1. It is mandatory for all students to hold a valid U.A.E. Residence Visa to study at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (BPDC). 
2. If a parent or guardian is unable to sponsor the student, or if the student is a non-resident of the UAE, BPDC can facilitate a U.A.E. Student Residence Visa under the sponsorship of the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) through Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), subject to the submission and approval of the required documents specified in the Student Residence Visa Application Form (Visa Form), and in accordance with the rules and regulations of BPDC and the Government of the U.A.E. (Government).
   As a facilitator, BPDC only coordinates between DDA and the student for obtaining the visa. 
3. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable annually. Issuance of a new visa and renewal of an existing visa are subject to submission of the required documents and compliance with the rules and regulations of BPDC, DDA, DIAC, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Government. BPDC is not responsible for any delay, non-issuance, or rejection of a new or renewed visa by the Government authorities. 
4. The rules and regulations governing visa issuance by GDRFAD, MOH, and the Government may change from time to time. 
5. All mandatory documents mentioned in the Visa Form must be submitted to the BPDC Admissions Department and/or International Student Services (ISS) on or before the scheduled date. 
6. For visa renewal, students must submit the required documents to ISS at least 8 weeks prior to the residence visa expiry date or on or before the scheduled date communicated by ISS. Students must not travel outside the UAE while the visa renewal process is underway. Visa renewal can only be completed if the student is physically present in the UAE. Any consequences arising from non-compliance shall be borne by the student. 
7. Submission of invalid documents, non-submission of required documents, late submission, or delay in completing visa medical and/or related formalities beyond the scheduled date as stipulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) / Emirates ID Authority, or the Institute may result in immigration fines and penalties. The student shall be solely responsible for such fines and penalties. 
8. Valid health insurance is mandatory. Students must undergo a medical examination as prescribed by MOH/GDRFAD at designated government hospitals after arrival in the UAE for issuance of the student e-residence visa. The medical examination and related processes generally take 3–5 weeks. If a student is declared medically unfit by MOH/GDRFAD, the residence visa will not be issued or renewed, and the student must leave the country immediately after cancellation of the visa. 
9. After issuance of the e-residence visa, students may travel outside the UAE multiple times. However, students must not remain outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. If a student stays outside the UAE beyond 180 consecutive days, the residence visa will become invalid, and re-entry into the UAE will not be permitted on that visa. 
10. The visa facilitated by BPDC is strictly for educational purposes. Students are not permitted to undertake employment under this visa. 
11. Students must contact ISS at least one month prior to visa expiry for renewal procedures. 
12. Students are required to pay AED 2,900/-* towards fresh visa and related service charges. The amount paid towards fresh visa and related service charges is non-refundable. 
13. Students who are residents of the UAE under their own sponsorship and wish to transfer to the visa facilitated by the Institute through in-country/local status amendment must pay AED 4,700/-* towards fresh visa and related service charges. In such cases, students must submit the original passport and visa cancellation document immediately after cancellation of the existing visa, along with all other required documents, for processing of the student visa. 
14. Students must pay AED 2,150/-* per year towards visa renewal and related service charges. 
15. The visa and related service charges include AED 280/- towards the mandatory Emirates ID (EIDA) card issued by the Government. 
16. Visa renewal and related service charges must be paid prior to applying for renewal for the subsequent year. 
17. Visa cancellation can only be processed within the UAE by DDA through BPDC. Upon completion of the programme and/or prior to leaving the Institute, the student residence visa must be cancelled through BPDC ISS, irrespective of the visa’s validity period.
    Students must complete all necessary formalities, including submission of the original passport, EIDA card, and payment of cancellation fees. The cancellation fee is AED 1,850/-, of which AED 1,000/- is a refundable visa deposit. The normal processing time for cancellation is 10–15 working days.
    Students who have remained outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days must also cancel their visa through ISS, even if the visa has become invalid. Failure to do so may result in serious consequences in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Institute, DDA, GDRFAD, and the Government. 
18. Students must remain informed and updated regarding the rules and regulations governing their residence visa as stipulated by GDRFAD. 
19. Students must comply with all rules and regulations of BPDC, DDA, GDRFAD, and the Government. Non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations may result in penalties, including deportation, for which BPDC shall not be held responsible. 
20. Cancellation of an entry permit requires a minimum of 10–15 working days. 

* All visa and related service charges mentioned above are indicative and subject to change in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Institute, DDA, DIAC, GDRFAD, and the Government. 

** For information regarding the Emirates ID, please visit: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/emirates-id 

Students must notify ISS of any changes in the information provided in the Visa Form and/or passport details.