Do you want to boost your resume while studying in a cosmopolitan, multicultural and economically vibrant destination? Then the United Arab Emirates is the perfect choice for you. However, it will be necessary to obtain a UAE Student Visa that will let you experience the Golden city life.
In this article, you will have at your disposal all the necessary information about the UAE student visa requirements. This way you will be able to know if this type of visa meets your aspirations. Keep reading and secure a great amount of job opportunities this destination offers for international students with our help.
Embarking on a journey to the United Arab Emirates not only opens up avenues for academic excellence but also provides an opportunity for families to thrive in this cosmopolitan and economically vibrant destination. While securing a UAE family visa is a fundamental process for individuals aspiring to join their loved ones in this prosperous and multicultural country, it is equally crucial to navigate the specific requirements associated with family immigration. In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the essential documentation and steps involved in obtaining a UAE family visa, enabling you to make informed decisions and seamlessly embrace the enriching lifestyle offered by this dynamic nation.
Student Visa in UAE: Document requirements
In the United Arab Emirates all international students can attend leading universities and colleges. Nevertheless, their process of application for providing a UAE student visa needs the applicant to meet several requirements and have documents backing the submission of his or her request.
Here is a list of the most frequently UAE Student Visa Requirements:
- Passport that should be valid for not less than six months accompanied by four other copies.
- Several passport-sized photographs. You may need up to 12.
- An offer letter of admission from any university or college in UAE.
- Financial solvency proof in form of bank statement. This will indicate that you have sufficient funds to pay your tuition fees and cover expenses during your UAE stay.
- Approval of the concerned GDRFA.
- A duplicate of the tuition fee voucher for that program’s current academic year.
- The copy of program’s current academic year visa fee receipt.
- Postgraduate students must show evidence of having an acceptable bachelor’s degree.
You should also know beforehand that upon arrival adults above 18 years have to undergo a medical inspection inside an officially approved health center in the UAE. It involves testing for Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, TB, and leprosy. Anything from a positive test result but the syphilis will lead to deportation.
How Can I Obtain a Student Visa for UAE?
Getting a UAE student visa is an important procedure which all foreigners have to undergo if they want to study in this prosperous and multicultural country.
But where does all this attraction to the UAE’s educational institutions by international students come from? The answer is simple, it is due to their high-quality programs offered and past records regarding their performance.
Here is a general guide on how to obtain a UAE student visa:
- Admission to an Approved Institution: To be admitted to an educational establishment authorized by the UAE Ministry of Education is the initiation step.
- Visa Application: Once you get the acceptance letter, there is a possibility for one to apply grants. This is accomplished through the UAE Department of Foreigners Affairs and Migration.
- Documentary Requirements: You will have to submit various documents, such as your acceptance letter, valid passport photos 2-3 weeks before travel; proof of health insurance and financial evidence that you can cover expenses during the stay.
- Medical Examination: A medical checkup is likely to be mandatory at a health center of choice, ensuring that you are healthy.
- Payment of Fees: There are charges on processing visa. It is advised to make these payments within the allowed times since this has been enacted by Department of Alien Affairs and Immigration.
- Biometric Registration: During the visa process, you might be required to register in biometrics. This entails taking of fingerprints and photograph.
- Medical Insurance: Get the medical insurance which is according to UAE. There are certain educational establishments that provide health insurance alternatives with to some of the international students.
- Visa Renewal: As the period of a student visa typically corresponds to the term of study, do not forget about such nuances as you need better be accordingly acquainted with requirements concerning renewal.
Submission of the Entry Permit Application
Depending on your home-country, your school might need to sponsor an entry permit for you before you can enter the UAE. The following portals are available for you to apply through:
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website.
- ICA’s eChanel portal.
- mobile apps for Apple and Android.
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – GDRFA either online or in-person. If your host chooses to apply in person, they must do so via one of the Amer centers in Dubai or one of the GDRFA’s authorized typing centers in each Emirate.
- GDRFA Dubai mobile apps for Apple and Android
The procedures to take if you choose to get the entry permit via the ICA are typically as follows:
- The first step is signing up for an account on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website. Once you set-up the account, you will be able to log in and begin applying.
- It will be mandatory to deliver some essential personal data like your name, date of birth and nationality.
- Following this, you will have to provide information regarding the number passport and its expiry date.
- The next step is submitting documents. These documents required are your passport, a copy of the visa and medical certificate. You should also prepare for the application fee that ranges from 218.90 AED to 268.90 AED.
You will have to wait for your application approval after sending it. The ICA normally processes applications within 10 business days. You will get a notification by email if your application has been approved. After that, you will need to print your entry permit and take it with yourself when visiting UAE.
Submission of the Student Visa Application
- Go to the official website of the United Arab Emirates Embassy in your country under Visa section.
- Read about the UAE Student Visa requirements and make sure you have them all.
- Present your visa application together with the relevant papers.
- After the approval of your visa, you need to pay the visa fee and collect your passport with the visa stamp.
- Once you arrive in UAE, proceed to any of the immigration counters there to sort out your visa.
- The student visa will be valid for one year which is renewable under further periods.
UAE Student Visa Validity Period
The length of an academic program in the UAE determines the validity period for a UAE Student Visa.
UAE Student Visas are issued by the immigration authorities of Emirati with a validity corresponding to an academic year in which the student is enrolled.
However, in most instances the student visa for UAE will only be granted for a period of one year. It can also be renewed on annual basis every single other school term until when you complete your studies.
In addition, students must notify the appropriate bodies in case there are variations from their original status. These variations include extensions of study courses or transfers to other educational centers.
With periodic updates regarding the laws and requirements for legal stay, students can manage on being compliant with these during their period of study in UAE.
Thus, note that its renewal depends upon the continuation and success of student. You need authorization from the university which states that you are a student of this particular school, in order to renew your UAE Student Visa.
Eligibility for a 5-year Student Visa in UAE
Back in 2018, the UAE government introduced a new type of Long-Term Residence Visa issued to exceptional students. Said visa has a longer validity period.
If you are an outstanding student, with a GPA awarded by an international university, then you are eligible to receive a 5-year Student Visa UAE with a validity of 5 years. In general, to be eligible for this type of visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- For secondary education graduates: You must have a minimum grade of 95% in a public or private secondary school
- For university graduates: A GPA of 3.75 must be achieved in a university either from within or outside the UAE.
- To obtain a 5-year Student Visa UAE, students must graduate with at least 95% from any school. Domestic and international university students should obtain a minimum distinguishing GPA of 3.75 to pass the qualifying exams from both domestic and foreign universities respectively.
And things become even better! If you are an exceptional student during the course of your studies in the UAE, you may be qualified for a Golden Residency Visa.
The governments only gives this visa to students whose achievements are above the average. The validity period of it ranges from 5 to 10 years, which will put you on the path to job success after graduation.
Can I Work on Student Visa in UAE?
Obtaining the UAE Student Visa grants you an opportunity to work part time while studying or fulltime with a UAE student visa work permit after completion of studies in the UAE.
However, you will need to meet the following specific criteria:
- As a student, you must be over the age of 18.
- You must register for a full-time course undertaken in an approved institution of higher education located within the United Arab Emirates.
- Students must meet the university’s academic qualifications.
- Must have a UAE work permit (also known as Labour Card)
- Must have a UAE Health Insurance.
Apart from the above-mentioned criteria, UAE Student Visa holders may also have to satisfy additional requirements based on the nature of work they are aiming at. For instance, some employers may stipulate having a certain level of English proficiency or X-number years of experience in their field.
Keep in mind that to work in the city of Dubai, international students who meet all the requirements are eligible. But it must be stressed that they may not qualify for all jobs. For instance, UAE Student Visa holders cannot work in jobs reserved for the use of a local national.
If you are a UAE Student Visa holder looking for an opportunity to work in UAE, then it becomes necessary to do some research on the specific requirements of the job. For details about the conditions for working in Dubai, please visit UAE Ministry of Labour’s website.
How Royal Visa Can Be Helpful in Getting Your Student Visa for UAE
The United Arab Emirates offer a majority of the finest academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, and even language courses
If you are thinking of acquiring a student visa for the UAE, it will be important to have a specialized and experienced team in the field of legal procedures. Royal visa provides you with guidance and support from the beginning to the end of the processing of your documents, as well as 100% personalized advice tailored to your needs.
We have a large global network of affiliations to help you leverage exclusive benefits and privileges when embarking on international experiences. Also, we can guarantee a quality service for faster and easier UAE Student Visa processing time.
Contact us and lead Royal visa guide you through the process and relish the presence of a personal concierge team who are accessible 24 hours a day to attend all your needs and give you peace of mind.
If you are eager to learn more about this and other visa related topics, you can go to our insights section now!
