A USA visa can be thought of as a legal permit that allows citizens of different countries to enter the United States. It is a mandatory document that a passport holder should own for legal immigration to the USA. The same is the case when you apply for a US visa as a UAE resident. While applying for the same, you might have multiple questions popping up in your mind about completing all your legal obligations. From gaining knowledge about the different types of USA visas to the mandatory documents, there are many things you need to know concerning applying for a USA visa as a UAE resident.
This post will outline all the essentials, including some frequently asked questions to help you apply for and obtain a USA visa from the UAE.
Types of USA Visa
UAE citizens and residents can apply for two types of US visas. These are B1 and B2 visas. You can stay in the US for six months with these visas. A DS-160 form has to be filled in to apply for a B1 or B2 Visa.
The B1 visa is for business purposes and is suitable for those UAE applicants who wish to travel to the US to attend a business meeting, negotiate a business deal, or take part in similar industrial events.
On the contrary, a B2 visa is a tourist visa for UAE passport holders and residents. It is suitable for UAE residents who wish to travel to the US for wanderlust.
Documents Requirement for US Visa
There are some mandatory documents that you need to submit as a UAE citizen and resident to get your visa application successfully processed. Below is a list of essentials that you need to submit for this purpose:
- Confirmation page in support of your successful completion of the DS-160 form
- The passport is valid for at least 180 days from your departure date from the United States. It should also have a minimum of one blank page.
- A copy of your recent passport size photo (that is not more than 6 months old). You must furnish this document separately if you haven’t uploaded it along with the DS-160 application form.
- If required, you may also need to submit the confirmation document for your US visa appointment.
- You need to upload a police certificate to keep the authorities informed about your criminal record. Also, you shouldn’t have any criminal history to qualify for a US visa.
- Suppose you have any previous record of deportation from the US or rejection of a US visa in response to your application; you must provide relevant supporting documents. Besides, you will also have to present valid reasons for the deportation or rejection of your visa application that occurred previously.
- You must submit relevant receipts as proof of the payment of visa fees.
Besides the documents mentioned above, you must also submit additional documents to apply for a tourist visa. The other documents are mentioned below:
- A cover letter with a description of your purpose for visiting the United States
- Bank or financial statements to prove that you have sufficient finances to sustain your expenses in the US
- Proof of your relatives or property in Dubai
- A letter from your employer and the salary slips for three months (if you are applying for a B1 visa)
- A photocopy of the status of your relative (if your purpose of visiting the US is to see your friends or family)
- Your medical report (if your purpose for visiting the US is a doctor’s consultation or treatment)
Clearing a visa interview with officials is mandatory for UAE residents to obtain a US travel visa. You can maximize your chances of clearing the interview by arranging for health insurance before attending it.
Steps to Obtain a US Visa from the UAE
You can apply for a US visa in two ways as a UAE citizen and resident. Dubai residents can directly apply for a US visa through the Consulate General in Dubai. Non-Dubai residents can approach the US Embassy directly.
Here are the steps you need to follow to obtain a US visa from Dubai or the UAE:
- Enter the confirmation number of the DS 160 form.
- Fulfill the requirements for courier document return.
- Pay the fee for a non-immigrant visa
- Choose a time to schedule your visa interview with the concerned authorities. Try doing it based on your convenience.
Conclusion
First-time applicants may have many questions if you apply for a US visa. But this guide will clear up all your doubts. You can make your US visa application hassle-free by following the above steps.
FAQs about US Visa
Q1. Can kids travel to the United States from the UAE without a US visa?
A1. No. A US visa is mandatory for children of all ages to travel to the US from the UAE.
Q2. Is the extension of a US visa possible?
A2. Yes, it is possible. Contact the authorities to extend your US visa. Your reason for visa extension should be a valid one. Visa authorities may consider your request if your reason is satisfactory.
Q3. What is the standard duration for the processing of US visas for UAE citizens?
A3. The US visa processing time is about 4 to 5 business days.
World Visa Information 