One of the features that makes AUS admired throughout the region is its multicultural environment. Our student body comprises approximately 90 nationalities from around the world, making our campus a beautiful blend of different cultures, ethnicities and religions.

Visa and Equalization Services (VES) assists students with immigration and visa issues. If you have any questions, please contact VES@aus.edu. For  employee FAQs, click here.

FAQs for Students 
 

GENERAL

Who is a student visa for?

A student visa is for a university or a college student studying in the UAE who has been accepted for full-time study.

What is an Entry Permit?

The Entry Permit allows you to remain in the UAE for a period of 60 days to complete all the formalities required to get a Residence Visa.

If you decide to enter the UAE on a visit visa or a visa upon arrival (not recommended), you will have limited time (depending on the type of visa you applied for), to apply for the Residence Visa after you enter the UAE to modify your status from an Entry Permit holder to a Residence Visa holder.

What is the Residence Visa?

A Residence Visa is issued to a foreign national to allow the individual to reside legally in the UAE.  

Does AUS provide Residence Visas for its students?

Yes. AUS will assist accepted students in applying for a UAE student visa, if needed, as per UAE government rules and regulations.

How long does it take AUS to issue the Entry Permit?

Entry Permit issuance may take between one to eight weeks. Therefore, you must submit your Student Visa Request form as early as you can. Early submission of your visa application form allows AUS time to process and follow-up on your visa application with the Immigration Authority. Once the visa is issued, a scanned copy will be sent to the email address you provided on the Student Visa Request form.

Can I apply for a visa if my passport is valid for less than six months?

No. You need to make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months.

Can I send my required visa documents by email?

Yes, please email your documents to VES@aus.edu.

Is there a possibility that my visa will get rejected?

Your visa application will be reviewed and the decision will be made by the concerned UAE authorities. AUS is not responsible for any rejection from local authorities.

What is the term of validity of the student's Residence Visa?

Currently, a student visa is given for a duration of one year, renewable for a similar period depending on how many semesters the student has until graduation.

I am a local GCC citizen. Should I apply for an Entry Permit/Residence Visa in the UAE?

No, GCC citizens do not require an Entry Permit to enter the country or to be sponsored and have a Residence Visa in the UAE. Please show your GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into the UAE.

Once you reach the UAE, you have to get an Emirates ID card. Please visit any Tasheel office and have with you the following:

1. Unified number. Please send a copy of your GCC passport to VES@aus.edu, and we will provide you with your Unified Number.
2. University acceptance letter OR a proof that you reside on campus.

I want to apply for a visit visa. Will AUS be able provide a visit visa for students?

No, you have to arrange the visit visa request with a travel agency.

Can my family travel with me?

Yes. However, they would not be allowed to travel on your student visa and would require different visas for themselves.

Can I sponsor my parents?

No, students are not allowed to sponsor their parents.

Can I work on my student visa?

No, students are not allowed to work full-time or part-time on a student visa.

Students can complete their internship that is related to their study. However, they have to get a No Objection Letter from VES.

How can I apply for a No Objection Letter?

Send an email to VES@aus.edu with your request and include the following:

1. The purpose of the No Objection Letter (issuing driving license, internship, letter to consulates, etc.)
2. Copy of your passport and residency page.

I already have a Residence Visa. Am I required to apply for the student visa?

If you are resident in the UAE, then you are not obliged to change your sponsor unless you would like to.

What are the VES department’s working hours?

Our walk-in/pick-up hours are Sunday–Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until noon or by appointment. For appointments or questions, please email VES@aus.edu.

Visa and Equalization Services is located in office M-M19, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building.​

Before You Arrive in the UAE

How do I apply for an Entry Permit if I am an international, non-resident applicant who is not a GCC national?

If you are an international, non-resident applicant who is not a GCC national and have been accepted to full-time study in an AUS undergraduate or graduate program, the university is able to provide you with a sponsored Student Residence Visa, enabling you to study and reside in the UAE.

You must apply for the Student Residence Visa before arriving to the UAE. The first step towards obtaining the Student Residence Visa is to apply for the Entry Permit.

How do I apply for an Entry Permit?

Step1. Please fill out the Student Visa Request form.

Step 2. Prepare the required documents:

• a colored passport copyvalid for at least six months
• a recent passport-size photo, white background and without glasses
• your acceptance letter in Arabic (received from the Office of Enrollment Management)

Step 3. Please email the form along with the required documents to VES@aus.edu.

You may also send these items by courier to the following address:

American University of Sharjah
Visa and Equalization Services
Mezzanine Floor, Main Building, MM19
PO Box 26666
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Step 4. After we receive your documents, we will process your request and apply for the initial government approval of the Entry Permit.

Step 5. Once it is approved by the concerned UAE authorities, we will issue your Entry Permit and send it to you via the email address you have provided on the Student Visa Request form, in addition to your AUS student email.

You should use this permit to enter the UAE. The Entry Permit is valid for only 60 days from the date of issue. Once you have entered the UAE, your temporary visa will be valid only for 60 days from the date of entry.

Important Notes

• Please email your Student Visa Request form and the required documents as soon as you receive your admission package from the Office of Enrollment Management.
• Don’t book your flight to the UAE until you receive your Entry Permit.
• In order to process your Entry Permit, you must pay your Seat Reservation Deposit (for undergraduate students only).
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
• When entering the UAE, you must use the same passport that was used for your Entry Permit application.
• Students should not apply for other visas for the UAE while AUS is processing their Entry Permit.
• If you use the Entry Permit to enter the UAE and then you decide to exit the country before your Student Residence Visa is issued, you then must fill out the Residence Visa/Entry Permit Cancellation Request form and visit Visa and Equalization Services on the Mezzanine Floor of the Main Building, MM19.

After you arrive safely at AUS, you are kindly requested to apply for the Student Residence Visa.

I received a copy of my Student Entry Permit by email. What should I do?

Once your Student Entry Permit is ready, we will send you a copy of your document to the email you mentioned in the request form and to your AUS email.

You have to print a colored copy of your online visa and keep it with your passport.

When should I buy my flight ticket?

We recommend that you buy your flight ticket after your Entry Permit is ready. AUS will not be responsible if you buy your flight ticket and the visa is not ready by the date of your travel, as we cannot know in advance when the visa will be issued.

Is there any process I should follow at the airport?

Make sure your visa copy is inside your passport as the UAE Immigration officers will need to stamp your visa copy. Keep your passport and stamped visa in a safe place, as we will need to use them to complete the residency process. We recommend that you buy a UAE SIM card to have a local mobile number (having a local mobile number is mandatory to apply for the Emirates ID and complete your Residence Visa).

STUDENT VISA APPLICATION

Issuing New a Residence Visa

How do I apply for the Student Residence Visa for international students?

Step 1. Fill out the Request for Visa Services Payment Form.

Step 2. Pay the required fee at the Cashier’s Office and get the form stamped. Submit the stamped form, your original passport and your Entry Permit to Visa and Equalization Services, Office MM19, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building.

For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

How much will the student visa cost?

Student Type	Fees in AED (includes fee for medical test, Emirates ID, Residence Visa for 1 year; medical test not required for applicants under the age of 18)		Validity of the Student Visa
Undergraduate Students	If age below 18	420 (AED 250, one-year visa +AED 170, one-year Emirates ID)	1 year
	If age above 18	707 (AED 250, one-year visa +AED 170, one-year Emirates ID+ AED 287  medical test)
Graduate Students	707 (AED 250, one-year visa +AED 170, one-year Emirates ID + AED 287 medical test)		1 year

Students who enter the UAE on a Visit Visa will be required to pay an additional AED 650 Change of Status fees. Please see the Request for Visa Services Payment Form for more information.

If you decide to defer or withdraw your application, you should contact us as soon as possible at VES@aus.edu.

Visa Renewal

When should I renew my visa?

One month before your visa expiry date, you will receive an email from VES stating that your visa is about to expire. Please check your AUS email regularly.

How do I renew my Residence Visa?

Step 1. Fill out the Request for Visa Services Payment Form.

Step 2.  Prepare the required documents:

• original passport valid for at least six months
• recent passport-size photo with a white background and without glasses
• an enrollment letter in Arabic from the Office of the Registrar confirming your  expected date of graduation 
• your medical checkup results: Please visit the Sharjah Municipality Health Clinic, which is located here, or any government health clinic.
• Emirates ID Registration Form: to renew your Emirates ID, please use the online form here, or visit any Tasheel Office or any typing centers.

Step 3. Submit the Request for Visa Services Payment Form along with the required documents to Visa and Equalization Services, Office MM19, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building.

What are the fees for Residence Visa renewal?

One-Year Visa

AED 250

For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

Can I renew my visa while I am outside the UAE?

No, you have to be inside the country during the visa renewal process, as you will be required to complete a medical test in person and to have the visa stamped in your passport.

I have failed to renew my student visa on time. Will I get fined for this?

Yes. The exact amount of fines will be determined by the immigration department. AUS is not responsible for any fines due to the late action of a student.

How can I get the enrollment letter/graduation letter?

Please contact the Office of the Registrar by email at registration@aus.edu.

Where can I have the medical examination for residency and the EID form?

Please visit the Sharjah Municipality Health Clinic, which is located here. VES can help you to collect the result if you visit this clinic.

You also have the option to complete your medical examination for residence visa issues at any governmental medical center near you. If you choose this option, you will be responsible for collecting your results and submitting them to VES.

Please note that in the medical center, there is a typing center where you can go ahead and issue the Emirates ID form.

Documents required at the clinic:

• valid passport copy
• valid Entry Permit (only for first-time applicants; not for renewals)
• Change of Status proof (if applicable)
• 2 passport-size photographs with white background and without glasses
• valid Emirates ID copy (only for renewal of residence visa)​

Visa Transfer

Can I change my visa status/ transfer my visa to AUS?

Yes, you can change your status to an AUS student residence permit electronically with VES’ support, which makes it more convenient. You do not need to exit the UAE to change your visa status. 

How do I transfer my visa to AUS?

Step 1.  Fill out the Student Visa Request form.

Step 2. Prepare your required documents:

• a colored copy of your passport (passport must be valid for at least six months)
• recent passport-size photos (white background and without glasses)
• for new students: an acceptance letter in Arabic from the Office of Enrollment Management; for current students, an enrollment letter in Arabic from the Office of the Registrar that confirms your expected date of graduation
• a copy of your Emirates ID, both sides (if available)
• a copy of your Residence/Visit Visa
• a copy of home country ID (if applicable)

Step 3. Send the form along with the required documents to VES@aus.edu OR  submit the documents to Visa and Equalization Services, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building, Office MM19. After we receive your documents, we will process your request and apply for the initial government approval.

Step 4. Once it is approved by the concerned UAE authorities, we will notify you via your AUS student email and at this stage, you should cancel your current Residence Visa.

Note: Please DO NOT cancel your current visa unless VES inform you to do so.

Step 5. We will then ask you to hand in the following:

• your original passport
• your medical checkup results: Please visit the Sharjah Municipality Health Clinic, which is located here, or any government health clinic.
• your Emirates ID Registration Form: to renew your Emirates ID, please use the online form at https://www.ica.gov.ae/ or visit any Tasheel Office or any typing centers.

You will also need to pay the fee to transfer the visa and the fee for the residence visa. For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

What are the fees to transfer your visa to AUS?

The fee for transferring the visa is AED 650 and the fee for the Residence Visa is AED 250 for the one-year visa.

Please fill out the Request for Visa Services Payment Form.

For more information, please visit Visa and Equalization Services, Office MM19, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building or email to VES@aus.edu.

For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

How long does it take to transfer my visa to AUS?

Transferring your visa may take between one to eight weeks. Therefore, you must submit your Student Visa Request form as early as you can. Early submission of your visa application form allows AUS time to process and follow-up on your visa application and the change of status with the Immigration Authority. Once the change of status is issued, a scanned copy will be sent to the email address you provided on the Student Visa Request Form.

How can I transfer my Residence Visa from one passport to another?

Step 1. Fill out the Request for Visa Services Payment Form.

Step 2. Pay the transfer fees of AED 155 at the Cashier’s Office (Mezzanine Floor, Main Building).

Step 3. Submit the form along with the following documents to the Visa and Equalization Services, Mezzanine Floor, Main Building, Office MM19:

• old passport
• new passport
• recent passport-size photo (white background and without glasses)

For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

Visa Cancellation

In which cases I should cancel my student visa?

Students should cancel their visa if they are no longer studying at AUS. If you graduate or withdraw from your studies, you must cancel your visa.

I am a graduating student. When should I cancel my visa?

As per UAE regulations, AUS-sponsored students are required to cancel their Student Visa after graduation. Since AUS diplomas can take up to two months processing before they are ready to be collected by the student,  AUS keeps Student Visas active for 90 days from the date of graduation in order for students to collect their diploma and to explore other UAE visa options. Your Student Visa will be cancelled 90 days after graduation. Please email VES@aus.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

I am outside the UAE with a valid student visa. I don’t plan to return to UAE. Will my visa be automatically cancelled?

Your visa will be cancelled if you stay outside the UAE for more than six months. However, you still need to officially cancel your visa. Proper visa cancellation has to be undertaken in order to clear your name from the immigration system in case you plan to return to the UAE in the future.

I am inside the country with an expired student visa. Is my visa automatically cancelled?

No. You will still be required to officially cancel your visa.

How can I cancel my Residence Visa/Entry Permit?

Only the sponsor can cancel your Residence Visa. You cannot process the application on your own. You have to complete the cancellation form and send it to VES@aus.edu. Please follow the steps below:

Step 1.  Please fill out the Residence Visa/Entry Permit Cancellation Request form.

Step 2. Students must pay all pending fines/loans at the concerned UAE authorities before cancelling the Residence Visa/Entry Permit. This includes, but is not limited to, traffic fines, municipality fees and bank loans.

Step 3.  Send the Residence Visa/Entry Permit Cancellation Request Form along with the required documents listed below to Visa and Equalization Services at VES@aus.edu.

Important: In order for your request to be processed, you will need to provide the following documents to Visa and Equalization Services:

• a copy of your passport
• a copy of your Residence Visa/Entry Permit

For online payment, contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@aus.edu and send the payment confirmation by email to VES@aus.edu.

How long does it take to cancel my visa?

The cancellation process takes one to two working days. VES will then send you the cancellation proof to the email you provided in the cancellation form.

If I decide to leave the country permanently, should I cancel my Residence Visa/ Entry Permit?

Yes, your Residence Visa/Entry Permit must be cancelled officially. Proper visa cancellation has to be undertaken in order to clear your name from the immigration system in case you plan to return to the UAE in the future.

How to pay my visa-related fees if I am outside the UAE?

Please arrange for online payment by contacting Student Accounts on studentaccounts@aus.edu  and confirm you payment by sending a receipt to VES@aus.edu.

What is the Residency Hold and how can I remove it?

The Residency Hold is only for students who are under AUS sponsorship. This hold will be removed only when you cancel your visa.

The Residency Hold will not affect registration or graduation. It will only prevent you from collecting your original diploma later on when it is ready.