US Student Visa F1 from Dubai and Abu Dhabi

What is a US student visa and who is it for? If you live in the UAE and plan to study in the United States—whether for a bachelor’s degree, master’s program, language course, or professional training – you will need an F-1 student visa. Our agency helps applicants from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE obtain this visa with full support.

This visa is suitable for:

• Students enrolling in US colleges or universities
• Master’s and postgraduate students
• Applicants for English language programs in the USA
• Students in certificate or diploma programs
• Academic exchange participants (some may require a J-1 visa)

What are the benefits of a US student visa F1?

• Legal stay in the United States for the entire study period
• Permission to work up to 20 hours per week on campus
• Eligibility to join paid internships (OPT and CPT)
• Option to stay and continue your career or education in the US after graduation
• Pathways to a work visa or permanent residency (in some cases)

When should I apply for a student visa F1 from the UAE?

You can only apply for an F-1 visa after you receive the I-20 form from your US school.

Here’s how the process works:

• Apply to the school or university
• Take any required exams (such as TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, etc.)
• Receive your letter of admission
• Get your I-20 form
• Apply for the visa at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate in Dubai

It’s best to apply 2-3 months before your program starts to avoid last-minute delays.

Can I get a student visa for language courses only?

Yes. Even if you’re not pursuing a degree, you can still apply for an F-1 visa for full-time English language studies, as long as the language school is accredited and authorized to issue I-20 forms.

Can I work in the US with a student visa?

• During your studies: You can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week
• After your first academic year: You may be allowed to work off campus through CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
• After completing your program: You may be eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training), which allows up to 12 months of paid work (up to 36 months for STEM graduates)

What happens after graduation?

After your studies or OPT, you may:

• Apply for a work visa (H-1B) if you have a job offer from a US employer
• Change your visa type to J-1 or another category
• Apply for a Green Card (if eligible through work, family, or the Diversity Lottery)
• Enroll in a new program and extend your F-1 status

How We Help with the US Student Visa Application in Dubai

Applying for a US student visa is more than just filling out a form – it’s a multi-step process that requires careful preparation. Our team in Dubai supports students and their families across the UAE to complete this journey smoothly and with a higher chance of approval.

Here’s what we do:

• Help collect and correctly format all required documents
• Review financial statements and employment or enrollment certificates to prevent visa refusals
• Prepare you for the US visa interview in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Assist with complex cases, including previous visa refusals, unclear financial history, or non-standard documentation
• Help with visitor visas for accompanying parents or guardians
• Use our proprietary AI system to review and strengthen your application, eliminating human errors and increasing your approval chances

We’ve already helped dozens of students from the UAE secure their US student visas and begin their academic journeys with confidence. Contact us — and let’s take this important step together.

Frequently Asked Questions about the US Student Visa from the UAE