Waiting for Residency Issue” status in UAE? Here is a complete guide on why it happens and how you can resolve it fast in 2025. Solutions, steps, table, and FAQs included.
What Is the “Waiting for Residency Issue”?
If your visa status shows “Waiting for Residency Issue”, it means the UAE immigration system has received your residency application but has not yet completed the approval process. This status is common for employees, dependents, students, and visitors converting to residency.
In simple terms, your residency is under process but requires verification, approval, or correction.
In 2025, many applicants face Waiting for Residency Issue, especially during peak hiring seasons or visa renewal months.
Why Does This Status Appear?
There are multiple reasons why you may see the Waiting for Residency Issue message on ICP/UAE visa tracking platforms. It usually appears when:
- The application is submitted but not verified
- A document is missing
- Your sponsor/employer has not completed a step
- Medical test or Emirates ID process is pending
- Technical delay in the immigration system
It is not a rejection. It simply means your file is waiting in the queue.
Common Reasons for Residency Delays
Here are the most common causes behind Waiting for Residency Issue:
- Pending immigration approval
- Typing error in application (name, passport number, UID)
- Medical test not uploaded
- Emirates ID biometrics incomplete
- Company establishment card expired
- Sponsor’s trade license expired
- Insurance not updated
- Pending payment
- System maintenance or technical problem
- High volume of visa applications
Understanding these reasons can help you solve the problem faster.
How to Resolve the Waiting for Residency Issue
To resolve Waiting for Residency Issue, you should follow these steps:
Confirm Application Status
Check status on:
- ICP Smart Services (for all emirates except Dubai)
- GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai visa holders)
Make sure you select the correct option and enter the right UID/passport number.
Contact Your Sponsor / Employer
Most delays happen at the employer or sponsor level. They can check:
- Payment status
- Document submission
- Establishment card validity
- Trade license renewal
If any step is incomplete, the application will stay in the Waiting for Residency Issue stage.
Check Medical & EID
If your medical report or Emirates ID biometrics is incomplete, this status appears.
Visit Immigration Directly
If your sponsor confirms everything is correct, you can personally visit:
- GDRFA office (Dubai)
- ICP customer happiness center (other emirates)
They can manually check your file and clear delays.
Upload Missing Documents
Sometimes a single missing document causes the delay:
- Passport copy
- Medical test result
- Insurance
- EID application proof
- Gulf return permit (rare cases)
Wait 24–72 Hours After Submitting
Most cases get approved within 3 to 5 working days, unless the system is overloaded.
UAE Immigration Department Process
The immigration process includes:
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical test
- Emirates ID biometrics
- Insurance update
- Residency stamping on passport or digital residency issuance
If any step is incomplete, the system shows the Waiting for Residency Issue status.
In 2025, UAE has fully moved to digital residency visas, but delays still happen while verifying documents.
How Employers Can Fix Residency Problems
If you are an employer, here’s what you should do:
- Check payment status in online immigration portal
- Confirm trade license & establishment card validity
- Ensure employee documents are uploaded correctly
- Contact immigration if status remains stuck for 5+ working days
Most Waiting for Residency Issue cases are solved once employers update the system.
What Employees or Dependents Should Do
If your visa is sponsored by employer, parent, or spouse:
- Contact your sponsor immediately
- Ask them for a screenshot of their immigration portal
- Provide any missing documents
- Complete medical & Emirates ID steps on time
- Avoid traveling out of the UAE during processing
Dependents often get Waiting for Residency Issue if the main sponsor’s visa renewal is not completed.
Useful Tips to Avoid Delays
Here are tips to prevent the Waiting for Residency Issue in the future:
- Always check document validity before applying
- Complete medical test early
- Ensure your Emirates ID application is error-free
- Do not wait until the last week of visa expiry
- Keep copies of all documents
- Work with authorized typing centers only
Following these tips will reduce chances of delays.
Document List Required
To avoid the Waiting for Residency Issue, always keep these documents ready:
For Employees
- Passport copy
- Photo with white background
- Entry permit
- Medical test report
- Insurance
- EID biometrics
- Employment contract
For Dependents
- Sponsor passport
- Sponsor visa
- Marriage/birth certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Salary certificate
- Insurance papers
Table: Reasons & Solutions
| Reason for Waiting for Residency Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Immigration approval pending | Wait 24–72 hours |
| Medical test missing | Upload or retake medical test |
| EID biometrics not done | Book EID appointment |
| Typing errors | Correct application via typing center |
| Payment pending | Ask sponsor to complete payment |
| Expired establishment card | Employer must renew |
| Trade license expired | Company must update it |
| Insurance not updated | Upload new insurance |
| Technical system delay | Visit immigration office |
| High volume of applications | Wait or contact GDRFA/ICP |
FAQs
1. What does Waiting for Residency Issue mean?
It means your residency visa application is received but pending approval or verification.
2. How long does this status take to resolve?
Usually 2–5 working days, but may take longer based on document issues.
3. Is Waiting for Residency Issue a rejection?
No. It is not a rejection; it is only a pending status.
4. Can I work while the residency is under this status?
You should wait until your visa is approved unless your employer allows onboarding.
5. Can I travel while residency is pending?
No. Avoid traveling until the residency is approved.
6. Who can fix this status?
Your employer, sponsor, or immigration authorities.
7. Does Emirates ID delay affect residency approval?
Yes. Incomplete biometrics can cause the status.
8. How can I check my residency status online?
Through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai.
9. What should I do if the status is stuck for more than a week?
Visit immigration or contact your sponsor for a manual check.
10. Can system errors cause this issue?
Yes. Sometimes the status appears due to technical delays.