Are you in the middle of changing your job, visa sponsor, or planning to leave the UAE? Many expats are surprised to find out that to do any of these things, they need to first cancel their visa! Not doing so can put you at risk of several violations, including but not limited to financial penalties.
With the UAE’s fully digital “Paperless Strategy” in full swing, there are no physical stickers to indicate you’re a legal resident of the UAE: the entire process is completely digital. So whether you’re a business owner who’s planning to close their venture, an employee moving to a new company, or need to leave the country for good, you need to follow the due process.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about your visa cancellation in the UAE, including how to verify your status online and all the things you should keep in mind to ensure compliance with the latest immigration directives.
Introduction: What is Visa Cancellation and Why Does my UAE Visa Cancellation Status Matter?
In the UAE, visa cancellation is a formal process that officially nullifies a residency permit before its expiry date. This can happen due to various reasons, including loss of employment, contract termination, or a desire to relocate to a different country.
Visa cancellation is a multi-step legal procedure that involves several steps: you must first clear any labor liabilities and outstanding financial obligations, confirm the receipt of any pending dues owed to you, following which the federal immigration database is updated.
Checking your visa cancellation status in the UAE is important as it triggers a grace period. The grace period is a specific window during which you need to either leave the country or secure a new status. The duration of the grace period is dependent on the type of visa, and in some instances, on the skill category of the profession mentioned in your visa.
Failing to exit the UAE or change your status before the end of your grace period can result in overstay fines.
This blog is primarily written for:
- Employees to verify whether their previous employer has fulfilled their legal obligations as per UAE law
- Employers and owners who wish to track the exit of staff members
- Family sponsors who want to ensure that dependent files are closed correctly.
- Investors who want to apply for Green or Golden visas.
Read on to learn more about the exact steps you need to take to check your UAE visa cancellation status via ICP or GDRFA, the step-by-step cancellation workflow, and new rules you need to keep in mind in 2026.
How to Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status
The UAE provides two digital portals to verify your residency status. Which portal you use depends on the Emirate that issued your residency. While both systems are highly interlinked, use the correct portal to ensure real-time data.
Check UAE Visa Cancellation Status via ICP Smart Services
For visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, it is best to use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is your primary touchpoint.
Visit the Portal: Go to the official ICP Smart Services Website
For visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is your primary touchpoint.
Look for the “Public Services” tab and click on the “File Validity” option.
Search Criteria: Choose “Search by Passport Information.”
Type in your passport number, passport expiry date, and nationality.
View Status: The system will display your File Status.
If the cancellation process is complete, the status will appear as “Closed” or “Cancelled.”
Check Visa Cancellation Status via GDRFA (Dubai Visas Only)
On the GDRFA website, select “Visa Status” under the “Services” menu. Search using your passport details or your file number. This system is unique in that it shows a “History” tab, allowing you to review the exact time your cancellation request was approved.
Common Errors to Avoid:
Make sure you don’t make the following mistakes:
- Typing ‘O’ for ‘0’: Don’t confuse the letter O with the number zero in your passport number.
- Nationality Mismatch: If your passport was renewed, or you have dual citizenship, use the nationality currently registered in the UAE’s immigration system.
- Cache Issues: If the portal shows “Active” status, but your company’s PRO insists your visa was cancelled, clear your browser’s cache. For a more direct and verifiable experience, use the UAE Pass app.
Understanding the UAE Visa Cancellation Process
In the UAE, an individual cannot cancel their own residency, unless they’re an investor or on a self-sponsored visa. All visa cancellation requests must be initiated by the sponsor.
- For employees: The company’s PRO or HR department initiates the process.
- For families: The primary visa holder or sponsor initiates the cancellation process for dependents.
Good to Know: Employment cancellation requires an extra step: the cancellation of your labour contract and work permit through MoHRE or the free zone authority. Family visas can be cancelled directly via immigration.
While most visa cancellations are now handled through digital portals, “offline” cancellation still exists via typing centers or “Amer Centers” in Dubai, in case you need in-person assistance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Your UAE Visa
Make sure you follow this sequence correctly to avoid any confusion or errors in your cancellation application.
- The Sponsor Initiates Cancellation
The sponsor needs to login to MOHRE (for employees only), along with the signed “End of Service” document. This document will be shared with employees prior to cancellation. It is critical to note that you must not sign this document unless you have received your final settlement and gratuity amount, as your signature acknowledges that all dues owed to you have been paid in full.
- Submit the Required Documents
Once clearance is received, the following documents are submitted
- Original passport (or a high-quality scan)
- Original Emirates ID (or a high-quality scan)
For mainland employees, a labour card cancellation approval document is also required.
- Immigration Approval
The UAE immigration then reviews your cancellation request to ensure there are no pending legal cases or “absconding” complaints against you. Once all approvals are in place, your status is updated on the federal directory. At this point, you can perform a UAE visa cancellation status check online, and the results will reflect that the process was successfully completed.
Grace Period Post Visa Cancellation
As of 2026, the grace period following visa cancellation isn’t just limited to 30 days. Depending on your visa category, you may have:
- 30-90 days: Standard work and family visas
- 180 days: Skilled professionals (L1 and L2), green visa holders, and investors
- Special circumstances: Widowed or divorced women and students may be eligible for a 180-day grace period.
During your grace period, you have two options: you must either leave the country or undergo a “Change of Status”. Do not overstay beyond the permitted grace period, as it can incur fines of up to AED 50/day.
Free Zone Visa Cancellation Key Differences
If your company or sponsor is based in a Free Zone, such as SPC Free Zone, the process differs slightly, although the steps largely remain identical. Here are the key differences:
- The Free Zone authority acts as your sponsor rather than MoHRE. All requests are initiated and completed through the Free Zone’s specific portal.
- The employer submits the request to the Free Zone, which then coordinates with the immigration office (GDRFA or ICP).
- Free Zone cancellations are often faster because the labor and immigration steps are combined.
Common Issues Faced When Checking UAE Visa Cancellation Status
- Status update delays: Updates are not always instant. It can take up to 24-48 hours for your status to be updated in certain situations.
- Incorrect passport details: Double-check that you’re always entering the correct passport details. For example, if you’ve renewed your passport recently, but the passport connected to your residency is your previous one, use the details of the latter.
- Employer delay: Your employer may have cancelled your work permit, but not the visa. There may be internal processes within the sponsor’s company that can delay the cancellation process from their end.
- High website traffic: Unusually high website traffic on the ICP or GDRFA portals can lead to errors on the website. Try a different browser, check the UAE Pass application, or wait a bit longer to verify your status in these cases.
What are the Legal Consequences of Not Cancelling My Visa?
- Overstay penalties: Fines of 50/day start accumulating after your grace period. If you exit the country without cancelling your visa, you may face detention on your next visit, even if you’re transiting through the country!
- Travel restrictions: Your employer can choose to file an “Absconding” case against you, which can lead to either a multi-year or lifelong ban from entering the UAE.
- Future visa rejections: Your next UAE visa application will be rejected if the system shows a live file that has already expired.
Do I Need Outside Help to Cancel My Visa?
Usually, you won’t. The portals are simple, intuitive, and straightforward to use. However, in certain situations, expert help makes a difference
- Avoiding Fines: A professional can ensure that your transition from cancelled to new visa, or your exit from the country; happens within the grace period.
- Employer Conflicts: If your sponsor refuses to cancel the visa, an expert can guide you on how to resolve this situation, or escalate it to MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority for mediation.
- Documentation: An expert can help you ensure that each document is arranged on time, and that you file your papers (especially the EOSB documents) correctly.
Whether you’re moving on to a new role or returning home for good, understanding how to check your UAE visa cancellation status is the final step you need to take. While the process is simple, it’s not uncommon to need an extra hand to guide you through the steps.
Need professional assistance with your company’s visa management or want to cancel your own visa? Contact us today to ensure that your transition is as seamless and issue-free as it can be.
FAQs
How long do I have to leave the UAE after my visa is cancelled?
It depends. Employees on a standard employment visa usually have 30 to 90 days, while skilled professionals and investors may have up to 180 days. The only accurate answer can be found in your residence cancellation paper.
Where can I check my UAE visa cancellation status?
Check it on the ICP Smart Services portal for all Emirates except Dubai. Dubai residents will need to use the GDRFA Dubai website.
What documents are required for Free Zone visa cancellation?
You will need your original passport or a high-quality scan, current Emirates ID, and a signed settlement letter. The Free Zone may also require a clearance certificate from their specific departments.
What happens if my employer refuses to cancel my visa?
If you’re a mainland employee and the employer refuses to initiate cancellation, file a formal dispute with MoHRE. They have the authority to cancel the work permit even without the employer’s consent if the legal conditions are met. If you’re a Free Zone employee, the steps are the same, but you will need to file a dispute with the Free Zone authority themselves.
Can I cancel my family visa if dependents are outside the UAE?
Yes. For dependents who have not been inside the UAE for more than six months, their visa can often be cancelled without their presence in the UAE. That said, specific immigration approvals may be required.
