Visa Requirements for Dubai

All students studying abroad in Dubai for a semester must apply for a one-year student visa.

You will work with and submit all required documents to RIT study abroad advisor Myles Chalue.

Before Starting the Visa Process

  1. Prior to applying for study abroad, check the expiration date on your passport. Visa approval requires that your passport be valid for a minimum of six months past the end date of your program. If necessary, you can apply to renew your passport through the local post office, or county clerk office.
  2. Complete your profile and application in the Compass. All students applying for study abroad in Dubai must fill out a profile and application on the Compass database. 
  3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport to the profile section of your Compass application.
  4. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive an email from the RIT Global office notifying you of next steps.

Type of Visa

Students applying for a study abroad program in Dubai will apply for a one-year student visa. Your study abroad advisor, Myles Chalue, will go over the visa application steps and required documents with you.

Required Documents

Students must submit:

  • Completed visa application
  • Digital passport-size photo, in .jpg format
  • Scanned copy of your passport, in .jpg format
  • Letter from your medical insurance company, confirming that you have coverage in the UAE, and/or GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries.

Costs

The visa application fee is included in the study abroad program fee. No extra out-of-pocket payment is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you meet with your study abroad advisor, you will receive information on how to apply for the Dubai visa. You will submit all paperwork to the RIT Education Abroad office, and your advisor will guide you through the process.

No, it is not required to have flights booked before RIT Dubai submits your visa application.

You will be asked to submit your visa paperwork upon approval of your study abroad application.

The processing time is approximately 15 working days.

You will receive your visa digitally via email prior to your departure. It is important that you print your visa (on a color printer if possible) and bring it with you, along with your passport, so that you are registered under the appropriate status when you arrive in Dubai.

You must turn in your Emirates ID card to the RIT Dubai Student Services Manager before leaving Dubai at the end of the semester. RIT Dubai needs your ID card to close out your visa. Failure to turn in your card will result in a charge of $685.00 USD added to your RIT eServices account.