Impact of Trump’s policy on visa issues: Key changes for expats from the UAE

The Visa Services provides comprehensive support at every stage – from gathering the complete set of documents and searching for an interview slot to preparing for a successful interview

Published: Thu 6 Mar 2025, 1:00 PM

• Partner Content

Obtaining an American visa has always been a complex process, which required thorough preparation. After Donald Trump, known for his strict stance on immigration, won in the U.S. presidential election, visa policies underwent significant changes, particularly in terms of national security and migration control.

The conditions for obtaining visas have become more stringent for expats residing in the UAE. The procedure now demands even greater attention to detail and strict compliance with all regulations. Contrary to popular belief, obtaining a U.S. visa is not a lottery but rather the result of a case-by-case evaluation by an immigration officer. Let’s explore how Trump’s policies have impacted the visa system and what challenges expats from different countries are already facing.

Enhanced document check and new challenges for expats in the UAE

Changes in U.S. immigration policy that took effect with the arrival of Donald Trump’s administration have impacted tourist, student, and work visas, particularly for citizens of countries included in the so-called Travel Ban – Iran, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan.

One of the main challenges faced by expats living in the UAE but holding passports from these countries is the significant increase in visa processing times. For example, the waiting period for an interview and final visa decision for Iranian citizens now ranges from 6 to 12 months, making it much more difficult to plan travel or pursue education in the United States.

Additionally, the requirements for submitted documents have been tightened, with a stronger focus on proving the applicant’s financial stability, sources of income, and ties to their home country. This approach aims to minimise migration risks but also creates additional hurdles for applicants, who are now required to provide a more extensive set of supporting documents.

Beyond the complex visa application process, there are two more challenges that some expats have already encountered:

• Visas for Domestic Staff

Household assistants and nannies are subject to heightened scrutiny by U.S. immigration authorities. As a result, they are now required to provide additional documents, including:

 – Proof of their employer’s financial stability;

– Official confirmation of employment and assurances of return to the UAE.

The Visa Services specialises in processing visas for domestic staff. In January 2025 alone, they successfully prepared documents and provided full support for over 300 applicants, helping to expedite the review process and minimise the risk of denial.

• Issues at the border

Despite holding a valid visa, around 1.8 per cent of travelers have encountered entry refusals at the U.S. border since the beginning of the year, typically due to one of the following reasons:

– Incorrectly declared purpose of travel

– Insufficient proof of financial stability

– Suspicions of visa violations during previous visits to the USA.

 However, it’s important to understand that the USA is focused on developing international tourism and attracting capital, so such cases are more of an exception than a common issue.

Reduction of the validity period for simplified U.S. visa renewal

As of February 18, 2025, the eligibility period for an interview waiver has been reduced from 48 months to 12 months. This means that only applicants whose previous U.S. visas expired within the past year may qualify for renewal without an interview. Applicants must apply in their country of residence and have no prior visa refusals or apparent grounds for ineligibility. At the same time, consular officers still have the authority to require an interview.

The official website of the U.S. Department of State confirms this policy change, as well as the fact that consular officers may waive the in-person interview requirement for certain applicants under the relevant section of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The new rules require immediate action, so if your visa is nearing expiration, it is best to apply now. Moreover, appointment slots for interviews are already booked up for the next year.

How to increase your chances of success?

Despite the stricter policies, B1/B2 and F-1 visas continue to be in high demand among expatriates from the UAE. U.S. tourism generates $233 billion annually for the economy, and the American education system remains prestigious and sought after, which is why more and more students from around the world choose to study in the U.S. every year.

Every expat living in the UAE can begin the process of applying for a U.S. visa on their own. However, due to the nuances and new requirements, the process can be challenging. Mistakes in the application or incomplete documentation can lead to refusal, so it is recommended to seek help from experts who can assist in gathering and preparing the necessary documents.

The Visa Services provides comprehensive support at every stage – from gathering the complete set of documents and searching for an interview slot to preparing for a successful interview. They eliminate any mistakes through double-checking – by an experienced visa expert and their AI – and, on average, save their customers up to 30 hours on document preparation, as well as on finding an available interview slot.

They regularly encounter situations where expats suffer significant business losses due to the inability to meet with partners personally, miss business events, or important family occasions. ‘”Our years of experience allow us to confidently say that they help customers not only save time on obtaining visas but also avoid missing business events and enjoy the emotions of new encounters.” 

Disclaimer:

 * Khaleej Times does not recommend any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. The views expressed may not reflect the newspaper’s policy.