While the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a beautiful environment, some individuals working there may find themselves desiring a return to their home countries. When one decides to leave the UAE, checking your UAE visa cancellation status and navigating the visa cancellation process becomes essential.
Opting to discontinue the renewal of your residency visa and proceeding with its cancellation is an effective approach to managing this aspect of the immigration process. Equally important is to check the visa status or expiry of your UAE visa.
This article aims to provide a clear guide on checking the validity or status of your visa, as well as the steps involved in the UAE visa cancellation procedure.
How to Determine the Current Status of Your UAE Visa Application?
1- Checking Your UAE Visa Application Status Online
Wondering about the status of your UAE residence visa application? Rest assured, as you can conveniently track it online after submission. If you’re in any state of the UAE, except Dubai, head to the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICP). For those in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is the go-to platform.
2- Steps for Online Status Check via ICP
To check your UAE visa application status through ICP, follow these easy steps:
- Visit the ICP official website.
- Navigate to ‘Public Services’.
- Click on ‘Application Tracking’.
- Enter your application number for instantly checking the status.
3- Checking Visa Application Status Online in Dubai
Staying in Dubai? Here’s how to effortlessly check your residency visa application status:
- Visit the GDRFA website.
- Click on ‘Residence Validity’.
- Enter the necessary details and submit the captcha code.
- Alternatively, use the GDRFA app for a simplified process.
4- Offline Status Check for UAE Visas
Don’t want to step out? No worries. You can check your visa status in the UAE offline through:
- Amer service in Dubai: Call 800 5111 (inside UAE) or +971 (0)4 313 9999 (outside UAE).
- ICP’s toll-free number for other Emirates: Dial 600 522222.
How to Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status Online by Passport Number?
Verifying UAE Visa Cancellation Status Online & Validity
Curious about your visa’s expiry? In case your visa has expired, and you have not changed its status, you will still pay a fine when you change the status. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a UAE visa fine check. However, you can easily verify it online through the ICP official portal using your passport number and expiry date. Follow these steps:
- Open the ICP website.
- Navigate to ‘Passport Information’.
- Select ‘Visa or Residency’.
- Fill in your passport details and nationality.
- Submit for instantly viewing your visa details, including cancellation status and expiration date. By following these steps, you can easily verify your UAE visa cancellation status using your passport number.
Note: This check is crucial for individuals leaving the country without officially canceling their visa, ensuring awareness of automatic cancellations.
Preventing Automatic Visa Cancellation in UAE
To avoid automatic visa cancellation in the UAE, refrain from staying outside the country for more than six consecutive months. Regular visits and intervals of fewer than six months between each visit can help maintain the validity of your residence visa. Once you’ve sorted out your UAE visa status, the next step for newcomers is setting up a bank account.
Pre-Cancellation Checklist for Your UAE Visa
Before initiating the cancellation of your residency visa in the UAE, it’s essential to complete some pre-cancellation procedures for a smoother process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Settle all outstanding debts and bills.
- Terminate any tenancy agreements and liquidate assets if applicable.
For Employees
If you hold an employment visa, settle pending salary, gratuity, and leave salary entitlements. Also, provide a flight ticket before canceling your work permit with MoHRE.
The Process: How to Cancel Your UAE Visa
Canceling your UAE visa is a straightforward process, achievable through various online and offline channels:
1- Online Channels
Using the ICP Website or App
- Visit the ICP website or download the ICP Smart App.
- Search for the specific service you wish to apply for.
- Complete the application by providing the necessary data.
- Pay the required service fee securely.
Using the GDRFA Website or App
- Visit the GDRFA website or download the GDRFA-Dubai Smart App.
- If you don’t have an existing account, register as a new user.
- Choose the service you need from the available options.
- Attach the necessary documents as specified.
- Process the payment for the service fees.
- Submit your request promptly for efficient processing.
2- Offline Channels
Visit the AMER Centres in Person
- Head to one of the AMER service centers.
- Choose the necessary service at the reception desk.
- Hand over the required documents to the service employee.
- Process the payment for the applicable service fees.
- Submit your application promptly for further processing.
Visit the Typing Centres in Person
- Visit the nearest Typing Center.
- Obtain an automated ticket and wait for your turn.
- Provide all the necessary documents to the designated employee.
- Complete the payment for the service fee.
Essential Things You Should Know Regarding Visa Cancellation
1- Visa Cancellation Responsibility in UAE
The sponsor takes charge of the visa cancellation process, as expats are not permitted to apply for it. However, individuals with investor visas can independently cancel their visas.
2- Required Documents for Visa Cancellation
When canceling your visa in the UAE, you need to submit the following documents:
- Copy of your entry permit
- Copy of your sponsor’s passport
- Your passport and Emirates ID
- Clearance statement of your financial liabilities
- For business owners: Proof of canceling your trade license as a partner or investor
- In case of death: Inside UAE – a death certificate; Outside UAE – an authorized death certificate
3- Cost of UAE Visa Cancellation
The fee for canceling your UAE visa varies based on the visa type and the platform used to submit the request. The range typically falls between AED 100 and AED 200.
4- Processing Time for UAE Visa Cancellation
Expect a maximum of 48 hours for the approval of your cancellation request. Notification of approval will be sent online and via email to your registered email address.
5- Importance of Canceling Visas Before Leaving
Expats are strongly advised to cancel their visas before departure to avoid future entry bans. Failure to do so may result in an inability to return to the UAE until the expired visa is officially terminated.
6- Grace Period After Canceling Your UAE Visa
The grace period allows you to stay in the country after visa cancellation. The duration varies based on the type of residency visa:
- 180 days: Golden/Green Visa holders, students who haven’t completed studies, skilled jobs (1st and 2nd levels), widows or divorcees.
- 90 days: Skilled jobs (3rd and 2nd levels), unit owners.
- 60 days: Normal residents.
- 30 days: Other categories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- How to Check if My Visa is Expired or Cancelled in the UAE?
Checking whether your UAE visa has expired or not is a simple process. Go to the ICP website, as explained above, to effortlessly check your visa expiry and validity.
2- How Can I Check My Dubai Visa Cancellation Status Offline – To See If It’s Canceled or Not?
If you prefer offline methods to check your UAE visa status in Dubai using your passport number, you have two options: calling or using an app. For Dubai residents, reach out to the Amer service by calling 800-5111 (inside UAE) or +971 (0)4 313 9999 (outside UAE) and provide your passport number to obtain the necessary information.
3- How Can I Cancel My Abu Dhabi Visa?
To cancel your Abu Dhabi visa, follow these steps:
- Log in to the GDRFA website.
- Navigate to “Services” and select “Cancellation of Residency Visa” from the drop-down menu.
- Click the red “Start Service” icon in the mid-right corner.
- Fill out the form with required information.
- Attach necessary documents, including a copy of residency.
- Pay the fee.
- Submit your application to GDRFA.
- If you’re an employee, cancel the firm card at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Obtain required approvals from other government bodies to cancel a license if applicable.
- Submit your Emirates ID card and get your passport stamped.
Alternatively, use the DubaiNow app to access GDRFA services for checking your visa status and validity online.
Checking Visa Status in Other Emirates
For residents of other emirates, call the ICP service at 600-522222 and provide your passport number to check your visa status offline. This service operates 24/7, addressing any visa-related queries you may have.
