Does the officer judge my ties to the UAE or to my home country?

Both can matter. The Abu Dhabi study plan asks about ties to your country of residence or of citizenship. Residence in the UAE depends on your job, so show ties to your home country as well.

What exchange rate should I use for dirham balances?

Show balances as your bank prints them. CAN$1 was about AED 2.60 on September 25, 2026, based on the Bank of Canada US dollar rate and the dirham’s fixed US dollar peg.

Does IRCC publish processing times for applicants in the UAE?

Yes. IRCC publishes times by country of residence, so UAE residents see the UAE figure, not their home country figure. Each guide shows the latest number.

Applying to Canada from the UAE

Most people applying to Canada from the UAE are expatriates, not Emirati citizens. You can apply from the UAE while your residence is valid, but the Abu Dhabi visa office will look at your status there, your ties to your home country, and police records from both.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated: September 28, 2026

Get my options checked

IRCC processing times for applicants in UAE

Visitor visa (applying from outside Canada)	56 daysIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Super visa (parents and grandparents)	72 daysIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Study permit (applying from outside Canada)	6 weeksIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Work permit (applying from outside Canada)	7 weeksIRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times

Guides for UAE-based applicants

Each guide covers the documents, offices and local rules that apply in UAE.

Can I apply for Canada from the UAE if I am not an Emirati?

Yes. You can apply from the country where you legally live. The Abu Dhabi visa office asks for a copy of your most recent Gulf residence visa if it is not stuck in your current passport. Keep your residence valid for the whole process. If it lapses, your application story changes.

Where do UAE residents give biometrics and do medicals?

IRCC lists two visa application centres in the UAE: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Biometrics cost CAN$85 per person or CAN$170 per family. In September 2026, IRCC’s panel physician list showed approved doctors in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Only a panel physician can do your immigration medical.

Why do UAE expats need police certificates from two countries?

For permanent residence, IRCC wants a police certificate from every country where you lived six months in a row or longer in the last 10 years, since age 18. For most expats that means the UAE and your home country, plus any other Gulf country where you worked before.

Canada from UAE: FAQ

: Both can matter. The Abu Dhabi study plan asks about ties to your country of residence or of citizenship. Residence in the UAE depends on your job, so show ties to your home country as well.
: Show balances as your bank prints them. CAN$1 was about AED 2.60 on September 25, 2026, based on the Bank of Canada US dollar rate and the dirham’s fixed US dollar peg.
: Yes. IRCC publishes times by country of residence, so UAE residents see the UAE figure, not their home country figure. Each guide shows the latest number.

Official sources

Not sure which route fits you from UAE?

Tell us your age, education, work and what you want (visit, study, work or PR). We will reply with the route that fits and what to fix first.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.