USA visa application from the UAE: how to schedule the interview

Starting September 2025, all U.S. visa applicants must schedule their interviews solely at the embassy or consulate affiliated with their country of residence or citizenship.

This guide explains how to schedule a non-immigrant U.S. visa interview for UAE nationals and residents and outlines how to efficiently prepare a visa photo at home.

Table of contents

• US visa application for UAE residents and nationals: rules and 2025 updates
• How to make a US visa appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: step-by-step guide
• Documents required for a US visa for UAE residents and citizens
• Is it necessary to provide a photo when applying for a US visa in the UAE?
• Online US visa photo maker
• US visa fees and payment in the UAE
• US visa interview tips
• Average US visa approval time in the UAE
• How to renew a US visa without an interview?
• FAQ

US visa application for UAE residents and nationals: rules and 2025 updates

Although U.S. visa applications from Dubai or Abu Dhabi follow standard federal regulations, local procedures and recent updates for 2025 may affect your preparation. Here, we present the essential rules and policy changes UAE applicants need to consider.

U.S. visas include both nonimmigrant (temporary, such as B-1/B-2 for tourists/business, F-1 for students, H-1B for work) and immigrant (permanent residency through family sponsorship or employment) categories. UAE residents and nationals apply for non-immigrant visas like the B1/B2 via the DS-160 online form, followed by paying the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee, and scheduling an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai. Applicants must have a valid passport, proof of UAE residency (for non-nationals), DS-160 confirmation, a photo meeting U.S. specifications, financial documents, and evidence of ties to the UAE.

Key 2025 updates:

• From September 2, 2025, interview waivers are largely eliminated. Almost all non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants, even children under 14 and adults over 79, must attend in-person interviews, ending previous drop-box renewals for visas like H-1B or F-1. Exceptions are limited to diplomatic visas (A/G/NATO), certain B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months if initially issued at 18 or older, and specific other categories at the discretion of an officer.
• Starting September 6, 2025, NIV interviews must be conducted in the applicant's country of nationality or residency, preventing "visa shopping" in other countries. Although intended to enhance fairness, this could lengthen wait times in highly demanded locations. In the UAE, interviews will occur at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.
• Effective May 2, 2025, the DS-160 barcode number (beginning with “AA”) must align exactly with the one used for scheduling your visa appointment on www.ustraveldocs.com. If the barcode numbers do not match on the interview date, you will not be allowed to proceed with your interview.
• Commencing January 1, 2025, NIV applicants are permitted one free reschedule. Missing this or needing a second reschedule will necessitate repaying the fee for a new appointment.

How to make a US visa appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi: step-by-step guide

Booking a US visa interview in the UAE requires creating an online profile, paying the fee, and selecting an available slot at either the Dubai Consulate or the Abu Dhabi Embassy. Here you’ll find each step explained clearly so you can move from registration to confirmed appointment without delays.

To secure a U.S. visa application appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, follow these steps:

1. Complete the visa application form:
   • For most nonimmigrant visas, fill out the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page.

     Read this article to find out how to complete the DS-160 form correctly.

   • For immigrant visas, if required, use the DS-260 form.
2. Visit the official U.S. visa service for the UAE, and create a profile using the details from your DS-160 form.
3. Pay the MRV fee online through a UAE bank or services like Emirates NBD. Once paid, this receipt activates appointment scheduling within 24 hours.
4. Schedule your appointment:
   • Log in to the official U.S. visa service for the UAE, select "New Application/Schedule Appointment", choose your visa type (e.g., tourist B1/B2), enter the DS-160 barcode, and select your interview location: U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai.
   • Book two consecutive appointments: one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometrics and another at the embassy/consulate for your interview. New slots are available on Fridays from 7:30 to 11:30 AM UAE time, except on holidays.
5. Confirm your appointment, save and print the booking page, and email a copy to yourself.
6. Arrive at your interview with all the necessary documents.

Tips for success: Check for new or canceled slots in the mornings, especially Sundays or early weekdays. Enable alerts and have flexibility to avoid peak seasons. Reschedule if needed via your profile and arrive 15 minutes early. Monitor wait times at travel.state.gov and book early due to high demand.

Documents required for a US visa for UAE residents and citizens

Document requirements vary slightly depending on your visa category, but all UAE-based applicants must provide a core set of items. Here, we break down those essentials and highlight optional documents that can strengthen your case.

• Core US visa documents for Emirates ID holders:
  • a valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended U.S. stay);
  • a completed DS-160 confirmation page with barcode;
  • a MRV fee receipt;
  • a recent US-compliant photo (2x2 inches, white background).
• Proof of UAE ties:
  • employment letter/NOC from your sponsor, business trade license (for owners), or student enrollment documentation;
  • financial evidence, such as 3-6 months of bank statements, salary slips, or a sponsorship letter indicating financial capability for your trip;
  • a residency proof for non-nationals, including a copy of your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
• Additional supporting documents:
  • purpose of visit documents, such as a business invitation, travel itinerary, or educational institution admission letter;
  • a marriage certificate copy, along with documents for minor children, if applicable.

Bring all originals and copies to your biometrics and interview at the Abu Dhabi Embassy or Dubai Consulate.

Is it necessary to provide a photo when applying for a US visa in the UAE?

Yes, providing a photo is a mandatory part of the U.S. visa application process in the UAE. This applies whether you're filling out your application online or attending an in-person interview. Here are the key requirements:

• For most nonimmigrant visas: Upload a digital photo (2×2 inches, white background, head size between 1 and 1 3/8 inches) taken within the last six months while completing the DS-160 form. If the upload fails, bring a printed photo to your interview.
• For immigrant visas, such as Green Cards, and certain other visas: Submit two printed color photos, 2×2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm), for each applicant, regardless of age.

Online US visa photo maker

Here, we explain how to get a US visa photo that will be accepted by the authorities. You can take a professional U.S. visa photo at home using online tools like Visafoto. Just follow these two simple steps:

1. Upload a photo taken in natural daylight to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Choose the country (USA) and document type (visa).

Visafoto handles the rest, automatically adjusting the background, size, and head position to meet official requirements. You receive a digital copy ideal for online submissions and a format suitable for printing.

Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:

Visafoto boasts a 99.7% acceptance rate and has produced over 500,000 approved photos. We guarantee compliance with official U.S. standards or offer a full refund. If you encounter any issues, our 24/7 tech support is available.

US visa fees and payment in the UAE

Visa fees vary by category and must be paid before you can schedule your appointment. Here, you’ll learn the current costs and accepted U.S. visa fee payment methods in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The application fee for a U.S. visa in the UAE is USD 185, covering common visa types like B1/B2 tourist/business, F student, and J exchange visitor visas. Thus, the US visa cost for UAE residents is approximately AED 680.

Here you can find detailed information on US visa fees for different categories

To pay the US visa fee in the UAE, complete the following:

1. Pay the MRV fee online at ustraveldocs.com/ae using UAE bank cards, credit/debit cards, or supported services.
2. After creating a profile with your DS-160 details, the receipt will be available within 24 hours to schedule appointments. Fees are processed in USD without additional charges from official portals and remain valid for one year from the payment date.

US visa interview tips

A successful interview depends on clear answers and well-prepared supporting evidence. Here, you’ll find practical advice to help you present your travel purpose confidently and avoid common mistakes.

Preparation essentials:

• Anticipate common questions about your trip purpose, duration of stay, accommodation plans, employment, salary, and assets in the UAE. Keep your responses concise (under 30 seconds) and ensure they match your DS-160 application.
• Organize all necessary documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, MRV fee receipt, a compliant photo, financial documents, and proof of ties to the UAE) in a folder for easy access.

During the interview:

• Dress in business casual attire. Avoid flashy clothing.
• Arrive 15-30 minutes early at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.
• Speak clearly in English, maintain eye contact, and stay calm. Highlight your ties to the UAE, such as employment (with a letter from your employer), family, and assets. Provide concrete details about your travel plans (e.g., itinerary, bookings) and avoid over-explaining.

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Never lie or exaggerate your financial situation or connections. Consular officers may check your past U.S. visas or social media.
• If your visa is denied, ask for the reason and reapply with stronger evidence to address any issues.
• Due to long wait times, book your appointment early and practice with mock interviews to improve your fluency.

Your goal is to demonstrate your intention to return to the UAE after your visit. Focus on honesty, confidence, and strong ties to your home country.

Average US visa approval time in the UAE

Processing times in the UAE can vary based on the visa type, season, and security checks. Below, we explain the typical waiting periods.

After a successful interview, passports with visas are usually returned within 5 to 15 working days for most B1/B2 applicants in the UAE. Some cases process faster, while others may face additional administrative reviews.

Interview wait times vary by location and season in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, ranging from weeks to several months. Check the official Visa appointment wait times page for the latest information.

As of December 2025, the US visa interview waiting time in Abu Dhabi is approximately 1 month, and in Dubai, about 1.5 months.

How to renew a US visa without an interview?

Some applicants in the UAE may qualify for the Interview Waiver Program. Here, we explain the eligibility rules and walk you through the streamlined U.S. visa renewal process for UAE residents.

Although most non-immigrant visa renewals, including those for minors under 14 and seniors over 79, will require an in-person interview from 2 September 2025, some applicants in the UAE may qualify for the Interview Waiver Programme, which would allow them to renew their visa by mail. Consular officers may grant these exceptions at their discretion for identical-category renewals within 12 months of expiry (rather than within the previous 48 months), provided there have been no prior refusals and the applicant is residing in the UAE. However, consular officers may still request interviews.

Here is how to apply for a US visa renewal without an interview in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, if eligible:

1. Verify your eligibility on the official U.S. visa service for the UAE after submitting your DS-160 and paying the MRV fee.
2. If eligible for a waiver, submit your passport, previous visa, DS-160 confirmation, and a photo via courier to the designated dropbox. Processing may take 2-8 weeks. Track your status online, but be aware that if your ties to your home country seem weak, you may face a higher risk of denial without an interview.

Best of luck with your U.S. visa application!

FAQ

Do UAE citizens and expatriates follow the same US visa process?

Yes, the US visa application process for both UAE residents and citizens includes completing the DS-160 form, paying the MRV fee, attending biometrics at the Visa Application Center (VAC), and interviewing at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai. Expatriates must also provide copies of their UAE residence visa and Emirates ID to prove legal residency, while citizens should emphasize financial ties and connections like property or family in the UAE. Both must demonstrate non-immigrant intent through employment, assets, or specific travel plans.

Can someone apply for a US visa from the UAE if their residency visa is expiring soon?

No, applicants need a valid UAE residence visa during the entire U.S. visa application process. A residency nearing expiration (e.g., within 1-6 months) could lead to denial over concerns about return intentions or changes in residency status post-approval. Renew your UAE residency visa before applying, or you may risk rejection under INA 214(b). This restriction doesn't apply to UAE citizens.

Can a UAE citizen attend a US visa interview outside the UAE?

No, as of the 2025 rules, UAE citizens must attend their U.S. visa interviews in their country of residence or nationality and cannot interview outside the UAE.

Are minors required to appear in person for an interview?

Yes, starting September 2, 2025, minors are generally required to appear in person for a U.S. B1/B2 visa interview, including children under 14, with only narrow exceptions for specific interview‑waiver categories. Parents or guardians must accompany minors to both the VAC for biometrics and the interview at the embassy or consulate. They should bring birth certificates, parental passports/visas, and other supporting documents.

How to reschedule a visa interview?

UAE residents can change their interview date by logging into their profile at the official U.S. visa service for the UAE using their DS-160 details. Select "Reschedule Appointment", pick new dates for VAC biometrics and the embassy/consulate interview, then confirm and print the updated confirmation. Changes are limited before fees or slots expire, and new slot availability may have long waits. Check for new slots early on Fridays between 7:30 and 11:30 AM UAE time. Missing an appointment can mean losing your slot, so attend if possible.