Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: Thousands of expats arrive in the UAE every month on visit visas with hopes of landing employment. If you’re one of them, understanding how to cancel your visit visa and apply for a job visa in the UAE legally in 2025 is crucial to avoid fines, bans, and delays.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the full process of cancelling a visit visa, securing a valid job offer, and converting your visa to a legal UAE employment visa step by step.
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE – Full Guide 2025
What Is the Difference Between a Visit Visa and a Job Visa?
| Type | Purpose | Duration | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit Visa | Tourism, family visit, job search | 30, 60, or 90 days | ❌ No |
| Job Visa | Sponsored by employer for work | 1–2 years | ✅ Yes |
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: A visit visa does not legally permit employment. If you find a job, you must first cancel the visit visa or convert it before starting work.
Before applying for a work visa, you must first:
- Attend interviews while on a valid visit visa
- Get an official Offer Letter from a UAE-licensed company
- Verify that the company is registered with MOHRE or a free zone authority
Once you sign the offer letter, the employer can begin the visa process on your behalf.
If your visit visa is close to expiring or you prefer to start fresh, it may be better to cancel it before applying for a job visa.
Options to cancel:
- Exit the UAE: Fly out and re-enter on an employment entry permit
- Internal Visa Status Change: Pay for “status change” without exiting UAE
Note: Most employers now prefer the status change option to save time and cost.
Once your job offer is accepted and your visit visa status is cleared, the employer will:
- Apply for MOHRE Work Permit (labour approval)
- Receive Entry Permit / Pink Visa
- Complete your Medical Test and Emirates ID biometrics
- Submit documents for Visa Stamping in your passport
Typical processing time: 7 to 15 working days
Required Documents
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: To complete the transition from visit visa to job visa:
- Passport (valid for 6+ months)
- Copy of visit visa or visa cancellation document
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Signed job offer letter
- Educational certificate (if required)
- Emirates ID application form (done post-medical)
What Is the Cost of Visa Change?
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: Employers typically cover the cost of work visa, but some may deduct part of it from your salary over time.
| Service | Cost (AED) |
| Status change (internal) | 700 – 1,200 |
| Medical test | 300 – 400 |
| Emirates ID (2 yrs) | 370 – 500 |
| Visa stamping & admin | 500 – 1,000 |
Always confirm with your employer who pays for each service before proceeding.
Penalties for Working on a Visit Visa
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: Working on a visit visa is illegal. If caught:
- You may face a fine of AED 50,000 or more
- Risk of deportation and 1-year ban
- Employer can be fined and blacklisted
Always wait for your residence visa to be stamped before joining work.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Apply for jobs early in your visit stay
- Avoid overstaying to prevent daily fines
- Never start working before your labour card is approved
- Use trusted recruitment agencies like Mahad HRC UAE
Why Choose Mahad HRC UAE?
- Legal visa conversion support
- Placement in licensed UAE companies
- Multilingual assistance for job seekers
- Full documentation and onboarding support
- Weekly walk-in hiring campaigns
Final Checklist Before Switching
- Job offer signed
- Visit visa status confirmed or cancelled
- Work permit initiated
- Medical and ID steps completed
- Visa stamped you’re ready to start work!
Conclusion
Visit Visa Cancel and Apply for Job Visa UAE: Making the move from a visit visa to a job visa in the UAE in 2025 is not only legal but easier than ever if done right. With professional guidance and the right employer, your transition can be smooth and rewarding.
Avoid shortcuts, know your rights, and trust agencies like Mahad HRC UAE to help you find verified jobs with full visa assistance.