Getting a US visa appointment in the UAE has become a lengthy and challenging process, with residents having to wait up to a year for an appointment. To combat this issue, some residents have turned to neighboring GCC countries to apply for US visas, where they can get appointments within weeks or months. For example, one UAE resident was able to secure a US visa within seven days through a US mission in Saudi Arabia.
Various types of visas are available for UAE residents to apply for, including tourism and visit, study and exchange, business, and employment visas. However, there are common misconceptions about the US visa application process that may hinder one’s chances of approval. Begaim Kadyrbekova, chief US visa specialist at The Visa Services, shared five myths and case studies to help applicants navigate the process effectively.
One common myth is that hotel and ticket bookings can guarantee a US visa. Kadyrbekova emphasized that no document, including an I-20 form, can guarantee a visa approval. During interviews, officers usually only ask for a passport and may request additional documents as needed. It is essential to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of the process and not rely solely on documents to secure a visa.
Including information about distant relatives in the US may not be necessary if the applicant does not maintain contact with them or plan to visit them. Kadyrbekova shared a case where a client had a distant relative in the US but opted not to include that detail in her application as the primary purpose of her trip was different. Her visa was approved without mentioning the relative, highlighting the importance of focusing on the trip’s primary purpose.
Applicants do not need to disclose participation in the Green Card Diversity Visa lottery on their US visa application. Kadyrbekova recommended handling the question about lottery participation with a casual and light-hearted approach to demonstrate that the applicant has no serious intentions of immigrating to the US. By addressing the question effectively, applicants can increase their chances of visa approval.
For international students in the US, renewing a student visa is necessary if they leave the country and cannot re-enter before their visa expires. The process typically involves updating the I-20 form at the end of each semester to maintain legal status. Kadyrbekova shared a case where a student’s visa had expired, but with an updated I-20 form from the university, she was able to reapply and have her visa approved to return to the US for the new semester.
Contrary to popular belief, young, unmarried female applicants are not automatically at a disadvantage when applying for a US visa. Consular officers evaluate each application based on individual circumstances, such as the purpose of the visit, financial stability, ties to the home country, and intent to return. Highlighting strong ties to the UAE, such as employment, and travel plans with a friend who holds a valid visa can strengthen an application’s chances of approval. By showcasing temporary visit intentions and ties to the home country, applicants can increase their likelihood of visa approval.
