Each visa issued in the UAE is assigned a unique alphanumeric number, known as the UAE visa file number. Anyone who has applied for any type of visa, whether it is a tourist visa, work visa, business visa, or student visa, has a unique Identity, and that is the UAE visa file number. The unique ID of the visa issued by the UAE government plays a vital role from the application of the visa to the extension cancellation of the visa. The alphanumeric code serves as the identity of individuals visiting the UAE for various purposes. The authorities in the UAE use it to track the number of people visiting the country for various reasons, including tourism, business, work, and studies.
Where to find the UAE unique ID or file number?
The file number in the UAE is issued by the GDRFA or ICP authorities to uniquely identify individuals visiting and residing in the UAE for a long-term or short stay. File numbers are only issued to UAE citizens, people holding residential status, and citizens of GCC countries.
- On the Passport: If you are looking for the file number on your passport, you can find it on the visa page. Your file number in Dubai might look like 201/XXXXXXXX.
- On Emirates ID: If you have applied for an Emirates ID in the UAE, you can obtain the file number upon receipt of the application.
If you have lost your passport and Emirates ID, you can obtain the file number from the ICP portal or an Amiri Centre.
Format of File Number:
In the UAE, the file number serves as an essential identification reference for all individuals holding a residential visa. The file number is essential for accessing government services, renewing visas, and updating residency records.
Emirates Code
- Abu Dhabi – 101
- Dubai – 201
- Sharjah – 301
- Ajman – 401
In combination with the Emirates ID code year of issue and your personal identification number, for example
Abu Dhabi/Year/ Person Id
The file number could be 101/2001/xxxxxx.
Key Points of File Number:
About the year of issue of the file number in the UAE, the year changes when the file is renewed or canceled, depending on the circumstances.
- Renewal: If you have applied for renewal of your UAE visa, the year of issue will not change.
- Cancellation: If your visa has been canceled and you are currently applying for a new Visa, then the year of issue will change. The year of issue will change regardless of whether he applies for a new visa online or offline.
Visa Number Check:
You can verify your unique identity number or file number using the GDRFA portal or ICP website. Let us help you with a detailed, step-by-step guide to check your UAE visa number.
- GDRFA Website: If you wish to check your UAE visa number, you can visit the GDRFA official website. You can select the service option to search ahead for your UAE visa number.
- Service Option: Selecting the ‘Service’ page on the home page will direct you to various services offered by the GDRFA website.
- Select Unified Number Service: From the service page, navigate to the “Unified Number Service” option and click on it.
- Enter Your Details: You need to enter your personal details on the given page. Once you have entered your information, you will receive your file number immediately.
Important Aspect of a File Number:
These are hidden information that I am going to reveal to you. If your details in file number are “28756345”.
- If the number starts with 2, it indicates that the person has an employment visa.
- If the number begins with 3, it indicates that the person has applied for a family visa.
- The people holding residential visas in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi have forwarded the slash after the first digit.
- The UAE visa number is also referred to as a residency number.
Importance of File Number:
Several aspects make the UAE visa number an essential aspect for the immigration department. These different aspects are mentioned below:
- Visa Tracking: With the help of a visa file number in the UAE, any applicant who has applied for the UAE visa can check the status of the UAE visa. This can be done by using the file number on the GDRFA website, ICP website, or app.
- Emirates ID Application: Individuals who have been residing in the UAE for an extended period and need to renew their Emirates ID or apply for a visa extension can restore it using the file number on their UAE visa.
Although the citizens of the UAE are not provided with a residency visa in their passports, like expatriates, a file number is generated by the ICP authorities for every citizen of the UAE.
- Visa Renewal and Cancellation: Anyone who has a residency visa in the UAE and is required to renew or cancel their visa can do so by using the file number in the UAE visa system.
- Labor and Immigration Services: The essential aspects of the file number about labor and immigration services are:
- Labor Contract and Work Permit Processing: If you have applied for a labor contract job via MOREH in the UAE. The file number is used by the Ministry of Home Resources and Emiratisation to link the visa of the person coming on a contract job. It is also used for immigration record and status verification, as well as visa renewal, modification, and cancellation.
- Health Information: Often, UAE visa holders need to obtain health Insurance from an insurance-providing company. The immigration department uses the file number on the UAE visa to access information related to the person arriving in the UAE. The organization uses the info to match the residency address in the UAE and settle claims.
- Sponsorship Processes: The file number is used by the sponsor to register the employee with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Banking and Utility Services: Many UAE banks and utility providers (like DEWA, SEWA, etc.) ask for your visa file number or Emirates ID file to verify the residential ship status in the UAE.
- Children: The schools in the UAE may ask parents of children studying at the school to provide file numbers to verify that their visa status and residential proof are in order.
The file number is used by government agencies in the UAE, such as the police and other public services.
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