In the UAE, you can easily check the status of your visa application or submit a cancellation request online. With various government portals available, managing your visa status has never been simpler. Let’s walk you through how to check your UAE visa status and cancel it online.
Status/Validity Check
Whether it’s a work visa or a UAE residency visa, staying informed about its status and validity is essential. The UAE government has made it convenient to check your visa status online through platforms like ICP and GDRFA.
By following a few simple steps, you can easily verify the current status of your visa, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations and planning your stay or departure accordingly.
1. Can You Check Your UAE Visa Application Online?
Yes, checking the status of your UAE visa application online is straightforward. For residents in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, you can use the Federal Authority of Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) portal.
For those in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) provides similar services.
2. How Can You Check the Status of Your UAE Visa Application Online?
To check your UAE visa status online via the ICP portal, follow these steps:
- Go to the ICP’s official website.
- Click on ‘Public Services’ from the menu and then select ‘Online Visa Status Check’.
- Once redirected, select your search by method, either File No. or Passport Information. Also, select the visa type from ‘Visa’ or ‘Residency’ and then select the ‘File Type’ from the given options.
- Next, enter your passport no., passport expiry date and Nationality. Complete the captcha and hit ‘Search’ to view your visa status.
3. How Can You Check the Status of Your Visa Application Online in Dubai?
If you’re planning to stay in Dubai, then you can effortlessly check the status of your visa application through the following channels:
- Open the GDRFA website.
- Choose the option ‘Visa Status’ to track your application.
- Now, select from the following options based on what you need to track:
- Application
- File
- Over the Counter Service Applications
- Special Requests
- Establishment
- Application for Reconsideration
- Enter the required details such as the Application, File No. and Nationality, among others and complete the captcha.
- Next, Click ‘Search’ or ‘Track’ to view the status of your application or request.
You can also enquire about the visa status online in Dubai through the DubaiNow app. Download the app through Google Play or the App Store.
4. How Can You Check the Status of Your Residency Visa Offline?
If you prefer offline methods, you can check your visa status by calling the respective government authorities:
Dubai
Call Amer services at 800 5111 (within UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (outside UAE).
Other Emirates
Contact the ICP toll-free number at 600 522222 or through the ICP feedback platform.
5. How Can You Check the Validity of Your UAE Visa Online?
You can easily check the validity of your visa online through the ICP official portal.
- Visit the ICP website.
- Click on ‘Passport Information’.
- Select ‘Visa’ or ‘Residency’.
- Enter your passport number, expiry date and nationality.
- Click ‘Submit’ to view the visa expiry date and details.
Moreover, checking the status of the visa is important for those who leave the country without cancelling their visa officially. This feature enables you to check whether your visa has been automatically cancelled or not yet.
6. How Can You Avoid the Automatic Cancellation of Your Visa in UAE?
To avoid automatic cancellation of your UAE residence visa, do not stay outside the country for more than six months consecutively. Regular visits to the UAE, with intervals of less than six months, will help prevent cancellations.
For more information on maintaining your visa status, check out our guide on obtaining a bank account in the UAE as well as a visa card.
Cancellation
Cancelling your UAE visa is an important process if you’re planning to leave the country or transition to a new visa status. The UAE offers straightforward online and offline methods for visa cancellation, allowing you to settle your affairs and comply with legal requirements efficiently.
1. What Should You Do Before Cancelling Your UAE Visa?
Before starting the cancellation process, make sure to settle debts and bills, cancel tenancy agreements and sell assets is important before starting the visa cancellation process.
For Employees:
Ensure pending salary, gratuity and leave entitlements are paid.
For Employers:
If a company intends to cancel an employee’s work visa in UAE, it must first submit an application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to terminate the employee’s labour contract and labour card, with the employee’s signature required on the application. Following this, the employer should proceed with the visa cancellation through the ICP
Additionally, the company is responsible for cancelling the work permit. This process involves providing a letter signed by the employee, confirming that all wages and end-of-service benefits have been received, by the MoHRE.
2. How Can You Cancel Your UAE Visa?
The cancellation process of the UAE visa is very easy and hassle-free. You can cancel the UAE visa online and check its status as well. Also, you can do it offline through different platforms.
In addition, as mentioned above, Dubai residents can use the GDRFA website/app or head to its official office or any of the Amer Centres. For other Emirates, you can do this through the ICP website/app or visit the closest typing centre in your city.
3. How Long Does it Take to Cancel Your UAE Visa?
Visa cancellation usually takes up to 48 hours. You will receive notification via email once your request is approved.
4. Should Expats Cancel Their Visas Before Leaving?
Yes, expats must cancel their visas before leaving the UAE to avoid future entry bans.
5. What Is the Grace Period Offered After Cancelling Your UAE Visa?
The grace period refers to the duration you are permitted to remain in the UAE after your visa has been cancelled or expired. Depending on your resident category, the UAE offers extended and flexible grace periods, allowing residents to stay in the country for up to six months post-cancellation or expiry of their residence permit.
Moreover, the ICP has now standardised the overstaying fine in the UAE. The daily fine for overstaying on visit, tourist and residence visas is AED 50 per day. However, ICP has granted an exemption for two months starting from 1st September, 2024. Expats can get a residency visa in the meantime.
FAQ
To check your visa status in Dubai, you can call Amer service at 800-5111 or use the DubaiNow app for information.
To cancel your Dubai visa:
1. Visit the GDFRA official website or log into the DubaiNow app.
2. Select ‘Cancellation of Residence Permit’.
3. Fill out the form, attach documents, pay the fee and submit the application.
4. Receive cancellation from MoHRE and return your Emirates ID for passport stamping.
For other emirates, call ICP at 600-522222 for assistance.
Yes, but the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced a grace period. Violators will get exemption from fines for two months starting from 1st September, 2024.
With this, you can easily check your UAE visa status and cancellation smoothly. For any further assistance, consult the relevant portals or services based on your emirate.
For more on types of UAE residency visas, stay connected with Property Finder blogs.
