Earlier last week, the US Department of State (DOS) refreshed their visa rules for non-immigrant visa applicants. Prior to this, last month, there was a visa rule update saying that those applying for F, M and J visas (student, vocational training and exchange programs) category of visa will have to disclose their social media handles and switch them to public mode. Now, a month later, here’s comes another iteration of visa restrictions. And this time, the new policy is hitting the US visa interview aspect of the process. So, what is this strict interview US visa rule all about? Let’s unravel it right here.
Also read: US Visa Applicants In UAE – Should You Make Your Social Media Profiles Public?
The US Visa Interview Rule Update
Another day, another unprecedented change of policy. DOS, in it’s official notice dated 6 Sep 2025, announced a new rule. A policy change that will come into effect from 1 November 2025. Yup, they deided to wake up and remind everyone that bureaucracy is very much alive and kicking. According to this rule, all expats, including UAE residents, applying for non-immigrant visa will schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. This essentially puts an official end to “third-country stamping”. If you’re wondering what that is, let me explain. It’s basically an option opted by those who cannot afford to wait for a visa appointment in their home country due to longer wait times. One of the key benefits of taking this route is that it could open up your chances to visa appointment slots. I mean, otherwise hard-to-obtain slots. 2023 saw a huge trend among Indian and Chinese nationals, who clubbed their vacation in countries like Thailand or Germany with a US visa interview.
How Does This US Visa Interview Rule Matter To UAE Folks?
Alright, so let’s keep this pretty straightforward. With this rule change:
- All NIV applicants, be it first-time, renewal or status change cases, across categories such as temporary work visas, student visas and tourism visas are impacted.
- UAE residents can hereafter schedule interviews only in Dubai or Abu Dubai.
- If you don’t have a valid UAE residency (meaning you are on tourist or visit visa), you would need to fly to your country of nationality to book a slot. In short, you can apply only if you actually reside in the UAE with valid proof.
- Fees are now non-transferable – once you book, the payment is done. In case you selected the wrong country, there is no chance of getting a refund anymore.
Also read: Applying for US Visa from UAE? 19 Countries Just Got Banned, Check If You’re Affected or Exempt
What About Existing US Visa Interview Appointments?
Fret not, you’re in the safe zone! If you have a pending interview appointment in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it will remain valid. For those who are planning to transfer their application from their country of nationality to their country of residents, they may have to produce additional documentation to validate their residence.
Exemption Cases – If Your Country Has No Embassy Services
DOS has stated that those belonging to countries that lack routine non-immigrant visa processing operations can schedule interviews in designated consulates.
- Iran nationals, Designated Center: Dubai
- Somalia/South Sudan Nationals, Designated Center: Nairobi (Kenya)
- Ukraine nationals, Designated Center: Krakow or Warsaw
- Yemen nationals, Designated Center: Riyadh
- Cuba nationals, Designated Center: Georgetown (Guyana)
- Russian nationals, Designated Center: Asyana (Kazakhstan) or Warsaw
- Venezuela, Designated Center: Bogota (Colombia)
So, if at all your home country is any of the above, then you have the provision of getting a third-country stamping.
There are 3 other cases where the new interview rule is exempt and that is if you are a:
- Diplomat or holding an official visa category (A, G, NATO)
- Traveller covered by the UN Headquarter Agreement
- Traveller with a proven case under emergency medical, humanitarian or urgent foreign policy
In an era, where global travel is becoming as easy as ordering a coffee, this whole “you must now do your visa interview back in your own country” business feels like a kill joy. Nevertheless, what we can do is to book early, factor in contingencies, keep an eye on the estimated waiting times and plan ahead for the big, fat US trip. Oh, and be sure to double check details on the official US Embassy and Consulate website before you begin your application process!
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