Here’s a clear step-by-step guide on how to get a U.S. H-1B visa from Abu Dhabi — whether you are currently living there or applying through the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Step 1: Get a U.S. Employer to Sponsor You
You cannot apply for an H-1B visa by yourself — you must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa.
The employer must:
– Offer you a specialty occupation role (typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher).
– Be ready to file an H-1B petition with USCIS in the U.S.
– Pay the required filing fees and comply with Department of Labor regulations.
Tip: Jobs in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and research are common for H-1B sponsorship.
Step 2: Employer Files H-1B Petition (Form I-129)
Once you accept the job offer, your U.S. employer will:
1. File a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor.
2. File Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS.
3. Wait for USCIS petition approval — you’ll receive a Form I-797 Approval Notice once approved.
Timeline: H-1B petitions are usually filed in March for the next fiscal year (starting October 1). Premium processing (15 calendar days) is available for an additional fee.
Step 3: Schedule Your H-1B Visa Interview in Abu Dhabi
Once your petition is approved, you can apply for the H-1B visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
1. Complete DS-160 Form online: https://ceac.state.gov
2. Pay the visa fee (usually $205).
3. Create a profile on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ae/
4. Book an appointment for your H-1B interview at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
Required for the interview:
– Valid passport (6+ months validity)
– DS-160 confirmation page
– Visa appointment confirmation
– I-797 Approval Notice
– Copy of I-129 petition
– LCA (Labor Condition Application)
– Employment offer letter and supporting documents
– Educational certificates (degree transcripts, evaluations if foreign degrees)
– Work experience letters, CV
– Recent U.S.-spec passport photo
Optional but helpful:
– Employer letter confirming employment
– Pay slips or tax documents if previously in the U.S.
Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview
At the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi:
– A consular officer will ask about your job, qualifications, and employer.
– If approved, your passport will be collected for visa stamping.
– Typical processing takes 3–10 working days.
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi:
Embassy of the United States,
Plot 38, Embassies District, Sector W59-02,
Abu Dhabi, UAE.
https://ae.usembassy.gov
Step 6: Travel to the U.S.
Once you receive your H-1B visa:
– You may enter the U.S. up to 10 days before your employment start date.
– Present your passport, H-1B visa, and I-797 at the port of entry.
– CBP will issue your I-94 record.
Common Tips & Notes
– You cannot apply for H-1B without a sponsor. Beware of scams promising direct H-1B.
– Cap vs. Cap-Exempt: Regular H-1B visas are subject to the lottery; universities/nonprofits are cap-exempt.
– If you are in the UAE on a work/visit visa, you can apply from there after USCIS approval.