In the UAE, immigrant visas are processed only at the Embassy in Abu Dhabi. The Consulate General in Dubai does not process immigrant visas.
Immigrant visas entitle the recipients to permanent resident status in the United States.
Under U.S. law, immigrant visas are generally reserved for persons who are either close relatives of U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or who have been hired to work in jobs that the government has determined cannot be filled by U.S. citizens due to a shortage of Americans with the skills needed to perform these jobs. Most immigration to the United States is initiated by a close relative or employer who submits a petition on the applicant's behalf in the United States. This may necessitate a waiting period before the application can be processed. When the requisite documentation has been obtained, an immigrant visa interview can be scheduled with a consular officer here at the Embassy. Married couples intending to move to the U.S. should begin the application process approximately six months prior to their intended departure.