Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE
A small mistake on a UAE visa application can result in delays, requests for additional documents or, depending on the circumstances, an application not being approved.
With thousands of residents and visitors applying for or renewing visas, changing status or completing residence procedures, applicants should pay close attention to the details before submitting an application, says Josephine Garcia, Operations Manager of Trip Expert International in Dubai.
In an interview with Expat Media, Garcia shared five common mistakes that visa applicants make, and what can be done to avoid them.
1. Applying with an expired or insufficiently valid passport
Passport validity is one of the first things applicants should check.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) lists a passport valid for at least six months as a requirement for several UAE visa and residence services.
If the passport does not meet the requirement for the particular application, the applicant may first have to renew it. Garcia advises applicants to check their passport expiry date before starting an application and to confirm the validity requirement for their specific visa category.
2. Submitting documents with errors or missing information
A visa application can also run into problems when information across documents does not match.
Common errors include an incorrect passport number, date of birth or nationality, differences in the spelling of a name, an outdated passport copy or missing supporting documents.
Depending on the visa category, applicants may also need documents such as a personal photograph, health insurance and other category-specific evidence. ICP lists these requirements for its various visa and residence services.
Garcia says applicants should not assume that having the basic documents is enough. Instead, she recommends checking every document against the requirements of the specific visa category before submission.
3. Forgetting visa and residence deadlines
Another mistake can be assuming there is no immediate consequence when a visa or residence permit expires.
ICP currently states that a Dh50 daily fine can apply after the relevant grace period for certain expired or cancelled entry permits and residence permits. The applicable grace period varies depending on the type of residence or entry permit.
Some residence procedures also have specific deadlines after a person enters the UAE. For example, ICP says certain applicants must complete residence issuance procedures within 60 days of entry, otherwise applicable overstay fines may be imposed.
Garcia’s advice is simple: don’t leave immigration deadlines until the last day. Applicants should keep track of their visa expiry date, applicable grace period, cancellation date and the next step they need to take.
4. Assuming an application automatically fixes your immigration status
Submitting a visa application does not necessarily mean an individual’s immigration status has already been regularised.
What happens after a visa cancellation or expiry depends on the person’s circumstances and the type of application involved. In some cases, the person may need a new entry permit, a status adjustment or to leave the UAE.
ICP provides specific procedures for status adjustment and settlement of immigration violations. Garcia recommends that applicants establish exactly what their current immigration status is instead of relying solely on the fact that an application has been submitted.
5. Not checking the application before hitting submit
A final review can catch mistakes that could otherwise create unnecessary complications.
Garcia recommends checking:
• Full name
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport expiry date
• Visa type
• Sponsor information
• Contact details
• Previous UAE visa information, where applicable
• Supporting documents
Her advice: review first, submit second. Once an application has been submitted, correcting an error may require additional procedures.
Garcia says applicants should treat the visa process as more than simply uploading documents. “The most important thing is to make sure that all the information is correct and consistent before submitting the application,” she advises.
Applicants should also verify the latest requirements directly through the relevant UAE immigration authority, as visa rules and requirements can vary by category and may change.
Where to get help
For assistance with UAE visa applications, Trip Expert International can be contacted at +971 58 1265571 or +971 4 5753646. The company’s office is at 1st Floor, Rigga Business Center, Dubai.
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