Abu Dhabi student visa is the type of residence visa that is designed for international students who want to study further in UAE or Abu Dhabi. This allows those students pursuing their academic dreams to study in Abu Dhabi. This acts as an official entry permit for international students. The article will help you with all the information necessary to obtain a student visa in Abu Dhabi. What are the steps and what are the things to avoid, we will discuss them in detail. 

Eligibility Criteria

Those students are eligible to apply for the Abu Dhabi student visa who have gained an acceptance letter from a designated university in Abu Dhabi. This letter is the proof that the applicant is enrolled in the particular course in that university. The institution you are applying to will sponsor your visa application process.

Documents Required

The specific requirements for a UAE Student Visa may vary depending on the emirate and the university, but generally, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid passport
2. passport sized photographs
3. acceptance letter
4. financial proof
5. medical certificate
6. proof of residency/accommodation
7. proof of certificate

Valid passport

The passport of the applicant must be valid for at least six months while departing for studies. Along with validity, the passport must have some blank pages. A copy of the front page of the passport is also necessary.

Passport sized photographs

Abu Dhabi usually requires 12 passport-sized photographs of the international student. There are certain requirements that must be checked while taking photographs.

Acceptance letter

The acceptance letter from the accredited educational department or institution is proof that the student is enrolled in the university.

Financial proof

You will require funds to cover your expenses while living in Abu Dhabi for studies, from studies to living, other expenses will also take part so you must be financially stable. To prove this you will require bank statements, scholarship documents, or sponsorship letters. 

Medical certificate

Medical certificate issued by a government-approved health center in the UAE. This typically involves undergoing medical tests for HIV, TB, Hepatitis B and C, Leprosy, and Syphilis.

Proof of residency/accommodation

The proof of accommodation shows that you have a place to live in Abu Dhabi to accommodate you during your study time there. 

Proof of certificate 

If you are applying for a post-graduate program, you will also need to provide proof of certification from your previous university/college.

Application Process

This visa is the type of residence visa so your chosen university will help and handle your application process on your behalf after you are in the country. This is because the immigration authority of the UAE wants you to have an entry permit before they will issue a residence visa.

Here is the breakdown of the application process;

1. Entry Permit
2. Student Visa
3. Processing Time
4. Validity of the Visa
5. Long-Term Residence Visa

Entry Permit

Before you enter Abu Dhabi you will need an entry permit depending on your nationality. Your university can sponsor that entry permit application by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs. This can also be done using the online method through the ICA channel portal and mobile app.

Student Visa

After entering the UAE, the university will apply for your student visa at the GDRFA office of the Emirates where you will live. If the application is approved by the authorities they will stamp your residence visa on your passport and you will get the Emirates ID which is your identification in the UAE.

Read More… How to Apply for Saudi Arabia visa.

Processing Time

The processing time depends, on the student visa, if the workload of the GDRFA is more than usual, the application will take time to process. Usually, it takes around four to eight 4-8 weeks.

Validity of the Visa

The Abu Dhabi student visa is valid for one year but this can be renewed annually for the duration of your studies, the condition is that you must maintain a good academic record and the university keeps confirming your enrollment.

Long-Term Residence Visa

The UAE government introduced a new long-term residency visa in 2018 and this is done specifically for international students. This long-term visa is valid for five years and this allows the holder to be his dependents with him.

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