UAE Golden Visa Offers 10-Year Residency for Pakistani Students Graduating from Top 100 Universities Abroad
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is now granting a 10-year Golden Visa to outstanding international students who have graduated from one of the top 100 universities worldwide, according to the UAE’s Ministry of Education (MOE). This self-sponsored visa allows Pakistani students with exceptional academic performance to live, work, and study in the UAE without requiring a sponsor. Let’s explore the eligibility criteria and application process for Pakistani students seeking to secure the coveted Golden Visa.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, Pakistani students must meet the following criteria:
1. Graduate from a Top 100 University:
The applicant must have graduated from a university that is ranked among the top 100 universities globally. To check if your university is accredited by the UAE’s MOE, you can find the list of approved institutions on their official website.
2. Academic Excellence:
A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 is required to be eligible for the Golden Visa.
3. Recent Graduation:
The graduation should have taken place no more than two years ago.
4. Recognition of Graduation Certificate:
The graduation certificate from the foreign university must be officially recognized by the UAE’s MOE. This recognition process can be initiated through the ‘Recognition of University Certificates Issued from Outside the UAE’ service provided by the MOE.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents for their Golden Visa application:
- A valid copy of the passport.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- A copy of the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a university recognized by the UAE’s MOE.
- Transcripts indicating a GPA of at least 3.5 and confirming that graduation occurred within the last two years.
Golden Visa Application Process
Pakistani students applying for the Golden Visa in Dubai must follow these steps:
1. Apply Online:
Visit the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae), or head to an Amer Centre, which processes visa applications on behalf of GDRFA-Dubai.
2. Application in Other Emirates:
For students residing in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, the application process can be completed through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security’s (ICP) smart service platforms (smartservices.icp.gov.ae). Alternatively, registered typing centers in your emirate can also facilitate the application.
3. Fees:
The cost of obtaining a Golden Residency for university graduates is approximately Dh2,790.
Take the Golden Visa Quiz
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, you can take the ‘Golden Visa quiz’ provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). This quiz will help you determine the specific category of the Golden Visa you may fall under.
Family Sponsorship
As a Golden Visa holder, Pakistani students also have the privilege of sponsoring their family members for a long-term visa, enabling them to join and reside with the student in the UAE.
The UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa offers an excellent opportunity for Pakistani students with exceptional academic achievements to establish themselves in the country and explore various professional and educational prospects. By meeting the specified criteria and following the application process, these outstanding students can seize this unique chance to build a bright future in the UAE.
