Indian H-1B visa holders may now apply for visa renewal from a third country, according to a Reddit user who recently shared their experience. The post claims that applicants facing long appointment backlogs at US consulates in India can seek renewal from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, provided they hold a valid local residency permit.
Under existing US visa rules, applicants are allowed to apply outside their home country if they can prove lawful residence. In Dubai, consular officials reportedly verified this through the Emirates ID, although applicants noted that home-country applications are still generally preferred.
Process at the Dubai consulate
Describing the experience as “simple and straightforward,” the applicant said the consulate had minimal crowds and short wait times, possibly due to reduced staffing during the holiday period. The visit involved three stages: document verification, biometrics and the visa interview.
At the first counter, officials checked the passport, Form I-797 approval notice, Emirates ID and photograph. As the photograph was outdated, the applicant was asked to retake it on-site at a cost of 80 dirhams, payable by exact cash or card. When the applicant briefly lacked payment, staff allowed them to exit and re-enter the facility. The post also mentioned a fellow applicant offering help during the moment.
The interview itself was described as cordial and conversational. Questions focused on employment history, job role, salary, education, time spent in the US and family ties in Dubai. The consular officer also referred to a “Know Your Rights” brochure provided earlier and asked the applicant to explain their understanding of it. No questions were raised about social media, despite details being listed on the DS-160 form.
The visa was approved at the end of the interview, with the applicant told the passport would be ready for collection within five to seven business days.
The account suggests that third-country processing, especially in places like Dubai, is emerging as a practical alternative for Indian H-1B holders grappling with prolonged appointment delays in India.
