UAE has allowed students to reside for the purpose of studying, in accordance with a number of provisions clarified by the country’s digital government.
The digital government revealed that for a student’s residency in the Emirates, the guarantor must have one of his parents officially residing in the country, or with the guarantee of one of the accredited universities or colleges in which he studies in the Emirates, adding that outstanding students can obtain a golden residency visa for up to 10 years.
The government stated that the validity of the student visa extends for one year only, and it can be renewed for a similar period after submitting official proof of continuity of study, issued by one of the higher education institutions in the UAE where the student is studying.
The government also enabled foreign residents to sponsor their male children until they reach the age of 25 years, As for those over the age of 25 years, they can continue to reside with their relatives, but they are required to provide written proof of their acceptance into a higher education institution, for a period of no less than one year. For female students, parents can continue to provide them with a “student visa” regardless of age.
The government stated that to obtain a student visa, the applicant must bring a certificate issued by the university or educational institution specifying the duration of study, and any other requirements specified in the general provisions for the residence visa as follows:
• A recent colored personal photo with a white background of the sponsored person.
• A copy of the sponsored person’s passport.
• ID receipt.
• Housing lease contract (certified) or ownership of housing.
• A copy of the sponsor’s passport with a valid residence permit.
• job contract.
• Birth certificate for the sponsored person.
• A copy of the mother’s residence.
The government explained that foreign university students can bring their families to live with them in UAE as long as they have the financial capacity required for recruitment and the provision of appropriate housing, and this step reflects the state’s keenness on stability and moral support for students.
The government added that a golden residence visa can be issued to a number of categories, including brilliant students and high school students with a grade of no less than 95% in a public or private secondary school, He may obtain a residence visa for a period of five years without a guarantor, provided that he submits a letter of recommendation From the Ministry of Education, the residence permit may be renewed if the student is still registered in a university in the country and needs a period of study exceeding five years.
It also allowed successful UAE university students to obtain a residence visa for a period of 10 years without a guarantor, but on the condition:
• The university must be classified (A) or (B) according to the classification approved by the Ministry of Education.
• A letter of recommendation from the university or graduation certificate stating that the student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5 in A-rated universities or 3.8 in B-rated universities.
• Graduation must not have been more than two years old.