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What Is a Sponsored Visit Visa Status Change in the UAE

In-Country Status Amendment for Sponsored Individuals

A sponsored visit visa status change is an official service of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) that amends the legal status of a person already in the UAE under sponsorship. It is required when a new entry permit is issued and the holder remains in the UAE without exiting the country. The procedure ensures that the individual remains in the country legally, without the need to exit and re-enter the country.

This service applies in cases such as converting a visit permit to a residence visa, completing family or employer sponsorship, or activating a new entry permit under institutional sponsorship in the UAE. The result is the legal activation of the new visa in full compliance with UAE residency regulations.

EGSH, an authorised AMER Centre, helps complete the visa status amendment in a single visit. A personal consultant prepares and reviews your documents, submits the application on your behalf, and ensures that the new status is issued within 48 hours.

In-Country Status Amendment for Sponsored Individuals

How to Change Your Sponsored Visit Visa Status in Dubai

Four Clear Steps Under GDRFA Procedures

01

Visit Our Centre

Meet with an EGSH advisor to prepare and submit your application for a visa status change.

02

Submit the Documents

Provide passport copies, the sponsor’s residence permit, the cancelled permit, and the new entry permit.

03

Pay the Service Fees

Settle the GDRFA fees, including the status amendment fee and applicable surcharges.

04

Receive the Amended Visa

The amended visa is issued through GDRFA within 48 hours of submission.

Documents Required for Sponsored Visit Visa Status Change

Mandatory Papers for In-Country Sponsorship Amendment

Applicant’s Passport

A valid copy of the sponsored person’s passport, presented at the time of application.

Sponsor’s Documents

A copy of the sponsor’s passport and a valid residence permit for Dubai.

Cancelled Permit

A copy of the cancelled entry or residence permit issued previously.

New Entry Permit

A copy of the newly issued entry permit under the new visa category.

About EGSH

Licensed AMER Centre for Visa and Sponsorship Services

Emirates Government Services Hub (EGSH) is the UAE's first VIP centre, bringing all essential government services together under one roof. The centre operates in line with Dubai’s “Zero Government Bureaucracy” programme: no queues, no unnecessary paperwork, and no visits to multiple authorities. Most services can be completed in a single visit, in a comfortable setting and with the support of a personal consultant.

The AMER Department within EGSH delivers all residency and sponsorship services in direct coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This service allows clients to process visa applications, status amendments, and sponsorship procedures in one visit.

Licensed AMER Centre for Visa and Sponsorship Services

Why EGSH

EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Our Mission

To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.

Our Vision

To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.

Our Values

Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.

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Who needs to apply for a sponsored visit visa status change in the UAE?

A sponsored visit visa status change, known officially as a Status Amendment under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, is required when an individual already inside the UAE has had a previous entry or residence permit cancelled and a new entry permit issued under sponsorship. The amendment activates the new permit without the need to exit and re-enter the country.

This procedure is commonly required when converting a visit permit to a residence visa under family or employer sponsorship, or when moving from a cancelled residence visa to a new sponsor. The application must be filed before the current permission expires or within the applicable grace period; otherwise, daily fines for overstay apply.

Can I change the visa status in Dubai without leaving the UAE?

Yes. The GDRFA’s Status Amendment service enables visa holders to activate a new entry permit or transfer sponsorship while remaining within the UAE. The application must be filed before the current permission expires.

How long does the visa status change process take in Dubai?

According to GDRFA regulations, the official processing time for a visa status change is 48 hours from submission, provided all documents and conditions are met. In practice, timelines depend on the accuracy of the documentation and whether the cancelled and new entry permits are properly issued. At EGSH, applications are reviewed in advance, submitted directly through GDRFA systems, and monitored by a dedicated consultant, which minimises delays and ensures that the updated visa is typically issued within two working days.

What are the official fees for changing the status of a UAE-sponsored visa?

According to the GDRFA, the official fee for registering a visa status change is AED 500. Additional mandatory surcharges apply: AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and a file opening fee—AED 15 for an individual file or AED 50 for an establishment file. Applicants should also account for associated costs required for the issuance of a new residence visa, including medical fitness tests, Emirates ID registration, and health insurance. EGSH provides a detailed breakdown of government fees, giving clients a clear overview of all charges before submission.

Can I apply for an in-country visa status change online in Dubai?

The GDRFA allows applications for a visa change within the country through its official website and smart application. Applicants must log in using UAE Pass, complete the required data, upload the necessary documents, and pay the fees online. However, mistakes in form completion, document uploads, or sponsor details can result in delays or rejection. EGSH, as a licensed AMER centre, eliminates these risks by verifying documents, preparing the application on behalf of the client, and submitting it directly into the official system.

What happens if I apply to change my UAE visa status after my visa has expired?

In accordance with GDRFA regulations, if an application for a visa status change is made after the entry or residence permit has expired, the individual is considered an overstayer and is subject to daily fines of AED 50. These fines must be paid before a request to amend their status can be processed. Additionally, the applicant must hold a valid new entry permit from their sponsor before the change can be made. To avoid penalties and complications, it is strongly recommended that you apply for a UAE visa to change your status before your current permit expires or during the official grace period.

Still have any questions?

Why Change Your Visa Status with EGSH

Professional Handling of In-Country Visa Conversions

Government-Authorised AMER Centre

Licensed by GDRFA to provide official AMER services for visa applications, renewals, and immigration processing in Dubai.

One-Stop Service

All procedures, document submissions, and payments are handled in one place, eliminating the need to contact multiple offices.

Confidentiality Guaranteed

All personal data and documents are processed securely and confidentially in accordance with UAE law.

Multilingual Support

Our team speaks several languages, ensuring clear communication for clients of almost all backgrounds.

Personalised Assistance

Each client is assigned a dedicated consultant for individual support throughout the process.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

Book your visit at a convenient time. Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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