All about UAE Student Residence Visa

One of the hottest destinations in the middle-east, UAE (United Arab Emirates) is now opening up new vistas of growth in Professional Education to the contenders all over the world. UAE is a land of opportunities for study abroad students and a delight for the curious travelers. Ideally located in the midst of east and the west, the city marvelously blends the elements of both. Those choosing Dubai as a study destination will benefit from its high-quality living standards and numerous opportunities, besides the serenity of living in a city nominated to be one of the safest in the world.

The first and the foremost requirement before stepping into UAE is the Visa. Through this article we wish to help our readers by listing the requirements of a Student Residence Visa along with the fees and other requisites.

Student Residence Visa

Documents, Requirements and Restrictions

Student Residence Visas are usually valid for around a year at a time and they need to be renewed every year during the course of study. We enumerate below the various documents that are required for the Visa:

• Passport with a minimum of 6 months validity is a must and it must contain two blank visa pages one for endorsing the visa and the other for entry stamps
• Around 4 passport copies
• Around 12 photographs
• 2 passport copies
• 3 passport copies along with entry visa to the UAE need to be submitted on arrival
• Offer letter that evinces the acceptance of candidates to a UAE tertiary institute
• Bank statements which act as substantiation of funds in the UAE
• In case a candidate has opted for university accommodation, he/she may be required to produce a letter from the university or a tenancy agreement
• Copy of tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program
• Those opting for post-graduate program will be required to get their undergraduate degree attested
• Copy of visa fees receipt for the present study year of the program
• Candidates from certain countries might be required to undertake a security check in order to ensure that they won't pose a threat to UAE security
• Candidates are also usually required to go through a medical test at a certified UAE medical center (allow AED 350-500). The test generally includes a medical test and chest X-ray for:
  • HIV (AIDS)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • Leprosy
  • Syphilis

In case the results of any of these tests turn positive, the candidate is deported with the exception of syphilis which is treated. But the students are advised to check out with UAE immigration department or UAE Ministry of Health for the latest updates in this regard.

Student Residence Visa Fees

• There is a wide contrast in the Student Visa Fees in different universities, colleges and institutions. It may fluctuate between 1000 to 3000 AED for a year student residence visa.
• A few number of universities, colleges and institutions may also demand a refundable visa deposit varying between 2000 to 3000 AED
• Renewal charges vary between 1000 to 3000 AED yearly
• Students may also experience variations depending on if the university is located in a UAE education free zone such as Dubai Academic City or Knowledge Village, or not.
• Diverse emirates may have different fees

Certain universities or institutions may ask for an administrative fee for administration of a student visa. Many institutions include this sum in the administrative expense in their tuition fees. For others this amount is to be paid at the time of registration.

However, it is suggested to the students to check with the university, college or institute for the latest updates.

Visa Validity

• A student residence visa becomes invalid in case a student stays out of UAE for six months. Students then are not permitted to enter UAE unless they get their visa cancelled. In such a case, generally the sponsor will report the visa holder to the immigration authorities.
• Visas normally take 2-5 weeks to process once all the correct documentation has been supplied.
• Express visas take 1-3 weeks to process.
• Cancellation of visa normally takes 1-3 weeks, express cancellation takes 1-2 weeks.

Process of Visa Application in Dubai
We list below the detailed steps that one should follow when applying for a visa:

• Before applying for visa, ensure that you are clear on your purpose of visit.
• Complete your visa application form and affix your photograph.
• Photos must be in accordance with mandatory specifications.
• Attach all supporting documents required as per checklist. Make sure your application is complete. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
• Submit your application at the Dubai Visa Application Center along with the applicable fees in cash.
• Once the visa is approved the PNR will be updated and visa copy can be collected from the application center.

Student Visa Charges in Dubai

• Short Entry (visit) Visa: Dhs 500 (1 month)
• Long Entry (visit) Visa: Dhs 1,000 (3 months)
• Entry Visa for Study: Dhs 1,000
• Renewal of Study Visa: Dhs 500

Points to be remembered in Dubai

• After all the correct documentation has been submitted visas generally take 2 to 5 weeks for processing.
• A registered student with a university or college in the UAE can obtain a visit visa. Cost is AED 1000, valid for 60 days (not full 2 months), renewable twice upon payment of AED 500 fee.