Indians can now apply for the H-1B renewal from a third country. Yes, this is what a Reddit user claimed. Indian H-1B visa holders can now opt to apply from third countries such as the United Arab Emirates amid long appointment backlogs at US consulates in India, provided they hold valid residency permits.One Indian citizen with a Dubai residency visa recently applied for an H-1B renewal at the US Consulate in Dubai after their original interview appointment in India was postponed from December 15 to March 9, as per Reddit post.
Under US visa rules, applicants were permitted to apply in countries other than their home country if they held a valid residency permit. In Dubai, consular officials verified this using the Emirates ID, though applicants noted that home-country appointments were still generally preferred.
What is the process? How to apply?
The applicant said the process at the Dubai consulate was “simple and straightforward”, with minimal crowds and short wait times, possibly due to reduced staffing during the holiday season.The visit followed a three-step process across separate counters for 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 As the applicant’s photo was outdated, they were asked to retake it on-site, a service that cost 80 dirhams and required exact cash or card payment.The applicant briefly forgot to carry cash or a card but said consular staff were accommodating and allowed them to exit and re-enter the facility to retrieve payment. They also described a moment of kindness from a fellow applicant who offered financial help when they appeared stressed.The applicant described the visa interview as conversational and cordial. The consular officer asked standard questions about employment history, job role, salary, education, time spent in the US and family ties in Dubai. The officer also referenced a “Know Your Rights” brochure provided during the biometrics stage and asked the applicant what they understood from it.No questions were asked about social media accounts, though the applicant had disclosed Facebook and Instagram details on the DS-160 form.At the end of the interview, the consular officer approved the visa and told the applicant the passport would be ready for pickup within five to seven business days.The experience showed third-country processing, particularly in locations such as Dubai, emerged as a viable alternative for Indian H-1B holders navigating extended visa appointment delays at home consulates.
