Students and recent graduates : how to remain in the UAE after graduation

Many students completing a programme in the UAE wish to stay longer to find a job or launch a career. Based on “How Can Your Son Stay in the UAE After Graduation? Understanding the Visa Procedure”, this article sets out the post study routes: student status extensions, jobseeker visas (where available), employer sponsored work visas, the Green Visa (skilled/freelance), and family sponsorship where applicable.

At course completion

Check your student visa validity, any grace period and the possibility of a temporary extension while finalising graduation, attestations, or job search. Anticipate medicals/insurance and Emirates ID issuance for the new status.

Jobseeker route (timebound)

When available, the jobseeker visa lets you look for work in country for a limited period (90/120/180 days depending on the prevailing framework). Typical conditions: degree, means, and health insurance. At the end, switch to a work visa or another suitable route.

Employer sponsored work visa

The classic route: a UAE employer sponsors your entry and subsequent residence. Steps: entry permit, medicals/biometrics, Emirates ID, activation. Typical requirements: contract, certified degrees and, where applicable, equivalence. A police clearance may be requested.

Green Visa (skilled, freelance/self employed)

The Green Visa (five years, self sponsored) targets highly skilled employees (salary/qualifications), freelancers/self employed (with an activity permit) and certain investors. Benefits: independence from an employer sponsor and family sponsorship options. Requires a well documented file (contracts, income, licence).

Family sponsorship

Depending on circumstances, a parent with a valid status and sufficient means may sponsor an adult child (subject to age/status—e.g., continuing education). Rules vary (federal/emirate)—verify eligibility and prepare proof of ties and housing.

Process tips

• Timing : avoid overstay; use in country status change where available.
• Degrees : apostille/legalisation and equivalency if a regulated profession is targeted.
• Job offers : alignment with professional codes and the employer’s licence scope.
• Insurance : plan compliant with the emirate.
• Compliance: notify changes of address/employment and stay within deadlines.

Use cases

• Internship ➜ employment : convert an internship to a job, then switch to a work visa.
• Freelance (tech) : free zone licence + Green Visa “freelance”, delivering for local/foreign clients.
• Student under family sponsorship : extend under family while searching for employment.

Staying on after graduation means picking the right route (employment, Green Visa, family, jobseeker) and managing the timeline (grace period, status change). A complete, consistent file helps secure the next residence title smoothly.

Our lawyers, who are experts in immigration law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Immigration Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72