Applying for a US visa? 6 changes UAE applicants must look out for in 2025

The new rules will affect most categories of non-immigrant and immigrant visas, including those previously exempt from interviews.

Key changes for UAE applicants

1. Mandatory in-person interviews
   From September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai.

2. End of age-based exemptions
   Children under 14 and adults over 79, who were earlier exempt, will now need to appear for interviews.

3. Stricter interview waiver rules
   Renewal waivers for B1/B2 visas will only apply if applicants meet tough conditions such as applying within 12 months of expiry, having no unresolved visa refusals, and applying in their home country. Consular officers can still mandate interviews.

4. Compulsory interviews for immigrant visas
   From November 1, 2025, most immigrant visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of residence or nationality, with rare exceptions.

5. New social media rules
   Since June 2025, student and exchange visa applicants (F, M, J categories) must provide all social media handles from the past five years and keep profiles public. Officers will flag posts linked to extremism or security threats.

6. $250 “visa integrity fee”
   Effective October 1, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants must pay an additional $250 fee, raising the cost of a B1/B2 visa for Indian nationals to about $425. DHS may reimburse applicants who comply with visa conditions.

Longer wait times expected

The changes are expected to increase appointment backlogs. Officials have advised applicants to plan early, prepare documents in advance, and anticipate delays.