US visas about to get tougher: Longer queues, mandatory interviews from next week
US rolls back pandemic visa waivers in July 25 update, reinstates tougher interview rules
Dubai: Planning a trip to the United States? Brace for longer queues and tougher screening from next week.
Starting September 2, 2025, most UAE residents applying for non-immigrant US visas will no longer be able to skip the interview stage — even if they previously qualified for a waiver.
That includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who until now were automatically exempt.
The change comes after the US Department of State issued a July 25 update rolling back the flexible waiver system introduced during the pandemic.
What’s changing?
The United States is reinstating its standard, pre-pandemic screening rules. Here’s what that means for UAE residents:
Mandatory interviews: Most applicants must now appear in person at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate in Dubai.
Children, elderly affected: Age-based exemptions are gone — children and elderly applicants will now face interviews too.
Fewer waivers: Interview waivers for B1/B2 (business/tourist) visa renewals will only apply if every single condition set by the US consulate is met.
In short: don’t assume you’ll get a waiver anymore.
Who still gets an interview waiver?
A small group of applicants will still qualify:
Diplomatic & official visas under A, G, and NATO categories.
Some visitor visa renewals — but only if:
The application is within 12 months of the last visa’s expiry.
You’re applying in your home country or country of residence.
You’ve never had a visa refusal or ineligibility issues.
Even then, consular officers can still insist on an interview at their discretion.
Why it matters for UAE travellers
For Indian expats heading home, Emiratis flying for business meetings, and students returning to campus, this rule means longer processing times and more paperwork.
With interviews now compulsory for most, UAE residents will need to:
Book appointments much earlier than before.
Prepare additional documents to satisfy interview requirements.
Factor in delays if planning trips for year-end or school holidays.
Why the change now?
This policy shift replaces the more flexible February 2025 waiver policy. It comes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a sweeping Trump-era law tightening immigration rules.
The US government says it is part of a wider move to restore “standard screening” after several years of relaxed COVID-era processes.
What you should do next
If you’re planning a US trip soon:
Check the US Embassy or Consulate website (Abu Dhabi or Dubai) for updated requirements.
Look up appointment wait times — they’re expected to get longer.
Apply early if you’re targeting travel during busy periods like Christmas or New Year.
Bottom line?
Starting next week, visa interviews will be the rule, not the exception. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing a B1/B2 visa, expect to show up in person.
For UAE residents, the message is clear: plan ahead, prepare your documents, and don’t leave applications to the last minute.
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