What is visa status change?

A status change is the process to change a visitor or tourist visa into an employment visa or a residence visa. This process is followed when you obtain employment in the UAE while on a visit visa. You need a sponsor for a visa status change.

The status must be changed before the visit visa’s grace period expires. If there is a delay, the applicant will be required to pay AED 25 per day when submitting the status change application.

If you have an expiring tourist visa, you can extend it without leaving the United Arab Emirates. However, if your employment visa has been cancelled, you must apply for a new tourist visa.