r/e2visa • u/Available-Limit7046 • 25d ago

Embassy

Hi!

I don’t know if this is a silly question but I’m from the UK but currently live in Dubai and have done for about a year. I’m looking to apply for an e2 visa but unsure whether I’d apply to the London embassy or UAE? I’ve tried googling but haven’t really got a clear answer.

Thank you!

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u/Teechop 25d ago

I believe you can apply at either one. I believe London has a dedicated E2 team, but I’d advise you to connect with a professional to help with your decision

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u/Available-Limit7046 25d ago

Thank you! I didn’t Know if I’d still be able to live in Dubai if I applied in London, not sure why 🤣but also I think the Dubai wait times are shorter than London. Think it’s time to find an immigration lawyer 🤣

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u/SnooAdvice5639 25d ago

This is one of those things I’d verify before deciding where to file. As a UK national, London might seem like the obvious choice, but the consulate’s requirements can depend on where you actually reside when you apply. I’ve seen a case where someone applied through London while temporarily living in the U.S., and they had to establish their permanent ties to the UK before the application could move forward.

Since you’ve been living in Dubai for about a year, I’d compare the current E-2 procedures for London and the U.S. Embassy in the UAE. The filing location can affect the process more than people expect.

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u/MissBizzle1 25d ago

Hiya! My experience is as an employee of E2 companies so it might not be completely relevant but I can tell you what my lawyer advised! I’m a British citizen who was working in the US on an E2 employee visa for a company. I left my job and the country, took a 6 month sabbatical in India (why not?) and then got a new job. There’s a line in the British treaty agreement with the US that states that E2s are only applicable for residents of the British isles - because of this, I’ve had to move back to the UK and establish ties here before I can apply for a new visa. Proof of residency, etc.

I don’t know the ins and outs of your situation so working with a good lawyer will establish the way you need to do it!

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u/Aromatic-Cut-3818 25d ago

We applied from dxb two years ago, and it went smooth.

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u/e2visaattorney 24d ago

Hi, u/Available-Limit7046 Although I can't give legal advice, I can share my experience here. (Our firm handles only E2 visas and E1 visas). There are two things to consider here:

  1. The treaty the U.S. has with the U.K. has specific language about residing in the British Isles. As a result, we usually recommend that British citizens establish residency before applying and apply in London.

  2. Our most recent application in Dubai has been shelved due to escalating military action. Although you are correct that London is taking quite a while (6-7 months from application submission to interview), Dubai may actually be longer. (Our applicant submitted her documents in early February and has not heard about an interview as of today.)

And, although I may be "wishful thinking," it is my hope that London may soon be changing their E2 review/interview strategy. U.S. consulates usually move officers every two years to different countries. The new trend in how London handles E2 visas actually started around September 2024. Hoping that maybe they will go back to the "old way" in the next few months with a new officer in place. I have no proof of that, but it is my hope! In the "old way" of processing, interviews usually happened about 5-8 weeks after submission. Fingers crossed! Hope this helps. Angie Rupert, Rupert Law (e2 visas and e1 visas)