Visa Service Update at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi

General Updates

The US Embassy in Abu Dhabi will resume some of its services. However, they will only be taking certain appointments. These appointments will be limited to applicants for immigrant (IR 1, CR 1, IR 2**, CR 2**) visa interviews already scheduled that had been canceled due to the pandemic.

Furthermore, in order to make the appointment, the applicant must not have been in Iran for 14 days and be able to travel to the US embassy in Abu Dhabi for their appointment. If you believe you fit these guidelines and would like to make an appointment, you may do so here. If you have an emergency situation, you may request an emergency appointment from the embassy.

** Remember that if applying for an IR2 or CR2 visa, you must be under 21 years old and unmarried.

Visa Service Update for Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)

If you are a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) that hasn’t been in the United States for longer than one year, you will need to obtain a new immigrant visa to reenter the United States. In this case, you will need to make an appointment for an SB-1 visa in the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The embassy has suspended all routine visa services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, so immediate appointments are not available. However, as the situation progresses, the USCIS and respective embassies will provide new updates regarding the reopening.

Also remember that if you have an unused immigrant visa that is about to expire before you can travel to the United States, please contact the U.S. Embassy only once you are able to travel to the U.S. Once they reopen, the embassy will review your documents to determine whether they can issue a new visa; however, you will have to submit a new medical examination to be considered.

Visa Service Update for Medical Professionals

The recent visa service update shows medical professionals, and particularly those working to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and have already been approved for a U.S. employment-based nonimmigrant or immigrant visa or a certificate of eligibility in an approved exchange visitor program (DS-2019), must send proof of an approved employment-based petition (e.g. I-140) and medical qualifications to AbuDhabiIV@state.gov in order to prove eligibility.

Please note that I-130 or I-129F for family-based petitions are not included in the regulation. If you do not have an approved employment-based petition or DS-2019, visa service update for medical professionals does not apply to you. Also, please note that a valid B1/B2 visa does not mean an individual is qualified to work in the United States because it is only valid for tourism or business purposes.

If you have any questions about your appointment or your status in the US, feel free to visit our website or call us at (646) 405-9846.