Grade 12 students, fresh graduates can stay for two more years

Students dependent on their parents after Grade 12 and those who have finished their university studies can soon be granted a oneyear extension of their residence visa twice, according to the new visa reforms to be implemented starting next week.

Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting directorgeneral of foreigners affairs and ports at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, explained that the UAE Cabinet decision grants a one-year residency visa extension that can be renewed for an additional year, for dependent students after Grade 12 or those above 18 and for students who have completed the university studies.

“The dependent students will be granted residence visa for one year which can be renewed for an additional year, starting from the date of graduating from the university or after obtaining the high school certificate,” said Al Rashidi.

“Students applying for this visa should submit their attested academic certificates for high school or university and other supporting documents that show that they have studied in the UAE or have obtained education certificates outside the country.”

A financial guarantee of Dh5,000, which is deposited by the parent for obtaining the residence visa of the child above 18 will be required for the extension of the student’s visa and will be refunded after they change their visa status.