Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE
With thousands of residents and visitors applying for or renewing visas, changing status or completing residence procedures in the UAE, 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.
A UAE visa application can involve several requirements depending on whether you are applying for a visit visa, residence permit, employment-related status, family sponsorship or another category. Here is Garcia’s five-step checklist for expats.
Check passport validity
Make sure your passport meets the validity requirement for your particular visa or residence application.
ICP lists at least six months of passport validity for a number of its visa and residence services.
If your passport is close to expiry, check whether renewing it first would be necessary.
Match your information
Make sure your personal information is identical across your application and supporting documents.
Pay particular attention to:
• Name spelling
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport expiry date
• Sponsor details
Even a simple typo can create an additional step in the application process.
Complete your documents
Requirements can vary according to the type of visa or residence service. ICP requirements can include a passport, personal photograph, health insurance and category-specific supporting documents. Check the requirements for your exact visa category before submitting.
Track your deadlines
Keep a record of:
• Visa expiry
• Residence expiry
• Cancellation date
• Grace period
• Entry-permit validity
• Status-adjustment deadlines
• Residence issuance deadlines
Don’t assume that an application in progress automatically means you can remain in the UAE indefinitely. For applicable cases, ICP states that overstay fines can be Dh50 per day after the relevant grace period.
Verify everything before submission
Before pressing submit, go through the entire application one more time. Check every field and every uploaded document against your passport and the official requirements.
Garcia’s rule of thumb: check first, match everything, complete the documents, track the deadlines and verify the application before submission.
What can cause UAE visa application to be rejected?
There is no single list of three mistakes that universally guarantees visa rejection. Decisions depend on the visa category, the applicant’s circumstances and whether the relevant requirements have been met.
However, Garcia identifies three major areas that can cause problems:
1. Not meeting the eligibility requirements
Different UAE visa categories have different criteria. Depending on the visa, applicants may need to meet requirements relating to passport validity, health insurance, sponsorship, financial means, employment, professional qualifications or investment/property ownership.
2. Providing incomplete or inconsistent documentation
Missing documents or information that does not match the applicant’s current details can lead to requests for corrections or additional supporting evidence.
3. Missing immigration deadlines
An applicant who fails to act within the applicable validity, grace or status-adjustment period can face additional procedures and, where applicable, fines. ICP currently lists Dh50-per-day overstay penalties for applicable cases.
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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