The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai have just announced major changes to their visa appointment scheduling and information system, set to roll out on May 30, 2025. This upgrade comes as part of a transition to a new visa appointment contractor, aiming to streamline the process for global visa applicants.
Whether you’re planning to study, work, or visit the U.S., this update affects all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants—so read on carefully to avoid disruptions to your plans.
⚠️ Transition Period: May 15 – May 29, 2025
Heads up: From May 15 through May 29, no new visa appointments or fee payments will be processed. This blackout period is necessary to shift all services to the new system.
The Changeover Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 15, 2025 | Current system stops accepting new appointments and visa fee payments |
| May 19, 2025 | Last day to schedule an appointment using the current system |
| May 24, 2025 | Last day to submit documents to authorized drop-off locations |
| May 30, 2025 | New system goes live for scheduling, payments, document services |
What to Do Based on Your Status?
1# Already have an appointment scheduled?
Relax. No action is required. Your appointment remains valid even after the transition.
2# Paid your visa application fee but haven’t scheduled an interview?
You must book your interview by May 19, 2025, using the current system at https://ais.usvisa-info.com.
3# Planning to apply but haven’t started?
Act immediately—make your payment and schedule your interview before May 15, 2025, to avoid delays.
4# Submitted documents or instructed to mail them?
Drop them off before May 24, 2025. After that, authorized locations won’t accept submissions until the new system is live.
Urgent Visa Requests During Downtime
Between May 15 and May 30, if you need an expedited appointment due to:
- Family emergency
- Urgent medical travel
- Business needs
- School start dates.
Press Release: https://ae.usembassy.gov/upcoming-changes-to-the-visa-appointment-scheduling-process-and-visa-information-services/.
