Understanding your UAE visa cancellation status is crucial for anyone planning to leave the country, change employers, or transition between visa types. Whether you’re an employee changing jobs, a visitor extending your stay, or a resident planning to relocate, knowing how to check your visa cancellation status helps you avoid fines, legal complications, and travel restrictions.
What is UAE Visa Cancellation?
UAE visa cancellation is the official process of terminating your current visa before it expires. This applies to employment visas, residence visas, and certain long-term visit visas. The cancellation process removes your legal status in the UAE and starts the countdown for your grace period to either obtain a new visa or leave the country.
The cancellation must be completed through official government channels, and tracking your cancellation status ensures you know exactly where you stand legally during this transition period.
Why Checking Your Visa Cancellation Status Matters
Failing to monitor your visa cancellation status can lead to serious consequences. Once your visa is cancelled, you typically have 30 days to either secure a new visa or exit the UAE. Overstaying beyond this grace period results in fines of AED 50 for each day of overstay.
Additionally, when you’re ready to leave the UAE after overstaying, you’ll need to pay an outpass fee of approximately AED 250 at the airport as an exit fee. These costs add up quickly, making it essential to track your cancellation status carefully and plan your exit or visa renewal accordingly.
For those changing employers, you need confirmation that your previous visa is fully cancelled before your new employer can process your new residence permit. Any delays or issues in the cancellation process can affect your employment start date and legal status.
Maintaining a clean visa record is essential for anyone planning to return to the UAE in the future. Overstaying or visa violations can result in entry bans ranging from six months to several years.
How to Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status Online
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) provides multiple channels to check your visa cancellation status quickly and conveniently.
Through the GDRFA Website
Visit the official GDRFA website for your emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates have separate portals). Navigate to the visa services section and select the option to check visa status. You’ll need to enter your passport number, nationality, and in some cases, your visa file number or application reference number.
The system displays whether your visa is active, under cancellation, or fully cancelled. If the cancellation is complete, you’ll see the cancellation date, which helps you calculate your remaining grace period.
Using the ICA Smart Services App
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) offers a mobile application that consolidates visa services across all emirates. Download the ICA UAE app from your smartphone’s app store and register using your Emirates ID or passport details.
Once logged in, access the visa inquiry section where you can view your current visa status, cancellation details, and any pending applications. The app also sends notifications about status changes, keeping you informed throughout the process.
Through Amer and Tas’heel Centers
If you prefer in-person verification or need official documentation of your cancellation status, visit any authorized Amer or Tas’heel service center. Bring your passport and Emirates ID, and the staff can print an official status report for a small fee.
This physical confirmation is particularly useful if you need proof of cancellation for your new employer or for immigration purposes when exiting the country.
Understanding Your Visa Cancellation Timeline
The visa cancellation process follows specific stages, and understanding each phase helps you plan accordingly.
Initial Cancellation Request
When your employer or sponsor initiates the cancellation, the request is submitted to the relevant immigration authority. This stage typically takes one to three business days to appear in the system. During this time, your visa status may show as “under process” or “cancellation initiated.”
Processing and Approval
Immigration authorities review the cancellation request to ensure all requirements are met, including clearance from relevant departments. For employment visas, this includes confirmation that you’ve settled any outstanding obligations with your employer. This processing stage usually takes three to five business days.
Final Cancellation Confirmation
Once approved, your visa status changes to “cancelled” with the official cancellation date recorded. This date marks the beginning of your grace period. The system updates typically within 24 hours of approval, though you should verify across all platforms to ensure consistency.
Common Issues When Checking Cancellation Status
Several technical and procedural issues can complicate status checking. If your passport number doesn’t return any results, verify that you’re entering the details exactly as they appear on your passport, including any letters or special characters.
Sometimes there’s a delay between when the cancellation is physically processed and when it reflects in the online system. If you know the cancellation was submitted but don’t see it online after 48 hours, contact the immigration department that processed your visa.
Different emirates have separate systems, so if you had a Dubai visa but check the Abu Dhabi portal, you won’t find your records. Always use the portal corresponding to the emirate that issued your visa.
What to Do After Confirming Cancellation
Once you’ve confirmed your visa is cancelled, take immediate action to protect your legal status. Calculate your grace period end date by adding 30 days to your cancellation date. Mark this deadline clearly and plan your next steps before it expires.
If you’re remaining in the UAE, coordinate with your new sponsor or employer to begin the new visa application immediately. The faster you initiate the new visa process, the more buffer time you have in case of unexpected delays.
For those leaving the UAE, book your exit travel well before the grace period ends. Consider leaving a few days early to avoid the AED 50 per day overstay fines and the AED 250 outpass fee at the airport. Ensure all your exit documents are in order, including any clearance letters required by your former employer.
Understanding Overstay Penalties and Exit Fees
If circumstances prevent you from leaving within your grace period, understanding the cost implications helps you budget accordingly. The UAE charges AED 50 for each day you overstay beyond your grace period, starting from day 31 after your visa cancellation.
When you’re ready to depart, you’ll need to settle all overstay fines at the airport immigration counter. In addition to the daily overstay penalties, you must pay an outpass fee of approximately AED 250 as an exit fee. This outpass allows you to leave the country despite having overstayed your legal status.
These fees are non-negotiable and must be paid before you can board your flight. Payment is typically accepted in cash (AED) or by card at the airport immigration office. To avoid complications during departure, arrive at the airport with extra time to process these payments if you’ve overstayed.
Transitioning Between Visas in the UAE
Many people need to cancel one visa type to obtain another without leaving the country. The change of status process allows you to transition from a visit visa to an employment visa, or from one employer’s sponsorship to another, while remaining in the UAE.
Your new sponsor must begin the visa application process while you’re still within your grace period. They’ll need confirmation of your previous visa cancellation as part of the application package. Coordination between you, your old sponsor, and your new sponsor is essential to prevent any gaps in legal status.
If timing is tight, consider applying for a short-term visit visa as a bridge between your cancelled visa and your new residence permit. This costs between AED 400 and AED 600 depending on the validity period, but provides legal coverage while your new visa processes, helping you avoid overstay penalties.
FAQs for UAE Visa Cancellation Status
How can I check my visa cancellation status?
You can check your visa cancellation status through the UAE ICP website or GDRFA Dubai portal by entering your passport details or file number. If cancelled, the system will show the cancellation date.
How to get visa cancellation paper online in the UAE?
Your employer, sponsor, or typing center can download the official visa cancellation letter from the ICP system (for all emirates except Dubai) or GDRFA system (for Dubai). You can request the PDF copy from them once cancellation is completed.
How to check UAE visa cancellation status with passport number?
Visit the ICP Smart Services website → Select “File Validity” → Enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth → Submit.
If your visa is cancelled, the result will show Cancellation date and last date to exit the UAE.
How do I know if my visa is canceled?
You will know through:
An SMS or email notification (for residency visas).
Checking your status online at ICP or GDRFA.
The cancellation letter provided by your sponsor.
What happens if a UAE visa is cancelled?
Once your visa is cancelled, you are given a grace period to either exit the UAE, change status, or apply for a new visa. Your residency benefits tied to the visa (Emirates ID, insurance, etc.) also stop.
Is my Emirates ID valid after visa cancellation?
No. The Emirates ID automatically becomes invalid after your residence visa is cancelled. You must return it to your employer or typing center if requested.
What happens after a visa is cancelled?
You must take action within the allowed grace period—either leave the UAE, apply for a visit visa, or change your status to a new sponsor. Staying beyond the grace period leads to overstay fines.
What happens if a UAE visa is not cancelled?
If the visa is not cancelled, you cannot apply for a new residency visa or change status. Your previous sponsor remains legally responsible for you. You may also face delays or issues with new visa applications.
Do I need to submit my passport for visa cancellation?
For most cases today, you do not need to submit your passport because cancellation is done electronically. However, for certain categories, the sponsor may still request the passport to check visa details.
Can I reapply for a visa after cancellation?
Yes. You can apply for a new residency visa or visit visa immediately after cancellation, as long as you remain within the grace period.
What are the new rules after a cancelled visa in the UAE?
Rules can vary, but generally:
You receive a grace period after cancellation.
You can stay legally during the grace period without fines.
You can switch to a visit visa or another residency visa.
How much is the fine after visa cancellation in the UAE?
If you stay beyond your grace period, the overstay fines are typically:
50 AED per day (may vary depending on visa type and emirate).
What are my rights after visa cancellation in the UAE?
You have the right to:
Stay legally during the grace period.
File a complaint if unfairly treated by a sponsor (for work visas).
Obtain your cancellation paper.
Apply for a new visa or leave the country without penalties (within grace period).
Can I get a visit visa after cancellation?
Yes, you can get a UAE visit visa after your residence visa is cancelled, as long as you apply within your grace period. You will need to exit the UAE and return using either an Airport Visa Change or Visa Change by Bus service.
How many days grace period after visa cancellation?
Most cancelled residence visas in the UAE provide a 30-90 day grace period.
(Your exact grace period may vary depending on visa type and individual case.)
How White Sky Travel Can Help
Navigating visa cancellations and status checks can be confusing, especially when you’re managing job transitions or travel plans simultaneously. White Sky Travel provides comprehensive support for all UAE visa matters, including cancellation verification and status tracking.
Our team helps you understand your current visa status, calculates your grace period, and advises on the best course of action based on your specific situation. Whether you need to secure a new tourist visa, arrange urgent travel, or coordinate with a new employer’s visa application, we guide you through every step.
We also assist with visa change services if you’re transitioning between visa types, ensuring all documentation is correct and submitted on time. Our experience with GDRFA and ICA processes means we can often anticipate potential issues before they arise and help you resolve them quickly.
All our services are available with flexible payment options through Tabby and Tamara, making it easier to manage unexpected visa expenses during your transition period.
Contact White Sky Travel for Visa Assistance
If you need help checking your UAE visa cancellation status or require assistance with visa transitions, our team at White Sky Travel is here to support you.
Visit us at:
Room 202, Royal Class Building, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai
Contact us on WhatsApp:
+971 4220 2133
+971 52 292 1011
Don’t let visa status uncertainty create unnecessary stress or legal complications. Reach out to White Sky Travel today for expert guidance on your UAE visa cancellation and all your travel service needs.
