Who Needs a US Visa from the UAE?
All other UAE nationals not on the US Visa Waiver Program approved list of countries will require a visa before visiting the United States.
The different visa categories as mentioned below specify which category or classification of citizens should enter into the United States:
- B1/B2 Visa: issued visa for business or tourism.
- F1 Visa: This status F1 Visa enables the student who has applied by availing education in the USA.
- H1B Visa: This is the avenue for professionals to get into the US.
Steps to apply for a US visa from Dubai
Step 1: Find Out What Type of US Visa You Require
The first step towards seeking a US visa entails the proper selection of the most suitable type of visa following your purpose of travelling. The United States has categorized its visas into tourist, student, and work permits.
There are two sub-categories.
- Immigrant visas
- Non-immigrant visas

Your application will not be accepted if it is submitted under an inappropriate visa category. Crosscheck every requirement in visa categories to find the right visa you must file.
Tip: Choosing the wrong kind of visa will only delay the process of the application; therefore, double-check that one.
Step 2: DS-160 Visa Application Form
This feature, the DS-160 application, is the Internet-based application where the visiting individual’s information along with each and every detail of travelling alongside all security-oriented information.
Every non-immigrant visa applicant needs to have the DS-160. Each applicant must fill up the form appropriately and also submit a satisfactory passport photograph that will meet US visa photo requirements when submitting the form.
On completing your application, you will receive a confirmation number, DS-160, which is to be stored as a file for further usage. There is one main part in your application, and that is the form known as the DS-160
You must:
- Visit the Official DS-160 Website: Through the Official DS-160 Website, you will access the US Department of State page.
- Fill Out the Form Carefully: Enter all information accurately on the form by providing exact personal and travel-related details.
- Upload a Digital Photo: The digital photo requires compliance with US visa photo specifications.
- Save and Submit: After submission, make a note of your DS-160 confirmation number, as it will be useful for future references.
Pro Tip: Before you submit your application verify that all details present are correct. Delays, together with rejections, will occur due to any detected mistakes.

Step 3: Pay the US Visa Fee
The payment of a visa application fee occurs after you finalize the DS-160 application form. Visa application costs are unpaid yet the actual fee amount changes according to visa types. UAE banks, along with bank transfers and payments through credit and debit cards, accept payments for visa application fees.
You need to store the payment receipt for scheduling your appointment since it will be necessary. The specified fee for each visa type determines the payment amount.
Payment Methods in the UAE:
- Pay online through a credit/debit card
- Bank transfer
- Cash payment at UAE banks
Fees Structure:
- You have to pay $185 USD if you are a Visitor, Transiting in the U.S, Crew Member, Academic Student, Vocational/Nonacademic Student, Media or Journalist, Exchange Visitor (TD/TN), NAFTA Professional, Victim of Trafficking, Victim of Criminal Activity.
- You have to pay $205 USD if you are a Temporary Worker/Employment or Trainees, Person with Extraordinary Ability, an Athletes, Artist, and Entertainers, International Cultural Exchange Visitor, Religious Worker, and Intracompany Transferee.
- You have to pay $315 USD if you are a (E1) Treaty Trader, (E2) Treaty Investor, or (E3) Australian Professional Specialty.
- You have to pay $265 USD if you are a Fiancé or Spouse of a U.S Citizen.
Step 4: Create a US Visa Appointment Profile
You need to register on the US visa application website ahead of appointment booking, but the site demands your DS-160 confirmation number in combination with payment information and personal details for visa fee payment. Candidates who want visa appointments must choose between visiting the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate in Dubai.
The process of scheduling US visa appointments occurs by creating user profiles at the official visa application portal.
- Sign up on the government visa application website platform.
- Enter Your DS-160 Confirmation Number
- Choose Your Visa Classification Together with Payment Fee Information
- Two options for making an appointment at the US Embassy in UAE.

Step 5: Schedule Your US Visa Appointment in Dubai
You must set an appointment after finishing your profile creation. Two appointment bookings are necessary for visa processing at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometric data collection and then at the US Consulate for the visa interview. Schedule your appointment for a period that lets you obtain all required documents.
Go to your account through login, then select the appointment option.
- Date for the Interview: Select a convenient date when making a booking for a visa appointment from the interview slots.
- VAC Appointment: VAC Appointment is also still significant since it allows the applicant to take his biometric data.
Requirements for Documents of the Appointment
A passport that is valid with a validity period of six months after the intended date of travel
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Payment receipt for the visa fee
- Appointments Confirmation letter
- Book an appointment ASAP, as slots book extremely fast.
Step 6: Attend the Visa Application Center (VAC) for Biometrics
Before attending the interview, you must visit the VAC office for both fingerprinting and biometric photo sessions. It does not take much time to get fingerprinted and have a biometric photograph; this typically only takes 15–30 minutes. What appointment confirmation is required at the VAC is a photocopy of your passport and a printed DS-160 confirmation page, respectively.
What to Expect at the VAC:
- 15-30 minutes
- Requirements for Visa Application Center
- Electronic devices are not allowed, so leave them at home.
After the biometric process is complete, it’s time for the visa interview.
Step 7: Attend Your US Visa Interview
A visa interview becomes the fundamental element within the visa application system. For interview procedures, you must go to either the US Consulate in Dubai or the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
He’ll be inquiring about the reason behind travelling, the status of your money, and other bindings in the UAE. Respond positively and with complete confidence. All of it would be determined as a factor that affects whether the visa gets accepted or not.
Interview Day Checklist:
- Be there at least 30 minutes before.
- Every interview candidate needs to present their documents, including their passport, along with their DS-160 and fee payment receipt and scheduling confirmation.
- Answer truthfully and with confidence.
Common US Visa Interview Questions:
- What brings you to the country?
- How long do you plan to stay in the United States?
- Who sponsors your trip?
- Do you have family here?
- What is your connection to the UAE?
All your responses must be honest and clear. It is upon this that the immigration officer will base his/her verdict on the visa.
Step 8: Visa Processing & Passport Collection
A consular officer will notify you during the interview which outcome your visa application received—acceptance or rejection. If additional processing is needed, your request will need further steps.
Your passport visiting window will receive a stamped visa when the approval process is completed in 3 to 5 business days. You have two options for passport delivery: either from the assigned collection location or through the home delivery service.
Visa Processing Time:
- Approved visas: The approval process of visas usually requires 3 to 5 business days.
- Additional processing: Public Service and Immigration Canada requires extra time to process applications that necessitate additional documents.
How to Collect Your Passport:
- After visa approval, your passport will receive the stamp, which will be returned to you.
- The picked-up passport with the visa stamp will become available at your selected pickup spot or by way of home delivery.
Location of American Consulate General in Dubai
You can physically visit the American Consulate General at the Corner of Al Seef Rd. and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rd, Dubai or contact them at +971-4-309-4000.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Visa Approval
- Be Honest: Making false statements to visa officers will automatically lead to application rejection.
- Have Strong Ties to the UAE: Demonstrating your commitment to return to the UAE after your visit should be shown by strong ties.
- Prepare Your Documents: Failure to prepare your documents will either cause your application to be delayed or completely rejected.
- Dress professionally: A proper business dress appearance creates a positive initial impact on the official.
The process to obtain a US visa from Dubai appears complex at first, but proper implementation of the following sequential instructions will boost your chances of approval. Begin the application process by completing the DS-160 form and paying the visa payment before setting up your appointment, followed by an interview performance with self-assurance.
Prepare all necessary arrangements in advance since you wish to travel to the United States relatively soon. Good luck with your visa application!