Appointments for US Visas Delayed by High Demand and Pandemic-Induced Backlog
The US Embassy in the UAE is making efforts to enhance its capacity and expedite the visa appointment process as residents face a delay of up to a year for appointments. Ron Packowitz, country consular coordinator, highlighted the embassy’s commitment to meeting the high demand for travel to the US post-pandemic, both from the UAE and globally.
Reasons for Delay: The unprecedented demand, coupled with pandemic-related restrictions, has created a backlog in the interviewing process for non-immigrant visas. Packowitz explained that by law, visa applicants are required to undergo interviews, but the pandemic limited the ability to conduct these interviews, contributing to the delay.
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Backlog and Prioritization: Acknowledging the backlog, Packowitz mentioned that the embassy is working to prioritize visa interviews for specific travelers, including students, those with urgent business needs, medical emergencies, and individuals with expired visas. Priority is given to students to ensure they arrive on the first day of classes, while urgent business and medical travel are also being addressed promptly.
Advice to Residents: To manage the situation, Packowitz advised residents to plan their travel well in advance and initiate the visa application process at least a year before their intended travel date. He emphasized not making irreversible plans until the visa is obtained.
Flexibility in Appointment Locations: Appointments for US visas are not restricted to the UAE, and applicants can choose to appear for interviews in any GCC country or their preferred location, based on appointment availability.
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Daily Appointment Additions: To ease the process and expedite interviews, the embassy adds additional appointments daily. Residents are encouraged to periodically check the official website for potential earlier appointment slots.
Recommendations for Travel: While thousands of destinations beckon travelers in the United States, Packowitz recommended specific regions for Middle East residents, including Chicago, New York, Southern and Northern California, and Orlando. Each destination offers unique attractions, from local sports in Chicago to the iconic sights of New York and the diverse experiences in California.
As the US Embassy works to streamline the visa application process, residents are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize the available resources for a smoother travel experience to the United States.
