US Embassy in UAE Reacts to Overwhelming Visa Applications, Aims to Speed ​​Up Appointments

The pandemic restricted interviews for many nonimmigrant visa candidates, causing a delay.

As appointments for US visas are available only after a year, a diplomat said the mission in the United Arab Emirates is trying to speed up the process.

“We are working to expand and improve to increase our capacity and streamline appointments.”

Ron Packowitz, consular coordinator of the country saying.

“There is a huge demand for travel to the US post-pandemic, not just from the UAE, but around the world.”

aggregate Packowitz.

A previous interview with travel industry experts in the UAE reported unprecedented demand among UAE residents to travel to the US, and the closest available date for an appointment in Dubai is on October 18, 2024. In Abu Dhabi, it is only in November 2024.

The pandemic causes delays

Elaborating on the reasons for the delay, Packowitz said the pandemic restricted interviews for many nonimmigrant visa candidates, causing a delay.

“By law, we are required to interview visa applicants. Due to the pandemic and some of the restrictions imposed by local governments, we were unable to bring them to our consular section for interviews. Many of them still want to travel to the United States.”

saying Packowitz.

“After the pandemic, we have received more applications for nonimmigrant visas than before the pandemic. Now that the pandemic is over, there is enormous interest in traveling around the world.”

saying Packowitz.

Priority for some

The consular coordinator further mentioned that for some applicants, the embassy is working to improve the backlog and offer visa appointments more quickly.

“We prioritize visa interviews for some travelers, such as students, medical emergencies, urgent business trips, and people with expired visas.”

saying Packowitz.

“For students traveling to the United States, we do everything possible to get them there on the first day of school. “Attention has also been paid to businesspeople with urgent travel needs traveling to the US to sign an important deal, along with travelers seeking urgent medical attention.”

saying Packowitz.

However, for residents with visas largely expired in the past four years,

“There is no need to visit the consulate and they can receive it by Emirates courier.”

saying Packowitz.

Visa appointment elsewhere

U.S. visa appointments can be obtained in any country and people have the right to apply wherever they want, Packowitz said.

“Depending on appointment availability, residents may choose to appear for the interview in any GCC country or their preferred location.”

aggregate Packowitz.

Additional daily appointments

Every day, the embassy adds additional appointments to facilitate the process and speed up the interview process for UAE residents.

“Every day we look to see if we can add additional appointments, and we do so periodically.”

saying Packowitz adding that it is possible to visit the official website periodically to find appointments long before the actual appointment.

‘Plan a year in advance’

Packowitz advised residents to plan their trip to the United States at least a year in advance.

“I advise travelers to plan their trip well in advance. People who know they have an upcoming trip should plan more than a year in advance and should begin the application process as soon as they plan to travel.”

saying Packowitz.

“It is essential not to make irreversible plans until they have their visas in hand”

aggregate Packowitz.

recommendations

Without a doubt, there are thousands of destinations and attractions in the United States of America for a memorable trip or vacation. However, for Middle Eastern residents, Packowitz recommends traveling to Chicago, New York, Southern and Northern California, and Orlando.

“One can experience great food and local sports in Chicago. New York will never disappoint you, it will exceed your expectations. In California, travelers can visit theme parks and redwood trees that have trunks wide enough to carve a tunnel.”

saying Packowitz.

News Source: Khaleej Times