How to Apply for a US Visa from Dubai?

Applying for a US visa from Dubai might feel overwhelming, but it can be simple and straightforward with the right information. Whether you want to visit, study, or work in the United States, knowing the steps to take is essential for a successful application. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you know what to do at each stage so you can confidently apply for your US visa from Dubai.

If you hold a UAE passport or reside in the UAE, you must apply for a US visa from Dubai unless you are from a country in the US Visa Waiver Program. This requirement applies whether you are travelling for immigration, business, or leisure.

Countries Included in the US Visa Waiver Program:

If you live in Dubai but are a citizen of one of the US Visa Waiver Program countries, you can visit the US by applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This online application costs 21 USD.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens from participating countries travel to the US for leisure or business stays of up to 90 days. Countries in the US VWP include 41 countries that are listed below:

Country	Country	Country	Country
Andorra	Estonia	Latvia	Singapore
Australia	Finland	Liechtenstein	Slovakia
Austria	France	Lithuania	Slovenia
Belgium	Germany	Luxembourg	South Korea
Brunei	Greece	Republic of Malta	Spain
Chile	Hungary	Monaco	Sweden
Croatia	Iceland	Netherlands	Switzerland
Czech Republic	Ireland	New Zealand	Taiwan
Denmark	Israel	Norway	United Kingdom
Italy	Poland	Portugal	San Marino& Japan

Types of US Visas From Dubai:

Before starting your application, it’s crucial to understand the different types of US visas:

• B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: For business (B-1) or tourism/medical treatment (B-2).
• F-1 Student Visa: For academic students.
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: For exchange visitors.
• H-1B Work Visa: For temporary workers in speciality occupations.
• L-1 Visa: For intra-company transferees.

There are two main types of USA visas you can apply for from Dubai:

1. Non-immigrant visas
2. Immigrant visas

Each type has different subcategories depending on your purpose of travel. It’s important to know which visa you need because the application process depends on it.

This guide will focus on non-immigrant visas, specifically the USA visit visa from Dubai. This type of visa has two main subcategories:

1. US Business Visa (B1 Visa): For those visiting the USA for business purposes.
2. US Tourist Visa (B2 Visa): For those travelling for leisure or general travel purposes.

Once you get the US visit visa from Dubai, you can enter and stay in the US for specific periods, depending on various factors. Keep reading to learn how to apply for a USA visit visa from Dubai.

How to Apply For a US Visa From Dubai?

Here‘s how you can get a US visa from Dubai by following these steps:

Step 1: File Your US Visa Application Online

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If you want to apply for a US tourist visa or a US business visa (B1 and B2 categories), complete the online DS-160 application form. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center.
2. Select your location.
3. Enter the Captcha code.
4. Start your online application for a US visa from Dubai.
5. Complete the DS-160 application form by filling in all the details asked.
6. Submit the form.
7. Print the DS-160 barcode page and keep it.

Please Note:

• Although an Arabic translation is available for most pages, the application must be completed in English.
• All fields are mandatory unless specified as “optional” or “does not apply.” Ensure you fill in all required fields.
• The DS-160 application will time out after 20 minutes of inactivity, and unsaved data may be lost. Therefore, it is recommended that you save your information regularly.
• Always save your application before submitting it.

Step 2: Payment & Schedule an Appointment

The next step in the US visa application process is to pay the fee and schedule your visa appointment. The current fee for a US visit visa is USD 185, approximately AED 680 (subject to change).

Here’s how to make the payment and schedule an appointment through

• Visit the official website https://ais.usvisa-info.com/.
• Click on “Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant”.
• Scroll down to the Middle East and select the United Arab Emirates as your consulate location.
• On the next page, scroll down and click on “Apply”.
• Scroll down and select the condition “I have completed the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form and need to apply for a visa.” Then click on “continue.”
• You can create an account by entering your full name, email address, and password, checking all the boxes, and clicking “Create account.”
• You need to activate your account by checking your inbox. You might have received an activation link at your given email address.
• After visiting the link, you will be taken to a page where you can fill in all the details, such as name, country, DOB, permanent address, passport number, DS-160 number, visa class, gender, phone, email, and a few others.
• After that, click on “Create Applicant”. 
• To confirm visa information, click on “confirm”.
• Select the courier pick-up location from the drop-down and click “Continue”.
• Check the MRV fee details. You can pay 185 USD (684.50 AED) by cash or credit card. Select the desired payment method and click on “continue.”
• After making the payment, you can see the available appointment dates and choose any date to schedule an appointment.

Important:

• Schedule your visa appointment, as the embassy will not do it for you.
• If you apply through a travel agency, they might charge an extra service fee in addition to the USD 185 visa fee.

Step 3: Gather the Documents:

You must collect all the necessary documents to complete your USA visa application in Dubai. These documents help the consulate/embassy staff assess your application. Make sure you submit everything as required for a smooth process.

Here are the required documents for a USA visit visa from Dubai:

• The confirmation page of the DS-160 form
• Your passport with at least one blank page (must be valid for more than six months from your intended travel date)
• Any previous USA visas (if applicable)
• Receipt for the US visa application fee
• A recent photograph (taken within the past six months). You don’t need another one if you’ve already attached a photo in the DS-160 form.
• A police certificate, which you can get from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website and app
• Confirmation of your USA visa appointment
• Documents showing any previous entry rejections or deportations from the USA

For a US tourist visa, you also need:

• A cover letter having written the purpose of your visit
• Bank transaction proof to show you have sufficient funds for your stay
• An invitation letter (optional) from family or friends in the US
• Diploma or transcripts (if you’re a student)
• Copies of your relative’s or friend’s status in the US (if you’re visiting them)
• A medical report (if you’re travelling for medical treatment)
• Proof of strong ties to your home country (Dubai) such as:
  • Family dependents
  • A property lease or deed
  • A valid job contract
  • Any document that shows you will return after your trip

If you are employed, you also need:

• A letter of employment
• Three months’ pay slips

Step 4: Take the Interview:

Attending the interview is the final step in Dubai’s US visa application process. This step is compulsory for all visa applicants aged 14 to 79. It’s important, so make sure to take it seriously.

Here’s what you need to remember:

• Be on time. If you’re late, your US visa appointment will be cancelled.
• Bring all your application documents for the consulate staff to review.
• Answer all interview questions honestly and in line with your papers.
• While you wait for your interview, the consulate staff will take your biometrics.

To increase your chances of getting a US visa, make sure you have all the required documents and be confident and truthful during the interview.

Where to Apply for a US Visa in Dubai?

All US visa applications from Dubai are processed at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate in Dubai. Here are their addresses:

Embassy/Consulate	Location	Contact
US Embassy, Abu Dhabi	Plot No. 38, Sector W-59-02, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi	+971-2-414-2200
US Consulate General, Dubai	Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai	+971-4-309-4000

Final Takeaway:

Applying for a US visa from Dubai can be a detailed process, but you can handle it successfully with proper preparation. Begin by identifying the right visa type, accurately filling out the DS-160 form, and gathering all the required documents. Schedule and attend your appointments at the Visa Application Center and the US Embassy, where you will present your documents and answer interview questions. Following this guide and keeping up-to-date with any changes can improve your chances of getting a US visa from Dubai and reaching your travel goals.