How to Apply for a US Visa from Dubai?

Originally posted 2021-09-03 16:34:17.

The USA is one of the largest and most diverse nations in the world. Every traveler dreams of visiting this beautiful country at least once in their lifetime. Be it the pristine beaches of Miami and Hawaii, the imposing skyscrapers of New York and Chicago, the natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, or the breathtaking national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, this country has excellent surprises at every nook and corner. If you are applying for a US visa from Dubai, here is a complete guide on the entire visa processing.

Table of Contents

USA Visa Types

The short-term USA visa types are:

Tourism
Business
Medical

Who Can Apply for a US visa?

The Visa Waiver Program allows you to visit the United States without applying for a visa before arrival. If you are a passport holder or citizen of any of the below-mentioned countries but live in Dubai, you do not require a visa to enter the USA as a visitor. You only require a US Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the US as a visitor. You can visit the USA for tourism or business purposes and stay up to 90 days if you belong to any of the following countries.

Andorra
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Brunei
Chile
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Macau
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Micronesia
Namibia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom

Note: The citizens of the above countries who are from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Syria are not qualified for the VWP as an exception. Kindly note that additional documents may be required to process your visa based on your nationality.

Documents Required for US Tourist Visa

It would be best if you had the following documents ready to apply for your US visa.

Duly filled and signed the US visa application form with all the correct details.
Two recent passports are colored photos taken against a white background and not older than three months. These photographs must either have a semi-matte or matte finish and show 80% of your face.
The original passport with two blank pages in it for stamping and must be valid for at least three months from your date of arrival in the US.
A valid Emirates ID
UAE Residence visa with 30-day validity.
Your detailed travel itinerary, including copies of your round-trip flight tickets.
Original NOC letter mentioning designation, salary, joining date, the purpose of travel of the employee and addressed to the USA Embassy.
A letter mentioning monthly income, a valid Trade License copy, passport details for Partners, Owners, and Investors.
If it is a personal trip, you need to submit a cover letter stating the purpose of the trip.
Carry the hotel reservation confirmation in the United States as proof of accommodation.
Submit proof of ties to your home country – this can be a job contract, family, property, lease, or any evidence of intent to return to Dubai.
A copy of your US sponsor’s passport. Kindly note that if your sponsor is a US citizen, then the passport copy will be sufficient. However, if your sponsor happens to be the bearer of a USA visa, then ensure that you have a copy of your sponsor’s visa along with their passport copy.
A copy of your visa sponsor’s bank statement. Please ensure that your sponsor’s bank statement contains enough funds to support your visit. The bank statement must display the details of the previous month’s transactions. If you do not have a sponsor, you need to submit sufficient proof of funds to cover your trip.
A printout of your sponsor’s exact current postal address along with your email address and phone number. This is essential because visa authorities have the authority to contact your sponsor and ask direct questions about your visa application.
Travel insurance is mandatory.
If you are visiting for medical purposes, keep your medical reports and papers handy.
Please carry documents that provide proof of your relationship with your sponsor. It could be a personal or official relationship.
If it is an official relationship, kindly enclose an invitation letter from your sponsor with a company profile and a visiting card as additional proof.
If you are traveling to the US to training, meetings, or conferences, these details must also be enclosed.

The US Tourist Visa Application Process

A person needs a visitor US visa (non-immigrant visa) to travel to the USA. Also, known as a B-2 visa, it can be used for tourism, visiting family/friends or medical treatment. You can follow these steps for quick and easy US visa processing.

Download the form (DS-160), fill it with all relevant details, and take a printout and sign it. Submit all the documents online.
Pay the visa fees (Keep the payment receipt to carry on the day of the interview).
Schedule an appointment at the embassy.
Attend your interview and answer all the questions correctly.
Keep all the documents required while attending your interview. Once your documents are verified, your visa is approved and stamped on the passport, collect your passport from the embassy.

Note: you need to carry a printout of your DS-160 confirmation page and your appointment confirmation page when you visit the embassy.

Things to Keep in Mind When Applying for USA Visa

Every applicant (including children) needs to have their own DS-160 visa application form.
Children under the age of 14 years do not need to attend the visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate or the appointment at the Visa Application Center. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives can present the documents on their behalf.
The Embassy/Consulate does not accept typed or handwritten applications. Also, you will not be permitted to attend the interview if you fail to carry a Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Be extremely honest at the interview and refrain from misrepresenting facts. If the authorities find any discrepancies in your visa application, they will reject your visa. Also, if your visa application is denied for the wrong reasons, you will not be permitted to apply for a US visa ever in your lifetime. So please do not give them any reasons to be suspicious of your behavior and responses.
Your visa fees will not be refunded in case of rejection. Also, submitting all the documents and applying for a visa does not guarantee a US visa. It depends on the discretion of US immigration authorities based in Dubai. It is recommended making your travel plans once you receive your visa.
You will mostly receive a single-entry visa unless mentioned otherwise.
Avoid carrying liquids, make-up items, mobile phones, etc., to the consulate. Your visa application also depends on compliance with these rules.

Conclusion

Millions of people apply for a US visa every year, so make sure you follow all the rules and laws associated with the visa application. Clarify all your doubts and questions before applying for the visa to make the entire process smooth and hassle-free. There are high chances of your visa getting approved, and you can enjoy a memorable holiday in America.