Studying overseas is a fulfilling experience for many, and for the most part of it, there are moments of marvel. However, the process of applying and getting approval could turn pretty cumbersome. Visa application is known to be one such process. But it’s quite easy once you get the basics right. In the following blog let us go through information regarding visas, their types, and all the other things you need to know about Dubai Student Visa.
Your Passport to Global Travel
A visa, which in literal terms means, ‘the document having been seen’, is a permit given by a country that allows someone to go to that country. A visa is basically a document that is stamped on a person’s passport by an embassy. It names the kind of visit and says how long the person can stay.
Visas may be granted on arrival or by prior application at the country’s embassy or consulate, or sometimes through a specialized travel agency with permission from the issuing country in the country of departure.
Understanding Visa Types: Which One Do You Need?
Based on several factors, the top 5 types of Visas issued by the Indian Embassy are as follows:
- Transit and Tourist Visa: A Transit visa is issued to an individual who is transiting through India to another destination and is able to provide enough proof of such travel plans by way of valid tickets for an onward journey (via India).
- Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is issued to a foreigner who does not have a residence or occupation in India and whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visits to meet friends and relatives etc.
- Business Visa: A business visa is granted to a foreign national who wants to visit India to establish an industrial/business venture to explore possibilities to set up an industrial/business venture or purchase/sell industrial products in India. Certain eligibility factors need to be considered before applying for a Business Visa.
- Employment Visa: Employment visas are issued to skilled and qualified professionals or persons, who are engaged or appointed by companies, organizations and economic undertakings as technicians, technical experts, senior executives etc.
- Student Visa: A student visa is issued to an individual, whose sole objective is to pursue regular and full-time academic studies, and for no other purpose/activity. Such visas are issued for the duration of the course or for five years, whichever is less, to bona fide students to pursue regular studies at recognized institutions. Proof of financial support for the applicant’s stay along with other documents is to be submitted to obtain the same.
Similar to various types of Visas available in India, Dubai also issues several categories of visas. Getting a Dubai Visa is in fact one of the most hassle-free visa obtaining processes.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Student Visa to Study in Dubai
The up-and-coming trends in the education and job market list Dubai as one of the top destinations for studying abroad. For Indian students wanting to study in Dubai, a Student Visa is necessary. The qualifications and eligibility required to apply for a Dubai Student Visa include the following.
To apply for a Graduate Degree in Dubai the academic prerequisites are:
● 60% or 65% above score in your plus 2/intermediate depending on the University you are applying for.
● An English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL with the required passing criteria.
To apply for a Post-Graduate Degree in Dubai the academic prerequisites are.
● Completion of a graduate degree with at least 60% and above score from any recognized university.
● An English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL with the required passing criteria.
Student visas are specifically for college students pursuing their studies in Dubai. They are issued for one year at a time. If the student completes high school in the UAE, they have an additional 1 year visa.
The entire Visa application process can be categorized under three steps. The first is to fill out an online application form. The second is to submit documents and pay the Visa fees, and the third is to book an appointment and receive the Visa.
Before applying for the Visa, there are a few tasks to be done. They include:
- Finalizing a course and a University.
- Applying to the University for the selected course.
- Getting an acceptance or admission letter from the university.
These steps are essential as the University is the agency that handles the Visa process and provides the sponsorship. Most universities provide sponsorship to students only if they are enrolled for a full-time course, and not for a part-time course. Moreover, an acceptance letter is required to apply for a Visa.
The next step is to fill out the application form provided by the University and submit it to the student recruitment office. The application form includes:
- General demographic information about the student
- Visa type
- Passport details
- UAE address details
- Home country address details
- Emergency details
- Terms and Conditions
- Declaration
Along with the application form, the following documents are also required to be attached:
- A Passport with at least 6 months validity is the primary requirement.
- The passport must have two blank visa pages (one to endorse the visa and one for entry stamps)
- Coloured recent photographs with a white background
- Photocopies of passport.
- Passport copies with entry visa to the UAE, upon arrival.
- Acceptance letter/Proof of acceptance by a recognised university.
- A tenancy agreement.
- A copy of the tuition fee receipt for the current study year of the program.
- A copy of the visa fee receipt for the current study year of the program.
- An attested undergraduate degree completion certificate for postgraduation students.
- Proof of bank funds in Dubai along with medical insurance.
The following step is to pay the visa fees and receive the entry permit. With a few emails, and bookings you can finally fly overseas and arrive in Dubai where the Visa is stamped, and you receive the verified documents.
The last step is to book an appointment for a medical checkup. After this is cleared an appointment with the Visa department is scheduled to complete the biometrics and Visa confirmation. And that is all about applying to a Dubai student Visa!
The university might ask you to submit copies of the Visa for their record.
Do you want to study in Dubai? We Study Overseas Help experts offer guidance on the most prestigious universities and top-notch courses for higher studies in Dubai. Enquire now!
FAQ’s:
What is the Time Required for Processing of Visa?
The Dubai visa processing time for Indian students takes around 15 to 20 working days. The student visa will be processed once you have accepted your offer of admission, cleared all academic conditions and submitted all necessary financial documents. Certain factors like specific visa categories, the complexity of the case and the workload at Dubai immigration authorities etc. can increase the visa processing time. Sometimes, even an overall health check-up is advised. Hence, it is necessary to apply for a visa well in advance.
Student Visa Fees and renewal fees vary for a one-year visa depending upon the universities, colleges and institutions.
Visa Validity: What You Need to Know
If a student stays out of the UAE for longer than six months, their student residence visa becomes invalid. Usually, the sponsors report to the authority. Therefore, in conclusion, If Students are planning to study in Dubai, they simply have to contact their respective universities to apply for a student visa and each university has its criteria for the visa process, document requirements, and visa processing fees. One also needs to know that student residence visas are normally only valid for 1 year at a time, which can be renewed each year during the study program.
For more details, visit the official website of the UAE to apply for a Visa.