Dubai: Even if you have studied overseas, and don’t have a UAE-based degree, you may be able to apply for a Golden Visa, as an international student.
The visa is available to graduates from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, as long as they meet specific requirements set out by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). These requirements relate to the university’s global ranking, the student’s academic performance, and when they graduated.
Here’s everything you need to know about Golden Visa rules for international graduates.
Which international graduates are eligible for a Golden Visa?
Not everyone who has studied or graduated from a university abroad qualifies for a Golden Visa in the UAE. You can check if you are eligible through the ICP’s ‘Check Your Eligibility’ tool, to see if you qualify.
The ICP also outlines the following eligibility criteria for graduates of international universities:
The university from which the applicant graduated must be ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, according to the international ranking recognised by the Ministry of Education.
The applicant must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, or its equivalent, for their bachelor’s degree.
No more than two years must have elapsed since the applicant’s graduation date at the time of application.
The academic qualification must be attested by the Ministry of Education.
How can students or graduates check if their university is on the approved list?
It’s important not to assume your university is among the global top 100 listed by the authorities – there’s a quick way to find out.
Applicants can check if their university is among approved institutions, on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. Visit www.mofa.gov.ae/en/top-universities. You can also check this information via the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO), at adro.gov.ae/-/media/Project/Expat-Bureau/International-Universities.pdf.
How can students or graduates apply for the Golden Visa?
Before applying for a Golden Visa, the applicant must first submit a Golden Visa nomination request. This can be done through the General Directorate of Residency or Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) if you are based in Dubai, or via the ICP if you are in other emirates. Follow the nomination steps here.
A nomination means that the government body has checked your credentials and has decided you are eligible for the category. Only once your nomination is approved can you proceed with other steps and complete your Golden Visa application. Learn how to apply for a Golden Visa here.
What do international graduates need to know about the UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa provides eligible top-performing students and graduates a 10-year visa without the need for a local sponsor.
Under the Golden Visa, university graduates are permitted to sponsor family members, including their spouse and children, upon proof of an employment contract, a steady monthly income and housing, in accordance with the regulations that govern family sponsorship.
However, according to the ICP, unlike most other Golden Visa categories, the residency permit for students cannot be renewed after expiration.
If the student or graduate wishes to remain in the UAE after their Golden Visa expires, they must apply for a new residency status under a different eligible category, such as an employment visa, investor visa, freelance work visa, Golden Visa – Content Creator category and so on, depending on their specific profession or situation. Learn about all the benefits of a UAE Golden Visa here.
