Applying for a Student Visa in Dubai

Fees Structure

If based outside of UAE when applying

If based within the UAE when applying

Visa charges are set by Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and may be subject to change.

Time allotment for Visa process

Please note this time frame is only approximate and Harrisburg University can in no way guarantee this time frame nor are we able to expedite the government process.

Visa and Emirates ID Application Process

Detailed below is the step-by-step guide on the visa process and Emirates ID formalities which must be completed after your arrival to UAE and will be arranged by HU Visa Office.

1. Entry permit
2. Arrival intimation
3. Medical test
4. Official visa stamping or Emirates residency visa with Emirates ID intimation
5. Emirates ID biometric appointment and ID card delivery
6. Medical insurance

Before traveling, it is advisable to check for any updated travel protocols that need to be followed before your arrival to the United Arab Emirates. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time and have all the necessary travel documents with you. 

1) Stamping your entry permit (If student is outside UAE)

When arriving at Dubai airport, you will be required to present the entry permit to the Dubai Airport Immigration Authorities who will stamp/seal your passport and Entry visa to confirm entry. We would advise printing a copy of the student entry permit before arriving at the airport for your own ease. 

Please note that this entry permit has a validity of 2 months. We recommend arriving in Dubai on or before the valid date as you will be subject to paying an additional fee to extend this date of entry. 

2) Arrival Intimation / Change Status

Within 3 days of arrival to Dubai, please visit the HU Visa Office where you will need to bring your original passport and Entry Stamped visa.  

If a student is inside the country with a canceled visa or Tourist visa, the university will process the change status for moving their residency visa sponsorship file to university sponsorship. 

3) Medical test

 After arrival or changing status, the UAE Government requires students to undergo medical test which will be arranged by the HU Visa Office. Medical testing includes a blood test and chest x-ray to ensure medical fitness. In the unlikely event that you are medically unfit, the University will be notified and arrangements made to return you immediately to your country of origin. The testing is conducted externally through Federal Agencies, and we will provide details of your appointment via your student email address. 

4) Official Visa stamping or Emirates residency

Following the medical test, your application will go for Emirates ID biometric intimation and visa stamping process in the immigration department. Please note that as per the recent immigration rule visa stamping on the passport has been completely stopped and only an E-residency visa is issued. 

5) Emirates ID Biometric Appointment and ID Card delivery

Emirates ID card is a mandatory identity card for all residents living in the UAE (subject to immigration approvals). The Emirates ID card appointment is subject to availability in the ICP immigration system. As this is an external federal agency, we are unable to guarantee the time frames for receiving the appointment date. Once the fingerprint process is completed, the student Emirates ID will be delivered to the University via courier. The student will be notified for collection.

6) University health insurance

Medical insurance is required for the visa process and is therefore mandatory for students studying in Dubai. You can opt to purchase medical insurance through the University. While Harrisburg University Dubai itself does not provide medical insurance coverage, the external insurance provider we are partnered with has gone through an extensive procurement process to ensure its competitive edge in market value. Alternatively, you can obtain your own insurance. Note that the level of coverage will need to be compliant with Dubai law. Students will also be required to submit proof of coverage to the University if purchasing independently.

As you will note, the time frames from arriving in Dubai to receiving your Emirates ID card can be lengthy and beyond our control. We recommend that you purchase your own travel health insurance for a maximum period of 3 months to ensure your personal health and safety during student visa processing.

Important Visa Notes

• Visa fees are beyond the control of the University and are subject to change. In case of an increase by the government authorities, the student will be liable to pay the additional visa charges.
• Any fines, penalties, additional charges incurred due to an error, delay, late submission, loss of documents, etc. by the student will be borne by the student.
• The student should not stay outside UAE for more than 180 days continuously after the visa is stamped in the passport.
• Breaking the laws of the United Arab Emirates could result in deportation, for which the University is not responsible, and the student must bear all costs incurred.
• During this visa process, you will be unable to travel. Please note, depending on UAE Government guidelines some countries may need to undergo additional security checks or be required to submit additional documents to the UAE government authorities. It is beyond the control of the University and can further delay the processing of applications.
• An international student visa is valid for a period of 12 months and renewable according to the duration of the program of study.