Long Wait Times for US Visa Appointments Hit UAE Residents Amid Rising Demand

With the rising demand for US visas, residents of the UAE are experiencing long delays in securing appointments. Current estimates indicate that applicants from certain countries could face wait times of nine to 12 months, with some nationalities experiencing delays of up to two years.

According to Anastasia Yanchenko, Commercial Director of Visa Services, the wait times vary based on the applicant’s passport. "UAE passport holders generally have shorter waiting periods compared to applicants from countries with higher demand and fewer available appointments," she explained. For example, UAE citizens enjoy a more streamlined process, while the wait time for Indian and Russian passport holders is around one year. For Iranian nationals, the wait can extend up to two years.

A contributing factor to these delays is the global nature of US visa applications. Many applicants from countries lacking US embassies, or those facing visa rejections in their home countries, apply through the UAE, further increasing the number of applications and causing bottlenecks. Additionally, Dubai is often seen as a temporary stop for individuals seeking to travel to the US, which further compounds the delay.

Countries such as Oman and Kyrgyzstan have implemented local restrictions on US visa applications, limiting them to those with local residence permits. This has led to an influx of applicants seeking visas from the UAE.

To address these challenges, there are services available that help expedite the visa process. Specialists can assist in navigating the appointment system, helping applicants secure available slots more efficiently.

To minimise the risk of a visa refusal, applicants should follow essential guidelines:

• Be truthful during both the application process and the interview. Any false information can lead to an immediate rejection.
• Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as owning property, having children in school, or maintaining a clear banking history.
• Having a good travel history can also work in your favor, particularly if you have visited countries like the UK or those in Europe and returned to your home country.
• Have a clear purpose for your trip, including a detailed travel plan specifying where you will stay and your reasons for visiting.
• Prepare thoroughly for the interview, especially if applying through a service provider who can guide you on expected questions and how to present yourself.

While long wait times are frustrating, understanding these factors and taking the right steps can help applicants navigate the US visa process more smoothly.

Fast-Track Entry for UAE Passport Holders

A recent agreement between the UAE and the US has introduced expedited entry for UAE passport holders traveling to the United States. UAE citizens with valid US visas can apply for the Global Entry programme, which allows them to bypass regular queues upon arrival at selected US ports of entry, eliminating the need for traditional immigration processing.

To apply for Global Entry, travellers must provide personal details such as their age, place of birth, employment status, citizenship, and any previous visa rejections or criminal history. The interview process lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, during which applicants must present their identification documents and explain their reasons for visiting the US.

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