How to Apply for a US Visa from Dubai

Do you want to travel to the US from Dubai for leisure or business activities? You need a US visa to enter the States for these purposes. Applying for a US visa from Dubai without proper knowledge cannot be exhausting anymore, as we have got it all covered.

Let’s dive into the simple steps to apply for a US visa from Dubai smoothly. Without any further ado, let’s begin!

• Why Do You Need a US Visa: Eligibility Criteria
• Visa Waiver Program
• Types of US Visas from Dubai
• US Visit Visa from Dubai
• Steps to Apply for a US Visit Visa from Dubai
• FAQs

Why Do You Need a US Visa: Eligibility Criteria

A US Visa is a legal requirement to enter the United States of America. Every foreign passport holder, excluding those under the visa waiver program needs a US Visa to be eligible to enter the US. A US Visa is compulsory for travelling to the USA from Dubai for leisure, business, study, or immigration.

The only exception is for residents of Dubai who are nationals of visa-free countries. Read on to find the countries listed under the visa waiver program to travel to the US visa-free.

Visa Waiver Program

Dubai nationals need a US visa to travel for any purpose. However, some Dubai residents can travel to the US without a visa. This is because their home country is listed in the US Visa Waiver program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They must obtain authorisation by applying through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and paying a USD 21 fee.

By obtaining authorisation, a person can travel and stay in the US for ninety days. Here is the list of 41 visa-free countries:

Types of US Visas from Dubai

An applicant can apply for a US Visa from Dubai under two categories: Immigrant and Non-Immigrant. Below are all the US visa types that you can apply for from Dubai depending on your purpose of travel:

• Visit Visa
  • Business (B-1)
  • General Travel (B-2)
  • Study Visa (F-1)
  • Exchange Visa (J-1)
• Employment/Work Visa (H-1B)
• Immigrate Visa
• Intra-company transferees Visa (L-1)
• Other

It is important to know your visa type beforehand to apply for the correct type.

US Visit Visa from Dubai

Whether you want to travel to the US for leisure, medical procedure or business, a US visit visa is mandatory. Let’s first go through the types of visit visas before moving on to the step-by-step process of applying for them.

US Visit visa has two types:

• B-1 Visit Visa (for business purposes)
• B-2 Visit Visa (for leisure, medical, or other general travel purposes)

Note: Visa durations differ in each case.

Steps to Apply for a US Visit Visa from Dubai

Looking to apply for a US Visit visa from Dubai? Follow this step-by-step process to apply for the visa hassle-free:

Step 1: Fill the DS-160 Form and Apply Online

The first step to applying for a US Visit Visa from Dubai is filling out the online DS-160 application form. Let’s explore the process of applying online:

• Go to the Consular Electronic Application Centre online.
• Choose your location.
• It will ask for a captcha code. Enter that.
• Proceed with a US visa from Dubai application.
• Fill out the DS-160 form. Make sure to fill in all the required fields except for optional or non-applicable ones.
• Hit the submit button.
• Ensure to print the barcode page of the DS-160 form.

Note: The application form should be filled in English. Ensure saving the application form.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fees and Schedule an Interview Appointment

After the form submission, the visa fee will be paid. The visa fee changes from time to time. For now, an applicant has to pay a visa fee of USD 185 following the below process:

Visa Fees

Here is how an applicant can pay for a visa:

• Go to the US Department of State Visa Appointment website.
• Select ‘Non-Immigrant Visa Applicant’.
• Choose the consulate location ‘UAE’ in the ‘Middle East Section’.
• Start the application by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button. 
• On the bottom of the page, checkmark on ‘I have completed the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form and need to apply for a visa’.
• Select ‘Continue’.
• Create a new applicant account using the following:
  • Full name and Email address.
  • Setting a password.
  • Check marking boxes.
  • You can activate your account by clicking on the link in the email inbox. The account can be activated by filling in the necessary details. These include Name, Country, Date of Birth, Permanent House Address, DS-160 Form Number, Passport Number, and more.
  • Select ‘Create Applicant’.
• Select ‘Confirm’.
• Choose the desired pick-up location to receive the courier and hit ‘Continue’.
• Use a credit card or pay by cash. Select the payment method and complete the fee payment process.

Schedule a Visa Interview Appointment

Once done with the visa fee payment, the next step is to apply for a visa interview appointment. Using the same website, after fee payment, the available schedule of time and dates will be visible. Choose according to your feasibility and schedule an appointment.

Step 3: Arrange the Necessary Documents

There are some documents that an applicant needs to bring along on the day of the interview. Without these documents, a US visa from Dubai cannot be approved. Here is the list of documents to carry at the visa interview appointment:

Required Documents

• Barcode page of DS-160 form as proof of form submission (printed before).
• A valid passport for a minimum of six months from the travel date with a minimum of one blank page for a US visa stamp.
• If the applicant has travelled to the US before and has had previous US visas,
• Receipt of Visa fee.
• Recent photograph (not older than six months). Not required for those who uploaded a photograph when filling DS-160 application form.
• Police certificate from the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
• Proof of visa appointment.
• If the applicant’s US visa was rejected in the past or was forced to leave the US, relevant documents must be submitted. 

Supporting Documents

Submitting the following documents is also mandatory, and they also strengthen the visa application:

• Cover letter outlining the reasons for the visit.
• Proof of adequate funds (Bank statement).
• Previous transcripts (for students).
• Relevant medical certificates and reports (for those travelling for medical purposes).
• Relevant document showcasing a relative or friend’s status in the US (for those travelling to visit a relative or friend in the US).
• For job holders:
  • Employment letter
  • Payslips (last three months)
• Relevant documents prove that the applicant is a resident or local of Dubai and will return after they visit the US. Some of the documents to prove this are listed below:
  • Proof that family (dependents) is staying in Dubai
  • Title deed proving property ownership in Dubai
  • Employment contract

Step 4: Appear for Visa Interview

After following the process, the last step to get the stamped US visa on your passport is to appear for a visa interview. People who are 14 to 79 years old need to appear for an interview. This is the step that will decide whether your visa will be approved or rejected by the US consulate.

After completing all the visa steps, the interview day finally came. But wait! If you want to clear the visa interview, make sure to follow these tips:

• Don’t be late for the interview to avoid canceling your visa appointment.
• Carry the required documents gathered in the previous step. These documents will be checked by the consulate.
• Be confident and honest during the interview.

Contact Information

Here is the address of the US Consulate in Dubai:

• Address: Al Seef Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 309 4000

Other than this, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi also manages Dubai visa applications:

• Address: Plot 38, Sector W 59 02, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Contact: +971 2 414 2200

FAQs

Applying for a US visa from Dubai couldn’t be much easier with our step-by-step guide. Follow the process and tips to get your passport stamped with a US visa!

Furthermore, if you want to know about the investment visa process in Dubai, check out our detailed guide on it!

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