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United States Student Visa from Dubai, UAE

Study in the US, with up to three years of OPT for eligible STEM graduates.

Check My EligibilitySee the process
Processing time
Varies by consular workload; apply well ahead of your course start date
Indicative cost
SEVIS and visa application fees apply, separate from tuition and living costs; verify current figures before applying
Family
Spouse & children included
Apply from
Dubai / UAE

F-1 Student visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT)

The F-1 Student visa with Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one of the routes UAE residents use to reach United States. This page sets out who the route is for, the eligibility criteria, the documents you will need, indicative costs and timelines, and the step-by-step process, so you can decide whether it fits your situation before you commit.

Study in the US, with up to three years of OPT for eligible STEM graduates. If you are applying from Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, The Migration Station can assess your profile honestly and prepare a complete, well-evidenced application.

Who the United States Student Visa is for

Students with an offer from a recognised American institution

Applicants who can fund tuition and living costs

Those seeking post-study work and long-term pathways

United States Student Visa: eligibility requirements

  • Acceptance by a SEVP-certified school and a Form I-20
  • Payment of the SEVIS fee before your visa interview
  • Proof you can fund tuition and living costs, plus genuine-student intent
  • An offer of admission from a recognised American institution
  • Proof of funds for tuition and living costs
  • Language proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL where required
  • Genuine-student intent supported by your study plan

Documents usually needed

Valid passport and recent passport photographs
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies
Completed application forms for the chosen route
Offer or acceptance letter from your institution
Educational transcripts and certificates
Language test results where required
Proof of tuition payment and living-cost funds
Statement of purpose and study plan

Exact requirements depend on your route and are confirmed at your assessment.

Benefits of the United States Student Visa

World-class education

Study at globally ranked American institutions across a wide range of fields.

Work while you study

Part-time work rights during study and post-study work options after graduation for many programmes.

Family included

Bring your spouse and dependent children, with rights to live, work and study in United States.

Guided, end-to-end support

A dedicated case manager helps with your documents, forms and submissions from the first assessment to a decision.

The United States Student Visa process, step by step

  1. 1

    Free eligibility assessment

    We evaluate your profile against every United States student visa route and confirm the strongest, most realistic pathway for you.

  2. 2

    Strategy & document checklist

    Your case manager maps out the route, timeline and exact documents you need, tailored to your situation.

  3. 3

    Preparation & evidence

    We help you gather, organise and verify your evidence so your file is complete, consistent and compliant.

  4. 4

    Application & submission

    We complete and lodge your application, then track its progress and respond to any requests from the authorities.

  5. 5

    Decision & relocation

    On approval we support your biometrics, landing and first steps settling into United States.

United States Student Visa: frequently asked questions

Standard OPT gives up to 12 months of work related to your field, and eligible STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, for up to three years in total. Employer-reporting rules are strict, so we explain them before you rely on OPT.

Other United States visa routes

United States Business & Investor VisaUnited States Skilled Worker VisaUnited States Permanent ResidencyUnited States Visit & Tourist VisaStudent Visa in other countries →
Free tools

Plan your United States move with free tools

Know exactly where you stand before you commit. These free, 2026-updated tools help you assess your options in minutes.

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Cost & Timeline Estimator

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Start your United States Student Visa with confidence

Honest assessment, careful preparation and professional support from our Dubai based team.

Free AssessmentWhatsApp +971 4 298 2899