Visa Information
What are the different types of student visas in UAE?
Ans: Students who want to study in UAE are given the UAE Student Visa. Student visas are offered for full-time programmes. UAE students visas are valid for a period of 12 months. International students have to renew their student visa at the end of the 12 month period if their programme is longer than that period. For programmes of less than 12 months, international students are given short-term and long-term visas.
When should I apply for Student Visa?
Ans: While Universities start the UAE Student Visa process as soon as international students are accepted to the programme, ideally, the student visa process should start at least 1–2 months prior to the beginning of the semester, so that they can care of the other aspects of the departure checklist. It usually takes around 15–20 days for the visa to be processed, however, that depends from university to university. International students also have the option of choosing Express processing, which costs more than normal processing. Under Express processing, students can get the UAE Students Visa within 10 days.
Where do I apply for my student visa?
Ans: The UAE Student Visa for international students is facilitated by the top universities of UAE themselves. Students can directly send their documents to the university. Once the university sends you the offer letter for the programme and you accept it, it will initiate the Visa application process.
Do I have to appear for an interview?
Ans: No, the UAE student Visa does not require international students to appear for a separate visa interview. Students might be asked basic questions at the time of application and once they have landed in UAE to get their (offshore) visa on arrival.
Is there any age bar to apply for student visa?
Ans: No, there is no age bar to apply for the UAE Student Visa. Students are asked for their age at the time of applying. However, that is not considered at the time of visa processing, unless, the applicant is a minor. In case, the applicant is a minor, he/ she might have to furnish additional documents related to their guardians. Such things are usually taken care of at the time of applying for the programme.
Does my student visa allow me to work?
Ans: International students in UAE can take up as well as off-campus work. However, they would require permission for their university to explore such options. If students have university sponsorship, they can approach the UAE Labor department to obtain a permit to take up part-time jobs in UAE. On Campus, international students can work in libraries and administrative offices among others.
How do I check the status of my application?
Ans: International students can check with their universities about the status of their UAE student visa application. Once you apply for a student visa, it takes around 15–20 days for the visa to be processed. International students also have the option of getting their visas processed faster than the normal process. For this they have to apply through the express process, a facility available at most universities in UAE. Students have to pay an additional amount (depending on the university) and can get their visas processed within 10 days.
What happens when my Student Visa expires?
Ans: UAE Student Visas are valid for one year or 12 months. After 12 months, international students have to renew their student visas. For this, students have to fill a visa renewal application form and submit the same with their universities. Along with the visa application, students have to submit documents like original passport, valid Emirates ID card and passport size photographs among others. Students will be charged a visa renewal and health insurance fee.International students have to submit their visa renewal documents at least a month prior to the date of visa expiry.
Can I reapply for Student Visa if it is rejected or go for a review?
Ans: Depends. In most cases, students are required to contact the Registrar’s office of the university they have applied to. The office might either ask you to re-submit the visa application with proper documents or ask you to fill the fee refund form. There are, usually, three reasons why your UAE Student Visa could be rejected:
- The immigration body might deny it
- The university registrar might reject it
- The student might fail to clear the medical test(required under the Student visa application process)
What are the documents required to apply for Visa for education in UAE? (Please cover answer to "How much funds do I have to show the immigration authority?")
Ans: While the documentation process might vary from university to university, some of the commonly required documents for UAE Student Visa are:
- Coloured Passport copy valid at least for seven months.
- Coloured passport size photograph
- Filled University forms
- Tuition and Visa fee receipt copy
- Original Emirates ID (in case, the student possess one)