Researching about the UK visa requirements for UAE residents? This guide will provide you with detailed information on its application process, required documents, and eligibility criteria.
Read on to learn how to ensure a complete and successful application process.
UK Visas Available for UAE Residents
Before diving into the specific requirements for UAE residents, it’s important to define who are considered UAE residents & what the different types of UK visas available are for them.
Residents of the United Arab Emirates are individuals who possess an iqama or residency permit which allows them to work and live in the country.
These include foreign expatriates and their dependents who are based in the UAE to study or work.
If you are a UAE resident, these are the UK visit visa options available to you:
- Standard Visitor Visa: The standard visitor visa allows you to perform leisure activities, visit family and friends in the UK, engage in business activities, or go on short-term studies.
- Work Visa: If you plan on working in the UK, you will need to apply for a work visa. There are different types of work visas depending on your job, duration of stay, and employer sponsorship in the UK.
- Student Visa: For those planning on studying in the UK, you’ll need a Student Visa (formerly referred to as the Tier 4 Visa). This visa allows you to study at educational institutions in the UK.
- Family Visa: If you are reuniting with a family member who is a UK resident, you will need to apply for a Family Visa.
- Transit Visa: If you are passing through the UK on your way to another country, you may need a Transit Visa.
UK Visa Eligibility
Let’s go through the general requirements for UK visit visas, as well as those specific to particular visa types. The following is a list of essential documents:
General requirements:
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid throughout your stay in the UK and should have at least one blank page.
- Financial stability: Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially during your stay with documents such as bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letters.
- Intent to return: Show that you plan to return to Dubai after you visit the UK with documents such as an onward ticket to your next destination.
- Completed visa application form: Fill out the UK visa application form with accurate information.
- Passport-sized photographs: Printed photos must measure 45 mm high by 35 mm wide and must not be a cut-down version of a larger photo. Digital photos, meanwhile, must be at least 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels tall. For both options, have a neutral expression on and use a plain, light-colored background.
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings, accommodation details, and travel plans. Note that there may be cases when you will need to translate some documents into English.
Specific Criteria for Different Visa Types
The following documents are required for a UK visa application depending on the type of visa:
- Tourist visa: Proof of your travel plans, accommodation details, and sufficient funds
- Student visa: Confirmation of your Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK educational institution, proof of sufficient funds, your academic transcripts, proof of sufficient funds, and English language proficiency.
- Family visa: Proof of your relationship to the UK resident, financial support, and accommodation arrangements
- Transit visa: Proof you are allowed to enter the country of your next destination and proof of your onward journey
How to apply
Follow these steps to apply for a UK visa from the UAE:
- Online Application: Visit the official UK government website and navigate to the UK visa application page. Specify the country where you will be providing your biometrics. You can choose whether to locate the nearest UK visa application center (VAC or an alternate location.
- Booking an Appointment: There are eight UK VACs in the UAE. Book an appointment at the UK VAC near you through the gov.uk website. Select a date and time. Note that each VAC may have different submission and passport collection hours.
- Preparing for the Appointment: Make sure you have all necessary documents, such as your passport, the application form, your passport photographs, and proof of your financial capacity.
- Attending the Appointment: Submit your documents to the visa officer, and provide your fingerprints and passport-sized photographs for the biometric data collection
- Visa application fees and payment: There are two fees: visa application fee and service fees. The visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa, while the service fees are additional charges for services. You can pay for most UK visas electronically. Some VACs, meanwhile, allow payment during your appointment.
- Post-Appointment: Once you complete the procedure at the VAC, it’s time to await the decision. Processing times can vary, so be patient while waiting for a decision.
Meanwhile, non-UAE residents obtaining a UK ETA can visit the EVS platform. It’s a digital one-stop shop that simplifies the ETA application process so they can focus on preparing for their journey instead of going through complex visa processes.
To get started, click the button below.
Apply NowTracking Your UK Visa Application
Once you submit your application, you can keep track of its status. Use the tracking number at the Visa Application Center to check your application status online.
If you encounter delays with the processing of your UK visa, contact the Visa Application Center. Reach out for if you experience delays with your application beyond the estimated processing time. Note that there are cases when ETA authorities will request additional documents or information.
Decision and Collection
Once ETA authorities decide on your application, you’ll receive an e-mail or SMS notification. A decision letter will outline the outcome of your application.
You can then collect your passport from the Visa Application Center or arrange for its delivery to your doorstep.
Once you receive your passport, check the visa details and verify that these are correct.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Accuracy is crucial to ensure a successful UK visa application. For a smooth application process, be aware of common mistakes such as incomplete forms, incorrect documentation, and missed appointments.
To avoid such mistakes, make sure to double-check your information and ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Gather all documents well in advance and arrive on time for your appointment.
For the most up-to-date processing times and requirements, check the UK government website. If you have complex questions or require additional assistance, consult the nearest UK VAC or the British embassy in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the UK visa application process for UAE residents:
How much bank balance is required for a UK visa?
The UK government has not indicated the amount applicants must have to be granted a visa.
However, the rule of thumb is that your funds must be sufficient to cover your daily expenses throughout your stay in the UK.
Does the UK embassy verify your bank balance?
Part of the requirements of applying for a UK visa is proving you have sufficient funds to cover your daily expenses throughout your stay in the country.
Should the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) be unable to confirm that your presented financial evidence (in the form of bank statements or pay slips) is authentic, they may decline your application.
Is there any interview included for a UK visa?
Certain UK visas may require an interview, such as the student visa or the UK spouse visa. Students applying for a student visa typically go through a credibility interview to share why they’d like to study in the United Kingdom, while spouses may be asked to prove their relationship and the authenticity of their application.
Can UAE residents expedite their UK visa application?
Yes, UAE residents may wish to opt for priority services or super-priority services to expedite their application. Priority service aims to process their visa within 5 working days, while super-priority service can process it within 24 hours.
What should I do if my UK visa application is rejected?
If ETA authorities reject your application, then you will receive an e-mail or SMS discussing the reasons. You can appeal the decision or re-apply with additional information.
