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Student Visa for UAE

The UAE enjoys a cosmopolitan reputation and a superb educational system with students flocking from across the world to attend different excellent colleges here.

If one wishes to study in the UAE, obtaining a student visa for UAE, commonly known as a student residence visa is necessary. This visa is provided to expatriate students, who are 18 years of age and above and legally living in the UAE. Sponsoring student visas in the UAE requires the involvement of either a college or university or a relative living in the UAE. As a result, the UAE government has recently implemented a studying and training entry permit for people who wish to engage in training, internships, and study in the UAE.

To obtain this studying and training permit, one must be sponsored by a government or private affiliated university, education institution, or research institution. The applicant must be recommended by the sponsoring entity and produce an original letter from the sponsoring entity to provide details and duration of the course, training or internship for the permit to be issued.

Visa Types

It is important to note that each institution in the UAE has its own admission requirements. Nevertheless, no matter which type of education you plan to participate in – primary, secondary, or tertiary, the question of obtaining a visa remains paramount.

We have outlined the various types of student visas available in Dubai below:

Family-Sponsored Dubai Student Visa

Parents, who are UAE residents, can sponsor their children’s visa for entering an educational institution in Dubai. This option is only open for full-time students. As for the unmarried daughters, there is no restriction on their age; sons can stay at the house only up to the age of 18.

Educator-Sponsored Dubai Study Visa

It is also important to note that full-time students may be sponsored by their institution if it is affiliated with the program. There is also a visa that permits students to live in Dubai up to the duration of their course. However, students need to clarify with their particular university since not all institutions provide this service.

Dubai Student Visa for a Short-Term Stay

Students who are willing to study for a shorter duration are eligible for a short-term Dubai student visa. This visa enables visit the country for sixty days and can be extended anytime.

Eligibility

To obtain a UAE student visa, here are a few requirements,

  1. The applicant should be 18 years and above.
  2. An official approval letter from the UAE university.
  3. Continuation of study certificate is mandatory for older students.
  4. Attach copies of documents proving you have gone through all the necessary medical tests.
  5. Consent from the regulatory GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
  6. Information about having a visa sponsor from the university, parent or any family member.

To obtain a long-term study visa in Dubai, the students need to have a minimum of 95% in any school they attend. Any applicant must have at least a 3.0 grade point average while a 3.75 CGPA is expected from both domestic and international universities.

UAE Student Visa Requirements for Indian Applicants

For a UAE student visa application, here are the following requirements:

  1. Online application form filled and duly signed by the applicant
  2. Two passport-sized photographs of the applicant taken not earlier than three months before the submission of the application.
  3. Student declaration form
  4. Valid original passport with photocopy of the current and previous passports including the pages holding the UAE residence visa
  5. Original certification from the relevant Indian Educational Institution
  6. Photocopy of demand draft of $1500 paid in the favour of the student
  7. Pre-approval from CGI Dubai
  8. Minor travellers require a photocopy of their parents’ passport and an NOC letter
  9. Students will also need to present a valid medical certificate from an approved health facility in UAE. All persons above the age of 18 years must undergo medical tests for TB, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B & C, syphilis, and leprosy
  10. Moreover, applicants have to pass the medical exam which must be completed at an official clinic

In each emirate, visa applications are offered and coordinated by the visa authorities, specifically the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

This takes between 15-20 days on average; however, it may differ depending on the university concerned. It is also important to note that for a fee, international students can opt for the express service of document processing. In express processing, the UAE student visa can be given as early as 10 days.

As for the legal basis of a UAE student visa, it is an annual entry visa renewable for the same duration upon presenting an official document of continuing studies from the concerned higher learning institution in UAE. However, candidates with excellent academic Credentials may also qualify for a 5-year residency visa as per the UAE government guidelines.

Application Process

Follow these steps while applying for a visa:

  • Determine Purpose

Remember, you should have a clear reason for applying before starting the visa process.

  • Complete Application

Complete the visa application form and include your photograph with the form. Make sure that the photos provided meet all significant requirements.

  • Gather Documents

Please ensure that supporting documents listed in the checklist are completed and submitted. Make sure that all documents required for the application are included since any application missing some documents will not be accepted.

  • Submit Application

It is required to submit your application at the Dubai Visa Application Center, and pay cash for the concerned fees.

  • Collect Visa

If the visa is granted, the PNR will be altered, and you will be able to obtain a copy of the visa from the application center where you submitted it.

In case your application has been approved, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) will then endorse such a Residence Visa on your passport. You shall thereafter be given the Emirates ID and this lasts as long as the visa issued has a duration.

Entry permits can be obtained through various portals:

Online Channels

  • eChannels portal

Applicants in the United Arab Emirates who are individuals or companies can also apply for new visas as well as visa re-issuance via the ICA portal. This means that to begin the application process, there is always a prerequisite for registration.

  • GDRFA website

It is possible to get a visa to the UAE through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

  • Amer. ae website

Another platform which is provided by GDRFA Dubai is Amer. ae, only to enable Dubai nationals & residents to apply for entry permits.

  • Mobile Apps

Entry permits and residence visas can also be applied through the ICP App which is downloadable in Google Play and App Store and the Dubai Now App in the two aforementioned sources.

Offline Channels

  • Typing Centres

Offline visa applications are completed through licensed typing centres; the application is accordingly typed and submitted to the GDRFA of the appropriate emirate. When the application is approved, the sponsor receives an approval notice as well as a copy of the entry permit.

  • Amer Centres

The Dubai Government has put into practice that it is unlawful to deal with entry permits and visas through other channels but through Amer centres, which are located in Dubai.

Student Visa Fees

A student visa normally lasts for one year and can be extended on an annual basis depending on the course of study. In most cases, to apply for renewal of the Student Visa, you need to produce a letter from the institution that you are attending.

Following are the charges that are required to be paid by international students applying for a Dubai Study Visa from India. The fees may also differ according to the program offered, the university, and the type of application that one wishes to apply for.

However, the specified Dubai student visa fees for Indian nationals are as follows:

Student Visa Fee (inclusive of visa processing fees, Emirates ID, and medical insurance): The total amount is AED 6,975.

Refundable Visa Deposit: AED 2500

Find Your Dream University

If you want to study in another country and find the visa process daunting then you are not alone. The experienced advisors of Manya – The Princeton Review will be happy to guide you through each stage of the procedure.

With access to over 1,000 university ranking systems, our information is correct and up-to-date regarding fees, how to apply as well as the costs of residing on campus. Manya – The Princeton Review also provides admission consulting, admissions test information, English language courses, career counselling and internship programs. It is our mission to give you comprehensive information about the visa application and be a helping hand in case you need it done.

FAQ's

What is a study visa for UAE?

A study visa, commonly referred to as a student residence visa, is an entry permit for foreign students who wish to pursue their courses and live in the United Arab Emirates.

What are the necessary documents needed to be submitted for a study visa?

These documents may include photocopies of Passports, acceptance letters from the University, financial proof, medical certificates, and details of sponsors.

What is the average time taken by the UAE embassy to process a study visa?

The turnover periods may differ, but they can be longer than several weeks. The time it takes to process a visa takes approximately 15 to 20 days though this may differ depending on the universities.

What are the charges for a study visa in the UAE?

The cost of the Student Visa Fee that indicates the Visa Processing Fee, Emirates ID, and medical insurance equals AED 6975, while the Visa Deposit of AED 2500 is refundable.

What happens if my visa is expired before completion of my course?

This means that there is a need for students with study visas to renew them when they are expiring to avoid legal complications. Failing to fulfil such requirements may lead to a fine, deportation or other consequences.

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