Check UAE Visa Status: A Complete Guide to Tracking and Cancelling Your Visa
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Checking the visa status of the UAE is an essential step for anyone living, working, or investing in the country. Whether you’re planning to cancel your visa or simply want to stay updated on your legal status, knowing how to access accurate visa information can help you avoid penalties and stay compliant with UAE regulations. From understanding the visa cancellation process to checking your current visa status online, having the right guidance can save time and effort. In this blog, you’ll learn how to check UAE visa status and navigate the cancellation process with ease.
How to Track Your UAE Visa Cancellation Status
Keeping track of your visa cancellation status in the UAE is important to avoid overstays or legal issues. The process is straightforward and can be completed online or in person using official UAE government services.
Here are the steps to check your UAE visa status:
- Visit the official website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Go to the ‘Services’ section and select the option to check your UAE visa status.
- Enter your passport number and any other visa-related information requested.
- You will receive details such as your visa’s expiry date, type, and current status.
- You may also contact the Amer service helpline or visit an Amer center for assistance in checking your visa cancellation status.
Understanding How Visa Cancellation Works in the UAE
Cancelling a UAE visa is a structured process that depends on the type of visa you hold. Whether you’re an employee, an investor, or a dependent, each category follows a slightly different cancellation procedure.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works for different visa types:
i. Cancelling Your Employment Visa
If you’re employed in the UAE, your employer must initiate the visa cancellation process. This includes cancelling your labour contract and obtaining clearance from relevant government departments. The employer typically submits the request through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), followed by final cancellation through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
ii. Cancelling Your Work Permit
The work permit, also known as the labour card, must be officially cancelled before the visa itself can be deactivated. This process is handled by the employer through MOHRE. It involves confirming that all dues and settlements have been cleared and that there are no ongoing disputes. Once the work permit is cancelled, the visa cancellation can proceed.
iii. Cancelling Your Dependent Visa
Before an individual can cancel their own visa (especially an employment visa), they must ensure that any dependents under their sponsorship — such as spouse or children — have their visas cancelled first. This is done through the GDRFA by submitting the dependent’s documents along with the sponsor’s identification.
iv. Cancelling Your Investor Visa
For investors or business owners, the cancellation process of the investor visa involves clearing all obligations related to their trade license and business operations. This includes cancelling the company license, settling any outstanding dues, and obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities. The final cancellation is then done through the GDRFA once all the paperwork is in order.
Step-by-Step Process for Cancelling a UAE Visa
Cancelling a UAE visa involves several official steps, depending on the type of visa held. Whether you’re an employee, investor, or dependent, it’s essential to follow the correct procedure to avoid delays or legal complications during the cancellation process.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the process:
Step 1: Cancellation Request by Sponsor or Employer
The visa cancellation process must be initiated by the sponsor or employer. For employment visas, the employer is responsible for starting the cancellation, while for investor visas, the individual visa holder must undertake this step. The process begins by submitting a cancellation request to the appropriate authority, such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for work permits or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for residence visas.
Step 2: Document Submission Process
The documents required for visa cancellation vary depending on the visa category. Below are the typical document requirements for each type:
For Investors:
- Request letter from the investor
- Copy of the visa (change-of-status or without)
For Employees:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID copy
- End-of-service benefits confirmation (attested and stamped)
For Dependents:
- Visa cancellation form
- Sponsor’s original passport
- Dependent’s original passport
- Original Emirates ID
Accurate and complete documentation is essential to ensure the process moves forward without any delays.
Step 3: Immigration Department Approval
After the necessary documents are submitted, the application is forwarded to the relevant immigration authority, such as the GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). The processing time typically ranges from 1-2 working days. Once approved, the visa is officially cancelled, and the individual receives a cancellation approval letter via email.
Note: Once the visa is canceled, individuals typically have a 30-day grace period to leave the UAE or apply for a new visa. It is important to act within this timeframe to avoid legal or financial penalties.
How Free Zone Visa Cancellation Differs
Cancelling a visa issued under a UAE Free Zone follows a slightly different procedure compared to mainland visa cancellations. These differences are mainly due to the governing authority and specific administrative requirements.
- Authority Involved: Unlike mainland visas, which are handled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), Free Zone visa cancellations are managed directly by the respective Free Zone authority.
- Employer Obligations: Before the cancellation process can begin, the employer must provide a clearance letter. This document confirms that all financial dues, benefits, and obligations owed to the employee have been fully settled.
- Exit Requirement: If the employee plans to leave the UAE permanently, they may need to submit a copy of their confirmed flight ticket as part of the cancellation process. This ensures that the departure is documented and aligns with the Free Zone’s regulations.
Common Problems When Checking UAE Visa Cancellation Status
While checking your UAE visa cancellation status is usually straightforward, some individuals may face delays or confusion due to certain common issues. Understanding these can help you avoid unnecessary stress during the process.
- Absconding Status Flagged: If your employer has filed an absconding case against you, your visa cancellation status may be affected. An active absconding status can block visa cancellation and create legal complications. It must be cleared through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) before proceeding with visa cancellation.
- Incorrect Information Entered: One of the most frequent problems is entering the wrong passport number, visa file number, or other personal details. Even a small error can prevent the system from showing accurate results.
- System Delays or Technical Glitches: Online platforms may occasionally experience downtime or delays in updating visa records. This can result in outdated status information being displayed.
- Pending Clearance from Employer or Sponsor: If your employer or sponsor hasn’t completed the necessary formalities—such as providing end-of-service clearance—the visa cancellation status might not appear as processed.
- Confusion Between Platforms: Some users mistakenly check the wrong portal (GDRFA vs ICP) based on their emirate. This can lead to confusion if the visa was issued under a different jurisdiction.
- Unprocessed Applications: In some cases, the cancellation request may not have been submitted at all, or it may still be under review by immigration authorities, causing further delays.
Banking and Financial Solutions
Failing to cancel your UAE visa properly can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Whether you are an employee, investor, or dependent, ensuring your visa is officially cancelled before leaving the country or switching jobs is essential.
- Overstay Fines: If your visa remains active after your employment or stay ends, you may unknowingly start accumulating daily overstay fines. These fines can quickly add up and become a burden if left unresolved.
- Labour Ban or Immigration Block: Employees who leave the UAE without cancelling their work visa may face a labour ban or be flagged in the immigration system. This can affect your ability to return or apply for new jobs in the UAE.
- Legal Action Against Sponsor or Employer: In some cases, if a visa is not cancelled correctly, the sponsor or employer could face penalties, especially if the individual is considered to be staying in the country illegally under their sponsorship.
- Impact on Future Visa Applications: An unresolved UAE visa status can complicate future visa applications, whether for employment, residence, or even tourist visits. Immigration authorities may require clearance of previous records before processing new requests.
Why Professional Support Can Help?
Navigating the UAE visa cancellation process involves multiple steps, legal documentation, and coordination with immigration authorities. For individuals unfamiliar with the system, this can be challenging and time-consuming.
Partnering with experts like Setupmate can simplify the entire process. Their team provides end-to-end support—helping you prepare the required documents, check your UAE visa status, liaise with relevant authorities, and ensure your visa is cancelled without delays or legal complications.
With professional guidance from Setupmate, you can avoid common issues, reduce stress, and complete your visa cancellation process confidently and efficiently.