• By: RIYANKA
• May 16, 2025
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A Complete Guide to UK and US Visa Interviews in Dubai

This post is written by a guest contributor, Nishita Khanwani.

Author’s Bio: Nishita Khanwani is an avid blogger who writes engaging blogs on travel, food, adventures, and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots worldwide, such as India, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, to enjoy their rich history and culture.
In this article, she has provided an end-to-end guide for UK and US visa interviews in Dubai.

The idea of travelling to the United Kingdom and the United States of America is exciting, but applying for a UK visa and a US visa from Dubai can be tense and frustrating.

First, you must complete the long application form, which requires you to include many details. Then, you will find the supporting documents that you need to submit. You may need to attend an interview at the UK or US embassy or consulate in Dubai or the UAE.

And even after all this, you may find that your application was rejected. While there are many reasons for rejection, the most common mistakes happen during the interview stage. This is why you must prepare yourself before attending the UK and US visa interviews in Dubai.

Which UK and US visas require an interview?

The UK and the US offer different types of visas, from tourist or visitor visas to permanent resident or immigrant visas. However, not all visas require an interview, but some do.

Types of UK Visas Requiring Interviews

• UK student visa
• UK visitor visa (not mandatory but may be required in certain circumstances)
• UK work visa
• UK family/settlement visa

Types of US Visas Requiring Interviews

• US B1/B2 visa (US business visa and tourist visa)
• US F1 visa (student visa)
• US H1B visa (work visa)
• US immigrant visas

How do you schedule a UK and US visa interview?

You need to make an appointment before you attend the interview for a US or UK visa from Dubai.

Scheduling a UK Visa Interview: You book the appointment for a UK visa interview on the day you submit the visa application form. This has to be done at the UK visa centre in Dubai. You must be physically present at the centre to submit your application, pay the visa fee, and provide your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph).

Scheduling a US Visa Interview: You need to schedule the US visa interview appointment when you submit the visa application and documents online. This is done through the official US visa website. The visa interview usually happens at the US Consulate in Dubai.

What can you expect from a UK visa and a US visa interview?

The interview process for UK and US visas is similar. Here are some tips for a US and UK visa interview in Dubai.

Arrival and Screening

Arriving at the visa centre (for UK visas) and US Consulate (for US visas) as early as possible, preferably 20-30 minutes before the interview time, is crucial. To gain entry into the visa centre, you must provide documents like your ID (passport) and appointment confirmation letter.

Security Screening: All visa interviewees must undergo security screening before entering the visa interview hall. This includes screening their bodies and personal possessions. They cannot carry electronic items (including mobile phones), large bags, sealed envelopes, food and drinks, etc., inside the visa centre or consulate.

Check-in Desk: Once you are cleared by security, you need to approach the check-in desk to confirm your appointment and get your token number for the interview. Here, you will be guided through the next steps.

Biometrics

Biometrics collection is slightly different for UK and US visa applications.

UK Visa: For the UK visa, biometrics and the interview are not usually done on the same day. Biometrics are taken when you visit the centre to submit the visa application. Your fingerprints and digital photograph are taken at the UK visa centre in Dubai on the same day.

US Visa: Once you complete your security check-in at the US Consulate, you must provide your biometrics. This includes digital fingerprints of all ten fingers and a live photograph.

Interview Process and Common Questions Asked

The next step is the interview process. You will be assigned a visa official who will ask you a few questions about your visit to the UK or the US, as well as some questions regarding your background or work in Dubai. Here are some of the most common questions that are asked during UK and UK visa interviews.

• What is the purpose of your visit?
• How long are you planning to stay in the country?
• Where will you be staying in the country?
• Do you have family members, relatives, or friends in the country you are visiting?
• Who is sponsoring your trip?
• What will you do once you return from the UK or the US?
• Is this your first international visit?
• Are you currently working in Dubai? What is your job profile?
• What will you do if your visa application gets rejected?

Tips for UK and US Visa Interviews in Dubai

Here are some important UK and US visa interview tips in Dubai that will help you confidently attend the interview.

Answer Honestly: Honesty is extremely important when it comes to visa interviews, be it a UK visa or a US visa. Visa officers have the knack of knowing the truth, and if they get to know that you lied to them about something, it will directly lead to rejection of your visa application. Hence, do not provide false information about any part of your life or travel plans.

Keep Your Documents Ready: Even if you have already submitted all your documents, you still need copies while attending the interview. During the interview, you may have to prove your ties to the UAE by presenting proof of your employment, property ownership/rental, family responsibilities, etc.

Know Your Visa Application: Before your visa interview, thoroughly review your visa application. You should remember all the important details like the reason for your travel, arrival and departure dates, duration, financial details, and the supporting documents you have submitted. You must answer correctly and confidently if the visa officer asks any questions regarding this. If you falter or provide vague answers, it will go against your favour.

Reply Confidently: It is important to answer confidently while making eye contact and being calm, polite, and composed during the interview. Moreover, keep your answers short and crisp. Do not overexplain or provide unnecessary information.

Dress Smartly: Avoid dressing up sloppily for your visa interview. Although there is no dress code for US and UK visa interviews, it is always best and safest to dress in formal attire. This shows the visa officer how serious you are about getting the visa, as well as professionalism and respect.

Practice for the Interview: If you are giving a UK or US visa interview for the first time, it is best to practice with a friend or family member. You can take a list of the most common visa interview questions and answer them as if you are sitting in front of the visa officer. This will help you build confidence to attend a visa interview.

Whether you are applying for a UK visa or a US visa from Dubai, it is important to begin the application procedure well in advance. The visa processes of both countries are lengthy, and you must dedicate enough time to them and any delays that might occur.

[Also, here’s how to have a perfect day trip in Dubai.]