Sometimes, while living in UAE, you need to change your visa status. For instance, you might want to change your visa from a visit visa to an employment visa. But what is the Visa Status Change Processing Time? That matters a lot!
Usually, a visa status change takes 7-14 working days. However, it can be delayed due to factors such as the type of visa you want to change and the visa sponsor.
Let’s uncover this secret in detail!
Table of Contents
How Much Does Visa Status Change Processing Time?
The processing time depends on the type of the visa and the method you used. Here’s the complete breakdown:
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Key Steps |
| Visit Visa → Employment Visa | 7-14 Days | Job offer, labor approval, entry permit, status change, medical test, Emirates ID |
| Tourist Visa → Employment Visa | 4-5 Days | Same process as a Visit Visa to an Employment Visa |
| Visit Visa → Family Sponsorship Visa | 18-24 Days | Sponsorship approval, status change, medical test, Emirates ID |
| Employment Visa → Freelance/Investor Visa | 20-30 Days | Visa cancellation, new visa application, status change, residence permit |
What Do You Mean By A Visa Status Change?
A process in which a Visa is converted from one type to another without leaving the country is known as visa status change. Visa status changes may vary; here are some common visa status changes:
- Visit Visa → Employment Visa
- Tourist Visa → Employment Visa
- Visit Visa → Residence (family) Visa
- Employment Visa → Freelance/Investor Visa
- Employment Visa → Family Visa
Visa types which can’t be converted:
Transit visa
Mission visa
Cancelled employment visa
Overstayed visa
Expired visa
Dependent visa
Green/golden visa
How To Apply For Change Visa Status?
Want to take a step toward changing your visa status? But how to do it? Let’s talk about it!
- Gather all necessary documents and verify them.
- Apply to change visa status at the UAE visa portals with documents.
- Pay the fees.
- When authorities change your visa status, you will receive a notification.
- Once all approvals are done, your visa will be stamped on your passport.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Application form
- Old visa/Tourist visa copy
- Immigration approval letter
- Labor contract (for employment visa applications)
- Medical fitness report (for residence visas)
- Sponsor documents (for family or investor visa applications)
How Much Is The Fine For Overstaying?
If your visa has expired and you’re still in the UAE, you must pay a fine for overstaying, which is based on the type of visa you were holding.
Overstay Fine for Visit & Tourist Visa Holders:
The first day after visa expiry: AED 50
Each additional day: AED 50 per day
Service fee (one-time payment): AED 200
Overstay Fine for Residence Visa Holders:
Grace period: 30 days (no fine during this time)
After the grace period ends:
First day: AED 50
Each additional day: AED 50
Exit permit fee (if required): AED 250 to AED 500
If you overstay beyond the allowed period, the fines will continue to accumulate until you either exit the UAE or change your visa status.
How to Check & Pay Overstay Fines?
You can check and pay your overstay fines through:
- GDRFA website (for Dubai visas)
- ICP website (for visas in other emirates)
- Typing centers or immigration offices
Reasons For Delay In Visa Changing Process
Why is the visa-changing process delayed? Let’s know the reasons here!
- Due to Quota issues (if the company has fines & compliance, the company’s quota not updated, Company Has Reached Its Visa Quota, the company’s quota is not updated)
- Due to National Holidays ( Eid holidays, Kashmir Solidarity Day, Ashura, Labour Day, and other significant days)
- Due to Incomplete or Incorrect Documents
- Due to Delay in Immigration Approval
- Due to Company or Sponsor-Related Issues
- Due to the Previous Visa Not being Canceled Properly
- Due to Payment Issues or Technical Errors
FAQs About: Visa Status Change Processing Time
- Can I change my visa without leaving the UAE?
Yes! Why not; you can change your visa status while living in UAE, this process usually takes 4-5 working days to complete. However, the exact time depends on the visa type you want to change and the sponsor you choose.
- What factors can delay the visa status change process?
The major factors that contribute to the delay of the visa status change process are:
- Quota Limitations
- Unclear medical test (it’s necessary for a residence visa)
- Documentation issues
- Pending company issues
- Is there an express service for faster visa status change processing?
Yes! Some popular services, such as “Super Priority Visa Service,” provide a faster visa status-changing process, but they often come with high costs.
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