UAE Job Seeker vs Visitors Visa – Which One Should You Choose?

What is a UAE Tourist Visa Extension?

A Tourist is able to renew and extend the existing Visa Period before the expiry date. The 30 Days and 60 Days Tourist Visas can be extended for 30 Days for 2 times. The extension fee is 850 AED. 

Who Can Apply for a Visa Extension?

The Tourists those who wish to extend their stay because of unavoidable and personal reasons can apply for visa extensions. The professionals those who are seeking for jobs in the UAE can also apply for the visa extensions. 

Duration Options (30 Day / 60 Day Extension)

Both the 30 and 60 Days Visas can be extended for 30 Days twice. You have to reapply at least 3 or 5 days before the expiry date for the extension to be valid. You have to make sure not to pass the expiry date and if so a daily fine of 50 AED has to be paid. 

When Will Extending a Tourist Visa Makes Sense?

Extending the Tourist Visa will make sense during unavoidable consequences such of delays in the flights, the closure of airspace and medical emergencies.  
 

Purpose of the UAE Job Seeker Visa

UAE is a global hub for employment and job opportunities. The UAE Job Seeker Visas are designed for qualified and skilled professionals those who wish to visit UAE and find employment. 

Who is Eligible for the Visa?

UAE Job Seeker Visa is mainly available for skilled immigrants and professionals those who are at Level 1, 2 or 3 of the standards issued by The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

The individuals with the minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and for the fresh graduates from the top universities worldwide can apply for Job Seeker Visa as well. 

Validity Options (60, 90, or 120 Days Depending on Policy Updates)

The UAE Job Seeker Visa is granted for the periods of 60, 90 and 120 Days. The Visa appliers must stay updated regarding the updates. 

Key Benefits of a Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa allows the individual to look for employment opportunities without needing a sponsor. 

It allows the visa holders to attend the interviews, job conferences and network without restrictions. 

The individuals can easily convert the Job Seeker Visa to a Work Permit once they are hired. 
 

Purpose of the Visa

The Purpose of Tourist Visa should be only for travel, leisure purposes and visiting the family, relatives or friends. The purpose of Job Seeker Visa should be only for seeking employment. 

It is a must to understand the differences between UAE job seeker vs Tourist Visa before you apply and apply in line with the rules.  

Eligibility Requirements

You should be a skilled professional or a fresh graduate from a top university to apply for Job Seeker Visa. Being a citizen of your home country without committing felonies is the requirement for Visitor Visa. 

Duration of Stay

The Tourists Visas are usually granted for the periods of 30 and 60 Days. The Job Seeker Visas do grant the periods of 60, 90 and 120 Days. 

Application Process

The main authorities who are responsible for issuing the Visas are The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency & The Foreigners Affairs in each emirate (GDRFA). 

You can receive the services through reputed travel agencies such as Arabiers Tours UAE on https://www.arabiers.com/uae-tourist-visa-extension.

Cost Comparison

The Job Seeker Visas for the 60 to 120 Days are starting from the price range of 200 to 400 AED.  The Tourist Visas for the 30 to 60 Days usually start from 500 AED onwards with the additional fees for the applications and other services. 

Sponsorship 

Sponsorship is not required for Job Seeker Visa and Tourist Extension Visa. 
 

You should opt for a Visitor Visa Extension only if it is required. You can complete your travel itineraries with extra places to visit. 

You can visit your family and attend urgent family emergencies. 

You can attend business conferences which were planned after you have booked your visa. You can be a part of the short projects by extending your visa. 

Emergencies might occur in the airspace because of unexpected weather conditions and political unrest. You will have to wait for the rescheduled flight and it is wise to extend the visa during those conditions. 
 

The Job Seeker Visa is a better option if you are seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. 

You can actively search for opportunities with the Visa while in the UAE. You can attend the interviews and career fairs which will give access to the organizations and professionals of the industries. 

You can explore a diverse range of careers when you visit UAE through the Job Seeker Visa. You will be opened to a world of new opportunities in UAE through this Visa. 

This will be good option for you if you are actively seeking to upgrade your career in the UAE as well. 

You should fulfill the following conditions to be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa in the UAE. You should have a passport which will not expire at least for the period of the next 6 months. 

You should at least hold a Bachelor’s Degree from one of the Top 500 universities in the world.

You should be able to provide the financial proof. It is advised to provide a security deposit around 1000 to 1500 AED which is refundable. You will be requested to show the return tickets in some instances. 

You are supposed to show proof that you are in a stable health condition with the medical reports and the fact that you have health insurance if any emergencies occur. 
 

Below is the Step-by-step guide to apply for a Tourist Visa Extension in the UAE

Check Visa Validity

You should use The ICP or The GDRFA online portals to check the expiry dates of your visa. 

Prepare Required Documents

You should keep the digital scans of the following documents ready when applying for Visa Extensions in the UAE online.

• The Passport copy which is valid for at least 6 months
• The copy of the Current visa 
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of accommodation or the hotel booking 
• The copy of the return ticket if required 
 
Apply Through an Approved Agency or Online Portal

You should use The ICA or GDRFA Online Portals to apply for the extensions. You can get the assistance of an approved travel agency to submit your request as well. You can check the Guide to UAE Tourist Visa Extensions for the valid sources. 
 
Pay Extension Fees

You should pay the government’s extension fee of 600 to 650 AED using the appropriate methods. There might be administrative chargers as well.  

Debit and credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express) and digital wallet such as Google and Apple Pay, Online Banking (Use the secure government approved gateways) and other methods (Paypal, Union Pay, JCB) are used as the modes of payment.

Receive Updated Visa

You will receive the updated visa via email or through the travel agency within 3 to 5 business days. Please be noted that the processing time might exclude Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. 
 

• You should avoid making mistakes in the Visa process as travellers or Job Seekers. You should always aim for the right category of Visa according to your requirement. 
• It is a must to understand the differences between UAE job seeker vs Tourist Visa before you apply. Failing to do so might be considered as an offence and there might be times where your visa will be rejected. 
• You should take proactive measures if you are supposed to extend your Tourist Visa. You should always track the arrival and departure dates of your visa and arrange your itinerary wisely with those dates. 
• You should not confuse the Visa Extension and the Visa Change. The Visa Extension allows you to stay longer with the extension in the same visa category. The Visa change allows you to change your visa category to another type such as Job Seeker Visa to Work Visa. 
• You should book the flights with reputed airlines who would give you the options of the flexible flights. You should always keep the digital copies of the legal documents in an easily accessible location in your devices. 
• You should always stay in touch with your visa sponsor or the travel agency during your tour. 
• You should not ignore the fines which occur if you have to overstay. You should settle the fines on time not to get blacklisted. 
   

The Purpose of Tourist Visa should be only for travel, leisure purposes and visiting the family, relatives or friends. The purpose of Job Seeker Visa should be only for seeking employment. 

It is a must to understand the differences between UAE job seeker vs Tourist Visa before you apply. You should always apply for the right category of Visa according to your requirement. You should seek professional advice from the reliable parties if you are not clear about how to do so. 

You should also take proactive measures and be aware of the solutions before embarking on the tours. You can travel at ease avoiding inconveniences if you follow all of these instructions.