Ready to leave the UAE or switch jobs?
You’ll need to cancel your visa first.
In 2023, the GDRFA processed over 50,000 visa cancellations, and the good news? You can check your UAE visa cancellation status online in just minutes.
This guide will show you exactly how to cancel your visa, track the status, and avoid any last-minute surprises. Whether you’re using the GDRFA app for Dubai or the ICP service for other emirates, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll break down the costs, steps, and even the grace periods you need to know.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Simple steps to cancel your visa hassle-free
- The exact costs (starting at just AED 50)
- Easy ways to check your visa cancellation status online
- How long the process takes and what to expect next
It’s quick. It’s easy. Let’s dive in and make sure your visa cancellation is smooth and stress-free!
Learn About UAE Visa Cancellation
If you intend to depart the UAE permanently, you must formally terminate your Golden Visa residency scheme or standard residency visa. The visa cancellation process in the UAE is straightforward, with your sponsor handling the majority of the work.
To avoid delays, it’s crucial to settle any obligations like selling your car, ending your lease, and paying utility bills. This ensures a smooth visa cancellation process, whether you hold a freelance visa or any other type.
You might wonder when to request your sponsor to cancel your visa. If you plan to leave the UAE immediately, you must start the visa cancellation process as soon as your departure plans are finalized.
However, if you are only temporarily leaving the UAE or planning to switch jobs, there is no need to cancel your visa. In such cases, your residency remains active, and you can check UAE visa cancellation status online by passport number later, if required.
Remember, since your sponsor initially submitted the UAE Visa application, they should also process the visa cancellation. You may also need to send them a contract non-renewal letter for job-related visas, allowing them to cancel both your employment and visa agreement.
Visa Cancellation Requirements in the UAE
The visa cancellation process is simple as long as you’re not restricted by any regulations. Visa holders must clear all obligations, including ending employment contracts, to speed up the process.
Expats themselves cannot request the cancellation of their own visa. Only sponsors have the authority to revoke a visa, and they are not permitted to delay the visa cancellation. However, foreign nationals with a Golden Visa or Investor Visa can independently request visa cancellation.
Prior to canceling the working visa with the MOHRE, a company would have to pay the outstanding salary, leave wage entitlements, gratuity, and offer an air ticket.
After the visa is canceled, it’s vital to check your UAE visa cancellation status online to confirm completion. Use the GDRFA website or ICP service, depending on your emirate.
Documents Required for Visa Cancellation
To apply for residency visa cancellation, you’ll need:
- Emirates ID and passport
- Copies of the sponsor’s passport
- Declaration that all financial obligations have been cleared
- Copy of the entrance permit
- For partner or investor visa cancellation, the trade license must be either reassigned or canceled
- In the event of death, a death certificate from within the country is required
- If the death occurred abroad, an international death certificate authorized by the relevant authorities is necessary
Once the process is complete, you can check your visa cancellation status online. Use the GDRFA for Dubai or the ICP service for other Emirates to confirm the process is complete.
How to Cancel Your Visa in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide
If your sponsor is a business, the first step is to submit an application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for the termination of your labor card and contract. You must sign this application before submission to confirm that you’ve agreed to the cancellation and have received your dues.
Your employer must also revoke your work permit. This cannot be done without a letter signed by you, confirming that you’ve received all final settlements, including gratuities, repatriation costs, and any other benefits outlined in your employment contract.
If you’re wondering how to check visa cancellation status in UAE or complete the cancellation process, here are the updated steps:
- Through the ICP App or Website:
Step 1 – Download the ICP SmartApp or visit the official ICP website.
Step 2 – Search for the visa cancellation service in the services section.
Step 3 – Fill out the cancellation application with all required information.
Step 4 – Pay the necessary service fee online.
Step 5 – Submit the application for processing.
- Through the GDRFA App or Website:
Step 1 – Download the GDRFA-Dubai App or visit the GDRFA website.
Step 2 – Create a unique user profile to access the services.
Step 3 – Select the visa cancellation service from the available options.
Step 4 – Attach all necessary documents (passport, Emirates ID, etc.).
Step 5 – Pay the service fee online.
Step 6 – Submit the request for approval.
- Through AMER Centers:
Step 1 – Visit one of the AMER service centers in Dubai.
Step 2 – Request the visa cancellation service at the front desk.
Step 3 – Provide the necessary documents (passport, Emirates ID).
Step 4 – Pay the service fee at the center.
Step 5 – Submit your cancellation request.
- Through Typing Centers:
Step 1 – Go to a nearby typing center.
Step 2 – Take a ticket and wait for your turn.
Step 3 – Submit all required documents (passport, Emirates ID) to the staff.
Step 4 – Pay the service fee and complete the application.
Costs Involved in UAE Visa Cancellation
When completing the visa cancellation process, it’s important to be aware of the associated fees. The basic cancellation fee is AED 50. If the sponsored individual is inside the UAE, additional charges apply:
- Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
- Innovation Dirham: AED 10
These fees are applicable when using the GDRFA portal (for Dubai) or the ICP portal (for other emirates). Make sure to verify the exact fees on the respective portal before proceeding with the cancellation.
How Long Does It Take for a UAE Visa Cancellation to Be Finalized?
The cancellation of a UAE visa typically takes no less than 48 hours. Applicants have up to one month to provide all necessary documents to the authorities. If any documents are missing, the application will not be processed.
Once all documents, including the application form, are submitted, the applicant will receive an approval notification if the request is satisfactory. The authorities will also send a formal letter via email confirming the Dubai visa cancellation status.
Know How to Check Visa Cancellation Status
Many people ask, “How can I check my visa cancellation status in UAE?” or “How to check if my visa is cancelled?” Here’s a guide on how to check UAE visa cancellation status online:
For expats who have already left the country without formally canceling their visas, this visa status check will be helpful. If the visa has been revoked, it will be indicated in the visa cancellation status.
You will need your passport number and its expiration date to check the visa cancellation status in the UAE. Follow these steps:
- Visit the ICP website.
- Select the tab for passport data.
- Choose the visa or residence option.
- Enter your passport details and expiration date, then select your nationality.
- Click Search.
You will see all the relevant visa information, including the expiration date and status. This is how to check UAE visa cancellation status online.
Automatic Cancellation of the UAE Visa
The UAE automatically invalidates residency visas if expats leave the country and do not return within six months.
However, if you leave the country without formally canceling your visa, this could result in a UAE travel ban in the future. The UAE will not permit expats to re-enter until their expired visas are officially canceled. To avoid this, expats must contact their previous sponsors to assist in the revocation of their visas. This makes it crucial to check your visa cancellation status regularly
Grace Periods for Visa Cancellation in the UAE
After visa cancellation, expats must leave or apply for a new visa within the specified grace period:
- 180 days: Golden Visa holders, widows, students, and skilled professionals.
- 90 days: Skilled professionals (third level) and property visa holders.
- 60 days: Common residency holders.
- 30 days: All other categories.
Connect Resources: The Best Visa Service Provider in the Region
We understand that the visa cancellation process can be complex. That’s why we offer visa cancellation services as part of our comprehensive visa solutions for companies and employers. With our help, you can swiftly cancel employee visas, ensuring a smooth departure to their home countries.
Now that you know how to check visa cancellation status in UAE, visit our Insights Section to explore other important topics.
