Agents advise applicants to closely monitor emails and messages from the US embassy or consulate handling their applications for updates on their appointments.
The US has paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide as consular officers undergo new training, raising concerns among UAE-based applicants about already scheduled interviews and potential delays.
For UAE residents, the development comes amid already high demand for US visas. Travel and visa experts told that, when they checked the appointment system, B1/B2 business and tourist visa appointments were showing availability only in August 2027.
So, can applicants still apply, what happens to postponed appointments, and will finding a new slot become harder? Here’s what UAE applicants need to know.
What happened?
The US State Department has temporarily paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide while consular officers undergo training.
The training focuses on how officers assess whether immigrant visa applicants could become dependent on public benefits after relocating to the US.
Can UAE residents still apply for a US visa?
Yes. UAE visa experts said applicants can continue submitting US visa applications, although securing an interview appointment is currently the bigger challenge.
Dash Anthony, a visa expert at Rejoice Travels, said applicants could still apply but were unable to request an appointment date based on what he was seeing in the appointment system.
“People can apply for the visa, but they cannot request an appointment date for now,” he said.
Anthony added that demand for US visas remains strong across the UAE and wider Gulf region, with agencies receiving applications daily. His agency typically handles around six to seven US visa applications a day.
When is the next US appointment available?
When checked with travel experts, they reviewed the live appointment system. Subair Thekepurathvalappil of Wise Fox Tours and Travels said the earliest dates they could see were in August 2027.
However, appointment availability can change as new slots are released or existing appointments become available. Applicants should therefore not assume that they will necessarily have to wait until August 2027.
What happens if my appointment is postponed?
Applicants should closely monitor emails and messages from the US embassy or consulate handling their applications, agents advised.
Anthony said UAE applicants had faced appointment disruptions earlier this year, when affected applicants were contacted directly by the consulate and given new interview dates.
However, he stressed that the same procedure may not necessarily apply during the latest pause. Applicants should wait for official communication before taking any action.
Will the pause create a rush for appointments later?
Travel agents believe demand could surge once appointment slots become available again.
Subair said applications could continue to accumulate while appointment availability remains limited, potentially leaving more applicants competing for interview dates.
“When more appointments become available, we expect many applicants to try to secure slots at the same time,” he said, noting that this could have a significant impact in the UAE because of the strong demand for travel to the US.
Who could be most affected by long appointment waits?
Business travellers could face particular difficulties if they need to visit the US for meetings, exhibitions or other events scheduled for specific dates.
Subair said business travel between the UAE and US is substantial, meaning lengthy waits could be challenging for travellers with fixed schedules.
Tourists may have more flexibility. “If they cannot secure a visa appointment before their planned holiday, some could simply change their plans and travel to another country,” Subair said.
What about students?
Student visas are separate from both tourist and business visas, as well as immigrant visas. Agents said that if this category is also affected by appointment restrictions, lengthy waits could create difficulties for students because university and college programmes have fixed start dates.
Subair said students who cannot obtain appointments before their courses begin could face challenges, although expedited or earlier appointments may be available in certain circumstances.
“Applicants should therefore check the rules and appointment availability for their specific visa category rather than relying on the wait time shown for another type of visa,” Subair said.
