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Visas

General Application Instructions

The U.S. Consulate interviews all persons applying to travel to the United States on a non-immigrant visa. All applicants must have an interview appointment. Appointments can be scheduled On our online appointment system. Consulate staff cannot schedule or confirm appointments.

If you are a resident of the U.A.E., please do not bring children under the age of 14 to the interview. All non-residents (including children) must apply in person.

Applicants should report to the white cabin (located in the parking lot on the north side of the Dubai World Trade Center) at 7:30 AM on the day of the interview. Consulate security guards will escort applicants to the visa section. Applicants can expect to wait as late as 12:30 for their visa interviews and should plan accordingly. While every effort is made to interview applicants in the order in which they arrive at the Consulate, this is not always possible. Complete and accurate application materials will decrease waiting times for most applicants.

The following documents are REQUIRED to apply for a nonimmigrant visa:

  1.  Two copies of the bank receipt, showing the nonrefundable payment of $131 USD for each application, paid at selected branches of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. Applicants must present their passport at the bank when paying the visa fee. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL FEE FOR VISA ISSUANCE FOR CITIZENS OF CERTAIN COUNTRIES.

    Note:Applicants are required to submit both the Blue and Pink Copies of the receipt, with their visa application form.
  2.  A passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry into the U.S.
  3.  A completed FORM DS-156: Electronic Visa Application Form for each applicant. The printed Electronic Visa Application form will be three (3) pages in length. Make sure you click the 'continue' button at the bottom of the form BEFORE printing. This generates a barcode that is printed with the application.The EVAF is not transmitted electronically to the U.S. Consulate.Bring all three (3) pages of the completed Electronic Visa Application Form with you to your visa interview.
  4. The following persons MUST also fill out FORM DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application: 
                  a) All male visa applicants aged 16 to 45 (inclusive)
                  b) All males and females age 16 and above who were born in or are citizens of Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria.
  5. STUDENT AND EXCHANGE PROGRAM VISA APPLICANTS (F, M AND J): both primary applicants and their dependents must complete an additional FORM DS-158: Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant. Students and exchange visitors should also review the special instructions for students
  6. One photograph (5 cm. X 5 cm.), taken within the last 6 months, and with a white background. (Please refer to Photo Requirements for complete details)
  7. Other forms for certain classes of Nonimmigrant Visas, such as, a FORM I-20 or DS-2019 for the Student Visa Applicants, approved BCIS petitions for ‘H’, ‘L’ , ‘O’, and ‘P’ visas, etc.
  8. Supporting Documents
    The U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires that your eligibility for a non-immigrant visa be determined on the basis of strong, well-established ties to a residence outside the United States, as well as on the basis of reasonable, credible plans for your visit to the United States. During the interview the officer might ask to see one or more of the following documents (translated into English): 
           a) an original, current letter of employment with job title, length of service, and monthly salary
           b) personal bank statements for the last six months
           c) photocopies of current trade license and current audited  financial statements for the past two  years showing status of business
           d) property deeds
           e) current letters of invitation from American companies or conference organizers 

PLEASE DO NOT FAX OR MAIL DOCUMENTS TO THE CONSULATE. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN FAXED OR MAILED IN SUPPORT OF A VISA APPLICATION.


Upon Approval of an NIV Application:
Some visas will be ready for delivery the day following the interviews. However, in many cases, a visa may take three to six weeks to process. Travelers should apply at least six weeks in advance of their intended travel date. If your application is approved, you will be advised what procedures you need to follow to claim your visa. Visas cannot be issued on the same day.


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