US Visa Application: Key Changes for UAE Applicants in 2025
Dubai: Starting in September 2025, UAE residents planning to travel to the United States will encounter a more stringent visa application process as the U.S.
Department of State rolls back several pandemic-related policies.
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These changes, introduced by the Trump administration, aim to enhance national security and tighten the inflow of visitors, affecting most applicants, including those previously exempt from interviews.
Key Changes to Note
- Mandatory In-Person Interviews: From September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants will be required to attend an in-person interview at either the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai. This marks a significant shift from previous policies that allowed many to skip the interview process.
- Elimination of Age-Based Exemptions: The age-based interview exemptions previously granted to children under 14 and adults over 79 will no longer apply. All applicants in these age groups must now attend an in-person interview.
- Stricter Renewal Waivers: While some interview waivers for B1/B2 (tourist/business) visa renewals will remain, the criteria have become more stringent. Applicants must now meet specific conditions, including applying in their country of residence and having no previous visa refusals.
- New Interview Requirements for Immigrant Visas: Effective November 1, 2025, most immigrant visa applicants will also be required to undergo an interview in their country of residence or nationality, with scheduling handled exclusively by the National Visa Center.
- Social Media Disclosure for Student Visas: Beginning in June 2025, applicants for F, M, or J visas must set their social media accounts to public and disclose all usernames from the past five years. Consular officers will review these accounts for any content that may raise national security concerns.
- New Visa Integrity Fee: Starting October 1, 2025, a new $250 “visa integrity fee” will be implemented for visitors from most countries not on the visa waiver list. This additional charge will apply to various non-immigrant visas, increasing the cost for applicants.
Given these changes, applicants are advised to prepare well in advance of their travel dates, as longer wait times for appointments are expected.
Ensuring all necessary documents are in order and booking interview slots early will be crucial for a smooth visa application process.
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