Impact of revised US visa interview rule for residents in the United Arab Emirates highlighted in 6 key points

The United States has announced a new visa rule that will affect all UAE residents and expats applying for a non-immigrant visa. The rule, effective from September 6, 2025, requires all applicants to schedule interviews for their non-immigrant visas in their country of residence, either Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Under the new rule, appointments already scheduled in Abu Dhabi or Dubai will remain valid. However, applicants who choose to apply for a U.S. visa outside their residence country can expect longer delays before securing an appointment. It is also worth noting that applying for a U.S. visa while on holiday in another country could potentially lead to delays or lost fees.

For Iranian nationals, the designated location for U.S. non-immigrant visa applications is the U.S. Consulate in Dubai. Iranian citizens must apply for their US non-immigrant visas at US embassies or consulates outside Iran, as the United States no longer processes non-immigrant visas in Iran.

It is important to note that the U.S. does not process non-immigrant visas inside Iran. Applicants from other countries should apply at their designated consulate or embassy.

To qualify for a U.S. non-immigrant visa, UAE residents and expats must now have a valid UAE residence visa. Without a UAE residence visa, applicants will need to return to their home country or their official residence to apply for a U.S. non-immigrant visa.

The U.S. State Department is the source of the updated guidance for U.S. visa applications. It is recommended to always confirm details on the official U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in the UAE before booking a visa appointment.

This new rule does not apply to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.

Fees for U.S. visa applications are non-refundable, so it is crucial to ensure that all information is correct and complete before submitting an application.

In conclusion, the new U.S. visa rule affects every UAE resident and expat applying for a non-immigrant visa. It is essential to understand the new requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are in order to avoid any delays or complications in the visa application process.

Impact of revised US visa interview rule for residents in the United Arab Emirates highlighted in 6 key points