6 Reasons the New US Visa Rule Matters for UAE Residents
Dubai, UAE – September 7, 2025: New U.S. visa rules came into effect on September 6, 2025, requiring all nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in the country where they legally reside. For UAE residents and expats, this means interviews must now be booked only at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.
Six Key Points UAE Residents Should Know
Apply where you live: Only UAE residents can apply in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Non-residents must apply in their home or official country of residence.
UAE residence visa required: Proof of residency is mandatory; applications without a valid UAE residence visa will be rejected.
Applying abroad is riskier: Scheduling interviews outside your residence country may raise questions about ties and eligibility, reducing approval chances.
Fees are non-refundable: Visa fees cannot be transferred. Applying in the wrong country means losing the payment and starting over.
Longer wait times abroad: Processing times vary worldwide, and applying outside the UAE could add months to secure an interview slot.
Existing appointments safe: Those who already booked interviews in Abu Dhabi or Dubai are unaffected by the new rule.
Why This Matters
UAE residents must now book interviews locally to avoid delays, lost fees, or additional scrutiny. The U.S. has also noted that Iranian nationals should continue applying at the U.S. Consulate in Dubai, as nonimmigrant visas are not processed inside Iran.
Applicants are strongly advised to check the official U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in the UAE before scheduling their appointments.
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