How to Change Visa Status Without Leaving the UAE (Status Change)
Are you already inside the UAE? Have you received a new visa? For example, you may be moving from a visit visa to a residence visa for work, a Green Visa, study, or family. In most cases, you do not need to leave the country. Instead, you send a Change of Status request from inside the UAE. Changing your visa status in the UAE this way is done online through ICP Smart Services, or through GDRFA Dubai for a Dubai visa status change. The fee is AED 500 through ICP. GDRFA Dubai lists AED 500 plus Knowledge and Innovation dirham charges. Check the exact total in the portal. You must get the new visa first. If needed, you must also cancel your previous residence permit first.
At a glance
- Cost:
- AED 500 status adjustment (ICP) + new visa/residence fees
- Total time:
- Varies — often within days
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- icp.gov.ae
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UAE sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go Varies by new visa type
Secure the new visa first
You must get the new visa before the status change. Get your new entry permit or visa approval first. It can be a work permit, a Green Visa, a student visa, a family visa, or another type. GDRFA Dubai requires you to hold the new visa before you file a status amendment.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go Varies
Cancel the previous residence and settle fines
If required, cancel your previous residence permit first. Per ICP, you send a Change of Status request after you cancel the previous residence permit and get a new visa. You also send it when you need to settle violations. Pay any fines on your old file before you apply.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay At application AED 500 (ICP)
Apply for the status change
Apply on ICP Smart Services. For Dubai files, apply on GDRFA Dubai or at an Amer centre. ICP publishes the Status Adjustment fee in its fee list. The fee is AED 500. GDRFA Dubai lists AED 500 plus Knowledge and Innovation dirham charges. Check the exact total in the portal.
Click to mark as done
- Wait Varies
Wait for approval
Processing time depends on the authority and on your case. ICP lists a 2-day service completion time for residence issuance. GDRFA Dubai times vary by case. Do not travel until your status change is confirmed. If you leave in the middle of the process, you can break the changeover.
Click to mark as done
- Go Varies
Complete the new residence steps
After your status change, finish the remaining steps for your new residence type. Take the medical fitness test. Give your Emirates ID biometrics. Then your residence permit is issued.
Click to mark as done
- Receive On issuance
New residence issued — no exit needed
Your new residence permit is issued while you are still inside the UAE. Keep your status-change receipt with your new residence documents.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I always change status without leaving?
No, not always. It depends on the types of visa in your switch. Most moves from a visit visa to a residence visa allow it. But some cases still require you to leave the country. Check your exact switch with ICP or GDRFA.
How much does a status change cost?
The fee is an AED 500 status adjustment, per ICP's published fee list. GDRFA Dubai lists AED 500 plus Knowledge and Innovation dirham charges. Check the exact total in the portal.
What is the difference between ICP and GDRFA status change?
ICP handles visas issued outside Dubai. GDRFA Dubai handles visas issued in Dubai. The main steps are the same for both. Get the new visa first. Cancel your old residence, if required. Then apply for the status change.
How do I change my visa status in the UAE without leaving?
First, secure the new visa: get your new entry permit or visa approval first, such as a work permit, a Green Visa, a student visa, a family visa, or another type. Then, if required, cancel your previous residence permit and settle any fines, since ICP asks you to send a Change of Status request after you cancel the previous residence permit and get a new visa. Then apply for the status change on ICP Smart Services, or, for Dubai files, on GDRFA Dubai or at an Amer centre: the fee is AED 500 through ICP, and GDRFA Dubai lists AED 500 plus Knowledge and Innovation dirham charges, so check the exact total in the portal. Then wait for approval: ICP lists a 2-day service completion time for residence issuance, GDRFA Dubai times vary by case, and you should not travel until your status change is confirmed. Then complete the new residence steps: take the medical fitness test and give your Emirates ID biometrics, and then your residence permit is issued. Your new residence permit is issued while you are still inside the UAE, so keep your status-change receipt with your new residence documents. In short, a visa change status in the UAE lets you move from one visa to another, for example from a visit visa to a residence visa for work, without leaving the country, as long as you get the new visa first.
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