Many people in the UAE face a common problem while applying for a residence visa: ICP residency status not moving. After submitting your application, the status may remain the same for days or even weeks. This waiting issue can create stress, especially for job holders, families, students, and people changing their visa.
The ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) portal is used for many important UAE immigration services. Sometimes the residency application moves quickly, but in some cases it gets stuck at one stage such as “Under Process”, “Waiting for Approval”, or “Pending”.
If you are worried because your ICP residency status is stuck, don’t panic. In most cases, delays happen due to document verification, system issues, medical fitness delays, Emirates ID processing, or sponsor approval waiting.
This article will explain everything in simple English, including why ICP residency status is not moving, how long it takes, what you can do, and when to contact support.
What Does “ICP Residency Status Not Moving” Mean?
When you apply for UAE residency visa or Emirates ID, your application goes through different stages. If your status remains unchanged for a long time, it means the application is not progressing to the next stage.
This can happen during:
- Entry permit approval
- Medical test processing
- Emirates ID biometric stage
- Visa stamping
- Residency issuance
Sometimes the application is approved internally but the online status does not update immediately.
Common ICP Residency Status Stages
Here are the most common status messages seen on ICP portal:
| ICP Status Message | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Under Process | Application is being reviewed |
| Waiting | Application is in queue |
| Pending Approval | Waiting for officer or sponsor approval |
| Approved | Application accepted |
| Rejected | Application refused |
| Need Additional Documents | Missing documents required |
| Medical Fitness Pending | Medical result not updated |
| Emirates ID Biometric Pending | Biometric not completed |
| Residency Issued | Visa approved and issued |
Why ICP Residency Status Is Not Moving? (Main Reasons)
There are several reasons why the ICP residency status stays stuck. Let’s understand the most common causes.
1. High Application Volume (Most Common Reason)
During busy seasons, many people apply for residency visas, Emirates ID, renewals, and family visas. When the workload increases, processing slows down.
Common peak times:
- Summer holidays
- Ramadan and Eid season
- New job recruitment season
- School admission season
This is normal and usually resolves automatically.
2. Documents Verification Delay
ICP checks all uploaded documents carefully. If the system is verifying your passport copy, photo, Emirates ID, tenancy contract, or sponsor documents, the status may remain stuck.
Even small issues like unclear scan or mismatch in name spelling can delay the process.
3. Sponsor Approval Waiting
Many residency applications require sponsor approval, such as:
- Company visa
- Family visa
- Domestic worker visa
If the sponsor has not completed their part or approval is pending, the ICP status will not move.
4. Medical Fitness Result Not Updated
Medical test is mandatory for UAE residency visa. Sometimes the medical test is done, but the result is not updated in the ICP system.
This can happen due to:
- Delay from medical center
- System syncing issue
- Re-test required
If your medical result is delayed, your visa stamping cannot proceed.
5. Emirates ID Biometrics Not Done
If you did not complete biometric registration, your Emirates ID process will stay pending.
Biometrics include:
- Fingerprint scan
- Face scan
- Signature
Without biometrics, the Emirates ID cannot be printed.
6. System Technical Issue or Portal Update
Sometimes ICP portal is updated or has temporary technical issues. During system maintenance, status updates may stop.
In such cases:
- Application may be processing normally
- Online status may not show updates
Waiting 24 to 48 hours usually solves this.
7. Payment Confirmation Delay
Sometimes you paid the visa fee, but the system does not confirm payment instantly.
This issue happens when:
- Bank payment is slow
- Payment gateway error
- Transaction pending
Always keep payment receipt.
8. Wrong Information in Application
If your application has incorrect details such as:
- Passport number mistake
- Wrong date of birth
- Incorrect nationality
- Name mismatch with passport
Then ICP may hold your application for manual review.
This increases processing time.
9. Security Check or Background Verification
Some applicants may go through additional security checks. This is not common but can happen due to:
- Nationality-based checks
- Job category
- Previous visa history
These checks take more time and cannot be sped up easily.
10. Typing or Scanning Error in Uploaded Documents
Sometimes uploaded documents are:
- Blurry
- Cut off
- Missing stamp
- Not readable
In such cases, the system may delay your process without showing rejection.
How Long Does ICP Residency Status Take to Update?
Many applicants ask: How long should I wait?
Here is an estimated timeline:
| Process Step | Normal Time |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit Approval | 1 to 5 working days |
| Medical Fitness Result | 1 to 3 working days |
| Emirates ID Biometrics | Same day appointment |
| Residency Visa Stamping | 3 to 7 working days |
| Emirates ID Delivery | 5 to 10 working days |
📌 Total time: 7 to 20 working days (depending on case)
What To Do If ICP Residency Status Is Not Moving?
If your residency status is stuck, follow these steps.
Step 1: Wait 48 Hours First
Sometimes ICP updates are delayed due to system sync issues. Waiting 1-2 days is recommended before taking action.
Step 2: Check Status on ICP Website Again
Visit the official ICP portal and check your application status.
You can check using:
- Application number
- Passport number
- Emirates ID number (if available)
Step 3: Check Your Email or SMS Updates
ICP often sends updates by:
- Email notification
- SMS message
- UAE Pass notification
Sometimes online portal shows no update but email contains the status.
Step 4: Contact Your PRO or Typing Center
If your visa is processed through a typing center or PRO, they can check internal system updates.
Many times, PRO gets update earlier than applicant.
Step 5: Verify Medical Test Status
If your medical is done, check with the medical center if the result is uploaded.
If medical is delayed, ask if:
- re-test required
- additional check needed
Step 6: Confirm Emirates ID Biometrics Appointment
If biometrics are pending, visit the Emirates ID center (ICP service center) and complete the biometric process.
Step 7: Check for Missing Documents
If the system needs extra documents, it may show a message like:
- “Need additional documents”
- “Incomplete application”
In this case, upload missing documents quickly.
Step 8: Call ICP Customer Support
If your application is stuck for more than 7 working days, you should contact ICP.
ICP Contact Number
📞 600522222
They can guide you about your application status.
Common ICP Residency Status Waiting Issues Explained
Here are the most common stuck situations people face:
ICP Status Showing “Under Process” for Many Days
This means your application is still being reviewed.
What to do?
- Wait 3 to 5 working days
- Confirm documents are correct
- Contact PRO if it exceeds 7 days
ICP Status Showing “Waiting” for Long Time
This usually means the application is in queue.
Causes:
- Too many applications
- Manual verification pending
Solution:
- Wait a few days
- Call ICP support if it crosses 10 working days
ICP Residency Approved But Visa Not Issued
Sometimes approval is done but visa is not printed.
Reasons:
- Passport stamping pending
- Medical or biometrics not linked
- Sponsor final approval pending
Solution:
- Ask PRO/typing center to check internal visa stage
- ICP Emirates ID Status Not Moving
Emirates ID can also remain pending.
Reasons:
- Biometrics not completed
- Payment not confirmed
- Printing delay
Solution:
- Visit ICP service center
- Track Emirates ID delivery using Emirates Post
Table: Reasons & Solutions for ICP Residency Status Stuck
| Problem | Possible Reason | Best Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Status not moving | High applications | Wait 2-3 days |
| Under Process too long | Manual review | Contact PRO |
| Waiting status | Queue delay | Call ICP after 7 days |
| Medical pending | Medical result not uploaded | Contact medical center |
| Emirates ID pending | Biometrics not done | Complete biometric |
| Payment pending | Transaction issue | Check receipt |
| No update in portal | System maintenance | Try after 24 hours |
| Application stuck | Missing documents | Upload correct docs |
Tips to Avoid ICP Residency Status Delay
To avoid delays, follow these tips:
- Upload clear passport and photo scans
- Double-check name spelling
- Keep Emirates ID and visa documents ready
- Attend medical test on time
- Complete biometrics quickly
- Pay fees properly and save receipt
- Use UAE Pass for fast verification
When Should You Worry About ICP Residency Delay?
You should worry if:
- Status stuck for more than 15 working days
- Medical done but still not updated after 5 days
- Emirates ID pending for more than 2 weeks
- Application shows “Rejected” or “Need correction”
In such cases, contacting ICP or visiting a service center is best.
ICP Residency Status Check Link
You can check your application status here:
🔗 https://icp.gov.ae
FAQs (10) – ICP Residency Status Not Moving
1. Why is my ICP residency status not moving?
It may be due to high workload, missing documents, medical delay, or biometrics pending.
2. How long does ICP residency approval take?
Normally it takes 7 to 20 working days depending on application type.
3. What does “Under Process” mean in ICP status?
It means the application is being reviewed by immigration authorities.
4. What should I do if ICP status shows “Waiting”?
Wait 2-3 days and contact ICP support if it continues beyond 7 working days.
5. Can medical test delay stop residency visa?
Yes, without medical fitness result, visa stamping cannot be completed.
6. Why is my Emirates ID status not updating?
It may be due to biometric pending or printing delay.
7. Can I visit ICP office if status is stuck?
Yes, you can visit ICP service center or contact customer support.
8. What is ICP customer care number?
ICP contact number is 600522222.
9. Can wrong passport details cause delay?
Yes, any mistake in passport number or name can delay approval.
10. How to speed up ICP residency process?
Upload correct documents, complete medical and biometrics quickly, and ensure payment is successful.
Final Thoughts
If your ICP residency status is not moving, it is usually due to document verification, medical result delays, biometrics pending, payment confirmation issues, or high application volume. Most of the time, the issue gets solved automatically within a few days.
However, if the status is stuck for more than 10 to 15 working days, you should contact ICP customer support or ask your PRO/typing center to check the internal processing.
Staying calm and checking the correct steps will help you solve the waiting issue quickly.
more :- ICP residency