New US visa interview rules for UAE residents

SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS ONLY IN COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE Your Money Editor

US visa rules changed on September 6, 2025, and the update affects every UAE resident and expat applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

The new guidance from the US State Department requires applicants to schedule interviews in their country of residence, making Abu Dhabi and Dubai the only valid options for people living in the UAE.

Here are 6 reasons why the rule matters if you’re planning to travel to the US soon:

■ For UAE residents and expats, that means booking your interview in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You can’t apply in the UAE unless you actually live here.

■ A UAE residence visa is your proof of eligibility. Without it, you'll need to go back to your home country — or wherever you officially reside — to apply.

■ Thinking of applying while on holiday in another country? That just got riskier. The US may doubt your ties to that country, making it harder to qualify.

■ Visa fees are locked in. If you apply in the wrong place, you won't get your money back — and you'll still need to reapply in the correct location.