How to Apply for US Visa From Dubai?

Some nationals whose countries are listed with US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are not required to apply for a visa if their travel plan is of less than 90 days. Others have to meet the requirements for a US tourist visa. Applying for a US visa for Philippine passport holders from Dubai involves scheduling an appointment at the US Consulate, preparing the required documentation, and attending an interview to demonstrate the purpose of your visit and ties to the UAE. Careful planning is needed for the US tourist visa application procedure from Dubai, which includes completing the DS-160 form and setting up an interview at the US Consulate. This article will guide you on how to get a US Visa in Dubai.

How to Apply for US Visa From Dubai?

Check what type of US visa you need

Residents of Dubai seeking visas to the United States must choose from two main visa categories:

1. temporary nonimmigrant visa
2. Permanent immigrant visas

Each category contains subcategories based on your intended purpose for travelling to the US. It is crucial to select the appropriate visa type for your situation, as applying for the wrong visa will lead to rejection. The entire process for obtaining a US visa in Dubai depends on which type you need.

Check where you need to apply in Dubai

Those seeking a US visa from the UAE must present their application at either the American Embassy /the Consulate General situated in Dubai. Individuals residing in Dubai itself will be required to apply at the US Consulate General there.

Some facts about US visitor or tourist visa

A US visa can be obtained for several purposes such as employment, medical treatment, family visit and functions, special events, or for tourism. If your intention of travel is tourism, pleasure visit, or vacation, then you have to apply for a B2 visa. The B2 visa will allow you to visit the country as a tourist. It will not be valid for employment or educational purpose. You can stay in the US for a maximum of six months with this visa. It is also eligible for an extension of six months subject to approval. Note that the granting of a tourist visa will solely rest on the US Embassy in Dubai, and allowing an entry to the city with the immigration authorities at the airport.

Documents Required for US Tourist Visa from Dubai

These are the important documents for US tourist visa for Dubai residents.

• Passport with 6 months validity.
• Copy of return flight ticket.
• Payment receipt of the visa.
• Accommodation Booking copy.
• Bank statements of the last 6 months.
• NOC from company (business purpose).
• Salary Certificate.
• A copy of trade license if an investor.
• Visa copy of UAE resident.
• Education proof certificates.
• Monthly income statement.
• Details of appointment.

Steps to get a US visa in Dubai

1. Get a latest photograph

You have to be ready with a recent digital photograph when applying for a US tourist visa. Visit a nearest photo studio and get yourself clicked. But before that, know the following requirements necessary to meet:

• Shape: The shape of the digital photograph has to square
• Color: Your image must be in color with white background
• Dimension: The digital image has to be of 600 pixels x 600 pixels in dimension minimum. The      maximum dimension can go up to 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels
• Format: The image must be in JPEG format
• File size: The file should be too heavy to unload and print. It must be less than or equal to 240 kilobytes

2: Fill and submit DS-160 application form

Form DS-160 is an online visa application to be filled by non-immigrants applying for a tourist visa. It is common for all the citizens worldwide. The form has to be filled by yourself only. When taking help of someone for completing the form, you still have to electronically sign by clicking the tab “Sign Application.”

Get your digital photograph file, passport details, family details, address you will be staying at US, name of the relatives in US, if any, and address of the consulate you will be appearing for an interview with you when filling the online visa application. All the information provided by you has to be complete and true and try to attend all the fields. Upload the digital photograph, and save the application before clicking on the “SUBMIT” button.

3: Pay the visa application fee

A few branches of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi are authorized by the Consulate General of the United States to collect payment for the visa application fee. For applicants applying from Dubai, the US Consulate in Dubai has appointed a few agencies to collect the visa payment. At the time of payment, you have to present your passport at the bank you are making the payment to. The application form should be accompanied with both the copies (pink and blue) of the payment receipt.

4: Schedule an interview appointment

All UAE citizens are required to make an online visa appointment with the consular officer. Each applicant, whether minor or major, must have his or her visa appointment before appearing for an interview. Children below 14 years of age don’t have to appear for the interview. Their parents can appear on their behalf.

5: Attend the visa interview as per scheduled

Reach at the designated U.S. Consulate in time. Once your application documents are loaded into the computer system, a number will be provided to you. After that you will have to go for fingerprinting and wait for the interview until your number is called. The interview will last for 5 minutes maximum in which you have to answer the questions of the Consular Officer. Based on your interview and verification of all the supporting documents, you will be informed if your application is approved, refused, or pending.

Though these steps to get a US visa in Dubai seems quite easy, in reality, it is quite opposite. So, better approach an experienced visa consultant in Dubai who can guarantee any types of visa with any hassle.

                                                    [Also Read : Reasons for visa to the USA be denied]

FAQs

How long does it take to issue a USA visa from Dubai?

The decision on whether your application is approved happens during your personal interview at the US embassy. If they accept your application, you can pick up your passport with the USA Visa in it after 5 to 7 working days from when the interview took place.

What are the steps involved in the procession of a USA Visa in Dubai?

1. Send us the documents over email
2. We will fill out the application form and gather the supporting documents
3. Schedule the interview appointment
4. You bring the complete application package to the embassy interview
5. Pick up the passport with the visa.

How much salary should I have to apply for a USA visa from UAE?

The decision on your application depends on the financial status of the applicant in the United Arab Emirates. Please provide us with a 6-month bank statement for review.

Is it mandatory to have a UAE residence visa to apply for a USA visa from Dubai?

No, there is no concern with being in the UAE on a visit visa & applying for a US visa while in the UAE. You may apply for US visa while visiting UAE on tourist visa.

How can I appeal for my USA visa rejection?

We hold the needed expertise to work with clients who had been previously denied visas & assist them in successfully obtaining the same. In case of US visa reapplication, we can offer all-inclusive guidance to augment your chances.