USA is one of Dubai’s preferred holiday destinations for residents and non-residents. Since then, the country has emerged as the global entertainment hub; many people have it on their travel wish list. However, getting an American passport is one of the first and primary requisites before you start your travel plans.

Therefore, all non-residents must get entry before they can fly to the States because they will be sent back home if they do not present their entry permit upon arrival.

However, the American embassy has made it easy for UAE residents to get their documents by visiting consulates after an appointment. We will introduce all the details related to the US visa appointment in Dubai.

USA Visa for Dubai Residents

Since Dubai is not on the list of 40 countries under the US Visa Waiver Program, thus you must get your authorization before traveling to the United States. However, every UAE national should provide identification at the customs border of entry. Moreover, you need a document for both immigrant and non-immigrant purposes.

In addition, if you are a passport holder of one of the forty countries with the waiver facility but live in the UAE, you do not need one. Thus, you only need a US Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the country as a visitor.

USA Visit Visa from Dubai

You can travel to the States with two types of visas and apply for both from Dubai. Here are these types of documents.

B1 visa

If you plan to visit the country for business purposes, you must apply for a US Business Visa category, also known as the B1 visa.

B2 visa

If your purpose of visit is tourism, you must apply for the US Tourist Visa category, also called the B2 visa.

A United States entry permit empowers United Arab Emirates residents to stay in the homeland for up to six months. You must complete the DS-16 online form for a US Business or Tourist Visa. Further, it is a simple form that requires you to provide personal and other related information.

How to apply for a US visa from Dubai (Non-Immigrant)

Getting the full details required to apply for a passport is vital as it will help you save time and effort. You can follow the steps below to successfully apply for an American boarding pass from UAE.

Let us further explore the entire process of US visa appointment Dubai.

Step 1: Selecting Visa Type

When it comes to visa issuance, the US government has classified Dubai residents into two main categories:

Immigrant visas
Non-immigrant visas

In addition, there are sub-categories in the two main types mentioned above. Therefore, selecting the right category and subcategory is vital as it will determine further instructions for your application.

However, your immigration document will only be accepted if you choose the right category. Therefore, take extra caution when selecting the type.

Step 2: Complete Visa Application

Once you have identified your category, complete your application by filling out the form in this link: U.S. Visa Info.

Step 3: Submit Application

The next step is to check where to submit your request since the State Department has two forms of application accepting points in Dubai at their Embassy or the Consulate General.

If you are in Dubai – You can visit the American Consulate General at the Corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd, Dubai.
You can also call them at +971-4-309-4000.

Step3: Submit DS-160 Form

A US visa appointment Dubai formally starts when you complete an online form called the DS-160.

Step 4: Making the Payment

Once you have completed the DS-160 form, the next step is to pay the fees. You can easily pay by visiting the official website of the Official US Department of State Visa Appointment Service. The following two methods of payment are available:

Physically Via Cash
Online using Credit Card

Step 5: Fee Payment Method

You must follow the steps below to pay the fee:

Sign In to your account using email and password
Click on the Continue Payment option
Tap the Pay Visa Fee option
Pay the non-immigrant (MRV) application fee

Step 6: Appointing US Visa Interview

After making the payment, the next step is to select a date for the US visa interview. You can choose any date from the working days. However, we suggest giving yourself at least 2 weeks to prepare for the interview.

Further, you can consult any specialists to help you with this interview process. Moreover, you can get details for generally asked questions from online websites.

Step 7: Documents Submission

In addition to appearing for the interview, the Consulate will ask you to bring supporting documents when you appear. Since these documents support your cause, thus stay attentive to them.

Moreover, ensure that you bring the originals and copies with you.

The standard required documents for a US visa Dubai consist of the following.

Print the confirmation page that you have successfully submitted the DS-160 form.
Your passport has a minimum of 6 months of validity. Further, it must have two blank pages. If you do not meet his criteria, renew your passport to save time.
A recent colored photograph with a size of 5×5 cm and taken within the last 6 months.
Appointment confirmation
Receipts of paid application fee
Previous US visa details (if any)
A police certificate known as ACRO proves a clean criminal record.
Details of previous rejection or deportation.

Note: However, if you have already uploaded a picture while submitting DS-160, there is no need to submit additional photos.

Step 8: Documents for Tourist Visa

Furthermore, if you are applying for a tourist permit, you must submit the following documents.

A cover letter explaining your purpose for the visit
Financial and bank statements
Proof of a family, job contract, or property deed in Dubai will prove your ties to the home country.
Visa invitation letter from friends or family in the United States (optional)
Students should bring their diplomas or transcripts.
Letter from your employer and last three-month pay slips (if you are employed in Dubai)
Photocopies of your relative’s status in the country (if you are visiting friends or family in the States)
Medical report (if visiting for medical treatment)

Step 9: Attending Visa Interview

Dubai residents between 14 and 79 must appear for an interview, which is mandatory. It is one of the most essential parts of the immigration process. Therefore, take extra care and get yourself fully prepared for the interview.

Make sure to reach out well in time for your interview, as your appointment will be canceled unless you arrive on time.
Further, you will also have your biometrics taken before the interview.
The American consular interview is a formal meeting between the applicant and a consular officer.
The interviewer will ask questions regarding your purpose of visit and background.
Make sure to answer all the questions correctly.
Furthermore, your answers must align with your documents and DS-160 form.

US Visa Processing Time from Dubai

Securing a US visa appointment in Dubai as a resident can vary in duration depending on application volumes and individual applicant factors.

Average Processing Timeframe

4 to 6 weeks on average
Timeline depends on embassy application volumes

Under normal conditions, candidates can expect around 1-1.5 months for standard United States document processing in the Middle East. However, timeframes may extend during hectic periods at the embassy. They should adapt to longer waits accordingly.

Reapplication and Denials

Reapplying is possible
New fees per application
Provide documents to override the denial basis

Sometimes, US residency applications for residents in Dubai get denied initially. While disappointing, applicants can reapply while making a case to reverse the initial rejection. It may require added paperwork and paying the fees again per attempt.

What is the DS-160 Form for US Visas?

The DS-160 is the nonimmigrant application form required for all foreign citizens seeking temporary visitor status to enter the United States. Moreover, it is a fully electronic form that must be completed online before attending any local embassy or consulate interview appointments.

Additionally, the DS-160 enables officials to assess applicants’ situations comprehensively to determine any risks, integrity concerns, or compatibility issues related to granting visitor access to the American country. As such, the digital form is essential for all candidates hoping to obtain temporary United States travel rights via nonimmigrant documents.

DS-160 Online Application for US

All applicants from abroad applying for American visitor passes must complete the DS-160 online application form. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Step 1: Visit Consular Website

You can access this form by visiting the official website of the Consular Electronic Application Center.
Select your present location (most probably resident country)
Enter the captcha code carefully
Click on the start application option and follow the next steps

Step 2: Security Question

Select and answer the security question carefully, and write it down or save it somewhere else in case you need it later.
Also, save your APplication ID for tracking purposes.
Then click on the Continue Button to proceed with the application process.

Step 3: Provide Detailed Information

To complete the form, you must provide the following information.

Personal
Travel
Travel Companions
Previous U.S. Travel
Address and Phone
Passport
U.S. Contact
Family
Work / Education / Training
Security and Background

Step 4: Sign and Submit

Enter your Passport / Travel Document number for E-Signature confirmation.
Make sure you type the security code correctly.
Recheck all the information carefully after providing all the necessary details, correct any mistakes, and click the sign and submit button.

Step 5: Print Form

Once you have completed your DS-160 form, you can print it out and present it to your appointment coordinator when you arrive.

FAQs

What is the US visa application processing time in Dubai?

Although, there is yet to be a definite time for approval issuance. However, your application takes around four to six weeks on average. If you wait for feedback after six weeks, you must contact the consulate for an update.

Can I reapply for a US visa from Dubai?

Suppose your application is denied, re-apply for the United States work permit. However, it is essential to know the reason for rejection. Only then can you apply after removing the previous rejection reason.

Can I edit Form DS-160?

Although you can edit your DS-16 form, there are certain limits.

You can edit email addresses and phone numbers at any time.
You can change your passport only once.
You cannot change the name, surname, country of birth, birthdate, and gender.

What if my US visa application is rejected, and I want to reapply?

Yes! You can re-apply by removing why your US visa was rejected from Dubai. Further, you can seek professional advice to avoid rejection in the second instance.

Can I apply for a US tourist visa from Dubai?

The Department of State allows Dubai residents to apply for a tourist visit by selecting this document type while initiating their application. So, ensure you choose the correct travel document type, as it will determine the outcome of your application.

Final Thoughts

US visa appointment in Dubai is an easy process by which you can get your travel document. Dubai residents should get their authorization before visiting the American continent; thus, they can get it by completing formalities. These formalities include completing the DS-160 form, uploading documents, and setting an interview appointment.

Furthermore, an interview is one of the most important factors for getting a work permit. Therefore, ensure you appear on time and bring all supporting documents to avoid rejection.

Moreover, you can seek professional assistance to prepare for the interview. In addition, always select the relevant type depending on the nature of your visit to the States. So, prepare yourself and apply for a US visa appointment in Dubai, as we wish you good luck with your travel authorization application.