Travelling to the US Soon? Here's How to Submit Your Visa Application Documents

Planning a trip to the US? If you're applying for a visit visa from the UAE, you can conveniently submit your documents and collect your passport once the visa is processed through Emirates Post, which handles courier services for US visa applications from the UAE.

Whether you are just starting your application or waiting to collect your visa, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

When to Use Emirates Post for Document Submission

The method for submitting your documents varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

* In-Person Interview: If your visa requires an in-person interview at the Consular Section, bring all the necessary documents with you.

* No Interview Required: If no interview is needed, you will receive instructions on how to courier your documents to the Consular Section.

This is when you will need to visit the Emirates Post Customer Happiness Centre with a ‘Courier-In Authorisation Certificate,’ allowing you to send documents free of charge to the Consular Section.

Obtaining the ‘Courier-In Authorisation Certificate’

You need to apply for a ‘Courier-In Authorisation Certificate’ through the US visa portal (ais.usvisa-info.com). Follow these steps:

* Sign in to your existing US visa portal account.

* Select ‘Consular Section instructed me to send more documents.’

* Choose the applicants for whom you are sending documents or passports. Provide a reason and click ‘Send Request.’

* Click ‘Continue’ and select ‘Send Documents.’

* Choose the Consular Section as mentioned in the DS-160 form (the non-immigrant visa form) and click ‘Submit.’

* Scroll down and click on ‘View Courier-In Receipt.’

* Print the authorisation and submit it along with the required documents at an Emirates Post drop-off and pick-up location.

Collecting Your Passport and Visa Documents

Once your visa is approved or rejected, you will need to visit an Emirates Post location to collect your passport. According to the US visa portal (ais.usvisa-info.com), you will receive an automated email once a tracking number is assigned to your shipment.

Track your documents via the US visa portal or the Emirates Post website (emiratespost.ae).

Required Identification for Document Collection

Personal Collection: Provide an official ID card, driver’s licence, or birth certificate.

Parents Collecting for Children: Present a copy of the child's birth certificate or adoption decree and the parent's ID matching the name on the child’s document.

Authorised Third-Party Collection: Present a signed authorisation letter, a photocopy of the applicant's ID, and the third party’s ID matching the name on the authorisation letter.

Passports not retrieved within 30 days will be returned to the originating Consular Section.

Emirates Post Drop-off and Pick-up Locations
Here are the Emirates Post locations for US visa document submission and collection:

* Abu Dhabi Central - Customer Happiness Centre: Madinat Zayed area, Al Muroor road, Abu Dhabi. Business Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am - 8pm.

* Ajman Central - Customer Happiness Centre: Emirates Post Building, Masfout St, Al Bustan, Ajman. Business Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am - 8pm.

* Al Barsha - Customer Happiness Centre: Al Asayel St, Next to Al Barsha Mall, Dubai. Business Hours: Mon-Sat, 8am - 8pm.

US Visa Application: General Information

If you're a UAE passport holder, you need a visa to travel to the US. Depending on your purpose of travel, apply for a US Business Visa (B1) or a US Tourist Visa (B2) by completing the DS-160 form online.

Application Steps for a US Visa from Dubai

* Determine Visa Type: Check if you need a non-immigrant or immigrant visa.

* Submit Application: Complete the DS-160 form online.

* Pay Fees: Follow payment instructions on the Official US Department of State Visa Appointment Service website.

* Schedule an Interview: Book a US visa interview.

* Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents.

* Attend Interview: Make sure to be on time for your interview and biometric data collection.

Processing Time and Reapplication            

The processing time for a US visa in Dubai may vary from four to six weeks, depending on application volume. If your visa application is denied, you may re-apply, but you must pay the visa fee again and address any previous rejection reasons.