If your UAE visa is canceled, you must find out how many days pass remain before you can be considered overstaying. This period is known as the grace period. Understanding how to find out the grace period after visa cancellation may prove to be useful when deciding on what to do after the cancellation of the visa you were using, be it the process of deportation, application for visa renewal or the application of another type of permit.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about checking your grace period in the UAE. I will cover the methods available, step-by-step instructions, and details of the grace periods for different types of visas.
Methods to Check Grace Period
You can check the grace period after your visa cancellation through two primary methods in the UAE:
- Through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) website
- Through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) services
1. Through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) Services
The ICP is responsible for handling visa-related matters for Emirates other than Dubai including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and so on. The grace period can be viewed at an ICP service center.
Steps to Check Grace Period via ICP Services
- Locate an ICP website:
- Click on the ICP website.
- Prepare Necessary Documents:
- Bring the following documents with you:
- Passport
- Emirates ID (if you still have it)
- Request Grace Period Information:
- Approach the customer service counter.
- Ask the representative to check your grace period status.
- Receive Confirmation:
- The representative will verify the computer and advise you how many days are left in your grace period.
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2. Through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) Website
For the visas issued in Dubai, checking your grace period could not be easier, visit the GDRFA website. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps to Check Grace Period via the GDRFA Website
- Visit the GDRFA Website:
- Visit the official website of GDRFA for the emirate of visa issuance. For Dubai, visit https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae.
- Log In or Register:
- If you already have an account, log in with your credentials. If you’re a new user, you need to create an account.
- You register by filling in fundamental information such as email address, emirates ID if any, and passport information.
- Access Your Visa Status:
- After signing in, search the “Visa Status Inquiry” or “Visa Services” tab.
- Enter Required Details:
- You will be asked to enter your passport number, visa number, and other necessary information about yourself.
- Check Your Grace Period:
- Following this, your visa information will be shown as your remaining grace period if given one.
Grace Periods for UAE Visas
The grace period varies depending on the type of visa you hold. Let’s break down the grace periods for each visa type and the penalties for overstaying.
1. Visitor Visa
- Grace Period: None.
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
When you have a visitor visa and the visa has been canceled or has expired, you are expected to leave the country. It also does not allow for any grace period. Any delay in exiting the UAE for a person entails that he will be charged a fine of a day.
2. Investor Visa
- Grace Period: 6 months (180 days).
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
Immigrants holding an investor visa will be allowed up to 6 months from when their visa is canceled to stay in the country. It helps spare you some time for your investments, moving your wealth, or considering your visa renewal.
3. Green Visa
- Grace Period: 6 months (180 days).
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
Green visas allow for a 6-month stay without violating the visa terms. This grace period will allow professionals, independent contractors, and skilled workers plenty of time to find a new visa to come to the country or make the necessary arrangements to leave the country.
4. Golden Visa
- Grace Period: 180 days.
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
Golden visa holders also enjoy the extra 6 months that allow a lot of room for those with the golden visa to either renew their visa or seek a change in other plans.
5. Standard Work Visa
- Grace Period: 90 days.
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
If you are on a standard work visa and your employment contract ends, you have 90 days to find a new job, change your visa status, or leave the country.
6. Retired Visa
- Grace Period: 180 days.
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
They grant a retirement visa for five years which includes a 6 months free grace period for planning on subsequent steps like renewal of the permit or leaving the UAE.
7. Divorced Women and Widows
- Grace Period: 180 days + 1-year extension (upon approval).
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
Special provisions exist for women who are recently divorced or widowed. They can benefit from a grace period of 180 days, with the possibility of extending for up to one year.
8. Student Visas
- Grace Period: 180 days.
- Penalty for Overstay: AED 50 per day.
Explanation
After cancellation of their visa, students have the option to seek employment, apply for a new visa, or leave the country within six months.
Why Checking Your Grace Period is Important
Avoid Overstay Penalties
By knowing your grace period, you can avoid daily fines and legal consequences for overstaying. The penalties can quickly accumulate, making acting within your grace period essential.
Plan Your Next Steps
Knowing your grace period allows you to strategize effectively, whether you’re planning to leave the UAE, apply for a new job, or renew your visa.
Maintain Legal Status
Living in the UAE past your grace period without doing something about it may also harm your future residence there. It is also useful to monitor your visa status to avoid getting into trouble due to a violation of that particular visa type.
Tips for Managing Your Grace Period
- Check Your Visa Status Immediately:
After your visa cancellation, please use the method of either GDRFA or ICP to determine your grace period. - Set a Reminder:
When using the grace period, mark the date in your calendar and set reminders a week before to take any necessary actions. - Consult a PRO (Public Relations Officer):
In case you have any doubt about your grace period you should seek the assistance of a PRO or a lawyer. - Explore New Visa Options:
If you require to stay more in the United Arab Emirates, you can try too to apply for a visit visa, as well as a freelance permit, or any other visa type possible in UAE. - Keep Documents Ready:
Maintain your passport, Emirates ID, and cancellation papers within reach in a bag so you don’t waste time going back to pick them up when checking your grace period or applying for new permits.
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Final Words
It is very important for anyone wishing to live legally in the UAE and to avoid any unnecessary fines to learn how to check your grace period after visa cancellation. Regardless, of whether you want to spend some considerable time browsing the website of GDRFA or go through the ICP service center, being enlightened and responsive will always make a difference in handling the entire process without much fuss.
Do not wait for your lender to remind you to check your grace period, instead be proactive and be prepared to act as soon as you check it. This approach enables one to avoid violating the laws of the UAE and also safeguard future endeavors in this nation.
