Have you secured admission in the UAE? Foreign students coming to the UAE need to apply for a student visa to enter the Emirates. This one-year renewable visa permits students to stay and study in the UAE. If you don’t know how to apply for this visa, you are in the right place. Read ahead to explore everything about the visa application, required documents, and fees.
- What Is a Student Visa?
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- How to Apply for a UAE Student Visa
- Renewing Student Residence Permit
- FAQs
What Is a Student Visa?
Thinking of pursuing higher studies in the UAE? If you are accepted into a UAE university, the next step is to apply for a student visa. All foreign students, excluding GCC nationals, need a UAE student visa to study in the country.
The recipient’s parents (must be UAE residents) or the participating institute (should be accredited in the UAE) can sponsor this visa. It is important to note that parents can only sponsor their male children up to 25 years of age. On the contrary, unmarried female children of any age can receive sponsorship from their parents.
Starting from the entry permit application, the visa process includes getting a student residence permit and an Emirates ID. Let’s first look at the student visa validity period:
Validity
A student visa is a type of UAE residence visa valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, the visa can be renewed for a similar duration, provided the student is enrolled in a UAE institute.
Long-Term Golden Visa for Outstanding Students
Did you know that the UAE also issues long-term golden visas to outstanding students? In 2018, the UAE government announced five and ten-year residency visas for high school and university students. This is different from the usual one-year student visa, and the recipients must meet the following criteria:
- High school students: At least 95% in the previous grade.
- University students: Minimum 3.75 CGPA from an accredited university.
Eligibility Criteria
Expat students must fulfil the following student visa requirements:
- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- Passport: Valid passport for at least six months.
- University Admission Letter: Must be admitted to a recognised UAE university.
- Medically Fit: Clear medical examination at a recognised centre.
- Sufficient Funds: Must have enough funds to pay tuition fees and cover the stay.
- Sponsorship: Possess sponsorship from parents or the participating institute.
Required Documents
The first step in applying for a student visa is to gather the necessary documents. This makes the process quick and hassle-free and also avoids rejections. While the exact documents vary by emirate and university, the general requirements remain the same. Here is a brief on the student visa documents:
- Admission letter from a UAE institute.
- Tuition fee receipt.
- Previous educational documents for post-graduate studies.
- Original and a copy of the passport with a minimum of two blank pages.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as a bank statement.
- Medical certificate.
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE.
How to Apply for a UAE Student Visa
Navigating the student visa application process is quick with our step-by-step process. Let’s look at the process, including visa fees:
1. Apply for an Entry Permit
A UAE student visa can only be issued once the recipient is in the country. The first step is to apply for an entry permit for a 30, 60, or 90-day duration through the following ways:
Through GDRFA Digital Channels
Students coming to Dubai can apply for an entry permit via the GDRFA:
- Go to the GDRFA official website or DubaiNow smart application (Play Store | App Store).
- Register and log in to the website.
- Search ‘Entry Permits’ and select the student visa entry permit.
- Complete the application form and attach the documents.
- Pay the entry permit fees.
- Get a confirmation email or SMS.
- Wait for 48 hours for permit issuance.
Through ICP Digital Channels
Students who have secured admissions in any of the UAE universities can use the ICP website for entry permit application:
- Visit the ICP website or mobile application (Play Store | App Store).
- Go to the ‘Services’ section and then ‘Services for Individuals’.
- Under the ‘Issuing Entry Permits’ service, click ‘Info’.
- Start the service.
- Register and log in to the website.
- Complete the application form and attach the documents.
- Pay the entry permit fees.
- Typically, the permit is issued within 48 hours to 7 days.
Entry Permit Fee
| Type | Fees |
| 30-day entry visa and issuance fee | AED 200 |
| 60-day entry visa and issuance fee | AED 300 |
| 180-day entry visa and issuance fee | AED 400 |
| Financial security deposit | AED 1,000 |
| Security deposit service, collection and reimbursement fee | AED 60 |
| Additional fees (if a sponsored person is inside the UAE) | AED 520 |
| Smart electronic services fee (for ICP) | AED 100 |
2. Apply for a Student Residence Permit
Once the entry permit is issued, the next step is to enter the UAE. After this, students have to apply for a one-year residence permit. Typically, the college or university assists students with student residence visa applications. Here is how the process works:
Through GDRFA Digital Channels
For a student residence permit in Dubai, follow these steps:
- Visit the GDRFA official website or the DubaiNow application.
- Log in using your details.
- Search for the residence visa service.
- Choose the student visa category.
- Fill out the application form and attach the documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
Through ICP Digital Channels
Here is how to apply for a student permit using ICP digital channels:
- Go to the ICP website or mobile application.
- Log in to the smart services.
- Search for the residence visa service.
- Select the desired category and complete the application.
- Pay the service fees and wait 10 to 20 days for permit issuance.
Through GDRFA or ICP Customer Happiness Centres
For in-person applications, visit the nearest customer happiness or service centre and follow these steps:
- Visit your nearest customer happiness centre, typing centre, or Amer service centre.
- Receive an automated ticket.
- On your turn, head to the counter.
- Complete the application and submit the documents.
- Pay the visa fee.
Student Residence Visa Fee
| Type | Fees |
| Application fees | AED 100 |
| Issuance fees | AED 100 for each year |
| ICP smart services fees | AED 100 |
| Additional charges (if the sponsored person is inside the UAE) | AED 520 |
| Delivery charges | AED 20 |
3. Apply for an Emirates ID
Once you have received a residence visa, the final step is to apply for an Emirates ID to enjoy the residency rights. Easily apply through the ICP website or your nearest typing centre.
Renewing Student Residence Permit
A student permit is valid for one year from the issuance date. Here is how to renew a student residence permit:
Required Documents
Be sure to have the following documents before starting the application process:
- Copy of the passport
- Medical certificate
- Personal photograph with a white background
Process
Visit the GDRFA or ICP website or mobile application, search for the service and submit the application. For in-person applications, visit the nearest customer happiness centre or Amer service centre.
Renewal Fees
Pay an AED 200 renewal fee for a student residence permit.
FAQs
Typically, student visa processing takes up to 10-20 working days.
Student visa holders must apply for a student work permit to work in the UAE. However, students can only work part-time for a maximum of four hours a day.
Outstanding students can apply for a five or ten-year golden residency visa through the GDRFA or ICP website. Go to the website, log in, search for the service, complete the application, attach documents, and pay service fees.
That was all about a successful UAE student visa application. Fulfil your dream of studying in the UAE, secure admission in a reputed university, and apply for a visa in a few simple steps!
If you are coming to Dubai as a student, you must be searching for safe accommodation. Follow this guide to find the best student accommodations in Dubai.
