1 | Business Visas are obtained to conduct various business activities in the US, such as business meetings and conferences. |
| B2 | Tourist/Visit Visas obtained for various leisure purposes such as exploring the United States or simply meeting family and friends in the US |
You can find a complete list of various US visa categories here. It’s essential to decide on the right visa category as per your background and travelling purpose as your whole application is evaluated based on that. Mostly, your institutes or employer in the US would tell you the visa category under which you fall, including the process of how to apply for US visa from Dubai for that category. You can also obtain information on which category applies to you through various US visa consultants in UAE and Dubai.
Fill DS-160
Once you have identified your visa category, the next step is to complete and submit your DS-160 form. It’s the official online application form used to apply for various non-immigrant visa categories in the US. Here’s how to file your DS-160 application.
- Go to the consular electronic application center of the US State.
- Choose the location (Country: UAE) from where you’re applying and write the security code.
- Click on the start application button.
- Upload your recent photo. Fill in details accurately in all sections and submit after the final review.
- Download and print the DS-160 application submission confirmation page.
DS-160 consists of various sections including your personal details, family background, employment details, sponsor details, social media accounts and some others. Make sure to read and fill all sections accurately because your visa evaluation starts from all the details you put into this form. Don’t lie about anything, and never put any false information. Once submitted, you’ll get your confirmation page with a QR code on top, which you’ll have to take with you for your visa interview later.
Remember to save information as you fill out the application because the DS-120 signs out automatically if left idle for 20 minutes. If not saved, you’ll have to fill in all details again to continue the application.
Submit Visa Application Fee:
The next step of how to apply for US visa from Dubai is to pay the visa processing fee. The amount varies for different visa categories. You get an online voucher after submitting your DS-160, which can be paid online or at the mentioned banks. The information on the latest Visa Fee can be found on the official website of the Embassy and consulates in the UAE. As per recent updates, the fees for different visa types from Dubai and UAE are as follows:
| Visa Category | Visa Fee |
| Student/Exchange/Visitor/Business (B1/B2, BCCS) | $185 |
| Temporary Work (P, Q, L, H, R, O) | $205 |
| Treaty Investor/Trader € | $315 |
How You Can Pay Your US Visa Application Fee in Dubai:
- Go to the official portal of the US Department of State Visa Appointment Services for UAE
- Sign up and register your account
- Fill in the details of DS-120, including your DS-120 confirmation number
- Follow payment instructions to pay the visa fee online
Note that some visa categories may require additional application fees. For example, individuals applying for student visas must pay a separate SEVIS fee along with the above-mentioned visa processing fee. So, make sure to check if your visa category has any such fees and pay them before going to the embassy interview.
Schedule Visa Interview Appointment:
After paying the fee, the next step is to schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. embassy in Dubai. When searching for how to apply for US visa from Dubai, people often get confused about the appointment scheduling process. They can be scheduled online at the Federal CGI website. After logging in, you’ll see appointment dates and times available in Dubai. Choose the slot that is suitable for you.
Generally, the appointment times are longer in Dubai, where individuals get the available slot months after applying. However, you can always recheck the portal to see if any earlier slots become available and reschedule your appointment date. Another way is to get in touch with professional consultants who may help you in securing an earlier interview appointment date.
If you’re still facing trouble with the appointment scheduling for how to apply for US visa from Dubai, you can follow the steps illustrated below to schedule your online visa appointment in Dubai using the new CGI portal.
- Visit US Visa Info Website.
- Select your visa category, immigrant or non-immigrant.
- Scroll down and Choose UAE among the Middle East as your applying country by clicking on your preferred language.
- Navigate to the Apply button by scrolling down on the next page.
- Select your current visa condition. Since you’ve completed the DS-160, you’ll select the second option: I’ve completed the DS-160 form and applying for a Visa.
- Then, you’ll be directed to the Sign-up page. Add your details and sign up.
- A verification email will be sent to your registered email address with instructions to activate your account. Click on the link in the email, and you’ll be directed to the application page.
- Fill in all relevant fields as per the information on your DS-120. You’ll be asked to give your personal information and courier address for passport delivery, where your stamped passport will be delivered if the Visa is approved in the interview.
- If you’ve paid your fee already, you can directly move towards the schedule tab, where you can choose your desired date and time of appointment from the available slots, either in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you haven’t made the payment yet, you’ll first pay the visa fee and then choose your appointment slot after logging in as a continued user.
Note that a guideline on how to apply for US visa from Dubai is also available on this portal, which you can review for more details.
Prepare for Visa Interview: Practice Interview Questions and Gather Documents
Interviews are a very crucial part of securing a US visa and are significantly stressed in discussions of how to apply for US visa from Dubai. Even if you’ve fulfilled all other requirements, failure to perform well in the interview can result in the refusal of the Visa. Therefore, practicing your interview questions before arriving at the embassy is important.
You can find a lot of information on common visa interview questions for the US online. These primarily include questions about your background, travel purpose, future goals and sponsors as applicable to your visa category. The main purpose behind these is to check applicants’ credibility to enter the US and whether they intend to return to their home country afterwards or not. Remember that confidence is the key to clearing US visa interviews.
You must also take the required documents with you on the day of your visa interview. These include
- Passport with validity of up to 6 months after your intended stay period in the US
- The DS-160 application confirmation Page
- Visa Appointment Confirmation Page
- Receipt of Visa Fee Payment
- Two recent 2 by 2-inch photographs (colored)
- Emirates ID/home country ID card
- Supporting Documents
What Comes Under Supporting Documents?
Another vital thing to consider when you’re looking for how to apply for US visa from Dubai is the supporting documents. These include all documents you think can support your case and prove your strong ties with your home country. There can be different supporting documents for various visa types. Common Examples include
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds for US Stay
- Offer Letters (Employment letters for jobs, University admission letters for students)
- CV
- Research Proposals/Scholarship letters
- Degree and Transcripts
- Invitation letters (for attending events or seminars in the US)
- Property documents, if applicable
- Family documents
- Pay Slips
- Itinerary Plans (for visit visas)
Clear the Visa Interview
Go to the U.S. embassy in Dubai on your designated appointment date and time. You’ll be asked to show certain documents for entry and give biometrics, after which an immigration officer will take your interview. Answer their questions confidently and convince them of your strong ties to your home country.
The interview lasts for a few minutes only. If found suitable, you’ll be given a visa approval slip, and your passport will be taken for visa stamp. If you’re unable to convince the immigration officer, you’ll get your passport back with the refusal slip indicating your reason for rejection.
Collect your Passport with the Stamped Visa:
If approved, your passport with the US visa stamp will be delivered to your mentioned address/collection center within 2-3 weeks. Note that this processing time may vary depending on your individual case circumstances. Sometimes, your Visa can go into administrative processing, where you may be asked to submit more documents to support your case. You’ll get your Visa issued once you provide all the required documents to the embassy.
FAQs
In How Many Days is a US Visa Processed in Dubai?
The overall processing time differs and can take up to 1-3 months. Most applicants get their Visa issued within a few weeks unless an administrative issue is found in the application.
What To Do If My US Visa From Dubai Is Denied?
If denied, you can apply again through the same process. You’ll have to fill the DS-160 form and pay the visa fee again. It’s important to justify your previous denial reason in the second attempt. Therefore, it’s recommended to wait at least 5-6 months before applying again so that you can gather enough data to justify your changing circumstances to the immigration officer.
How to Apply for a US Visa From Dubai Online?
You can apply for a US visa from Dubai online by first completing the DS-160 form, then paying the application fee and scheduling the appointment through the CGI portal, as explained above.
Can I Schedule an Online Visa Appointment in Dubai From Anywhere in the UAE?
Yes, the CGI portals operate throughout the UAE. You can access the portal online anywhere in the country and schedule your appointment at the US Consulate in Dubai after filling in the required details.
Where’s the US Consulate Located in Dubai?
Address: 8 Al Seef St – Umm Hurair 1 – Dubai
The operating timings are 7:30 AM-5 PM from Mon-Thu and 7:30 AM -11:30 AM on Friday.
Contact: +97143094000
Are My Social Accounts Also Evaluated for US Visa Applications From Dubai?
Yes, the US embassy has a stringent visa policy and examines the applicants very rigorously. Your background and social media are checked thoroughly before your interview at the US consulate. Therefore, try to maintain a good reputation on your social media accounts and don’t indulge in any political or religious conflicts to avoid inconvenience.
Is It Necessary to Have a Travel History to Get a US Visa?
Although not mandatory, having a good travel record can significantly improve your acceptance chances for a US Visa.
Conclusion
Although it appears daunting initially, the application procedure for a US visa from Dubai is quite simple if completed carefully. By following the steps mentioned above on how to apply for US visa from Dubai, you can get your US visa issued from UAE in no time.
Make sure to prepare your documents in advance and fill in all the relevant information correctly in the DS-160 forms. Try to start the application at least 6-8 months before your intended arrival to avoid inconvenience due to delayed visa appointments. Dress appropriately for your visa interview and appear at the embassy on time. With the right approach and attitude, you can get acceptance on the first attempt quickly. Good Luck!
