UAE travellers alert: Major change to US visa appointment system starting May 30
US Visa appointments on hold until May 30, here’s what you need to know
Dubai: If you’re planning to travel to the United States from the UAE, be prepared for a temporary pause in the US visa appointment process. As of May 15, the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai have suspended new visa appointment bookings and fee payments in preparation for a major system overhaul.
The current visa appointment platform is being replaced by a new contractor system, which will go live on May 30, 2025. Until then, no new appointments or payments can be made - a development that could impact thousands of applicants across the UAE.
Clint Khan, Director at Y-Axis Middle East advises, “This is a transition worth welcoming - it should improve efficiency in the long run. But for now, applicants must avoid panic and misinformation. Also, never trust third-party agents or bots claiming to offer faster appointments. These are red flags and can lead to rejection or even visa bans.”
What does this mean for you?
If you already have a visa interview scheduled (before or after May 30): You don’t need to do anything. Your appointment remains valid.
If you’ve paid your visa fee but didn’t book an appointment by May 15: You will need to wait until the new system opens on May 30 to schedule.
If you haven’t yet paid the visa fee: You must now wait until May 30 to begin the process.
If you're submitting supporting documents: The last date for drop-offs is May 24, after which all document delivery services will also transition.
This temporary blackout is already affecting many UAE-based travellers, students, and business professionals who were hoping to secure US visa slots this summer.
Y-Axis: Your trusted visa advisor
At Y-Axis, we specialize in navigating such system changes so our clients don’t have to worry. With over two decades of experience in immigration and visa processing, we are the most trusted name in the UAE for those looking to work, study, travel, or settle abroad.
Our advisors in UAE are already helping clients re-strategize around the appointment blackout and ensure they're ready to book the moment the new system reopens.
Reinforcing our US partnership
We are proud to announce that on May 16, 2025, the Y-Axis Foundation renewed its partnership with the US Embassy in India. Through this collaboration, Y-Axis continues to be the only private organization globally operating an official EducationUSA center. Since 2019, we’ve offered free, unbiased guidance to students planning to study in the US, and the newly signed agreement extends this responsibility across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
This partnership is a powerful reflection of our global credibility and values, benefiting not only Indian students but our UAE clients as well.
If you’re affected by the US visa system change, let Y-Axis assist you in planning your next steps. Whether it's for a tourist visa, F-1 student visa, or a work permit - we’re here to help you succeed ethically, efficiently, and confidently.
Get in touch with Y-Axis today info@y-axis.ae and be the first in line when appointments reopen.
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