What visa options do I have after losing my job in the UAE?

You have several legitimate routes, and the key is choosing one before your grace period runs out. Once cancellation completes, a grace period attaches to your former residence category — commonly 30 days for standard work visas, longer for some categories — so confirm yours through the immigration authority's channels rather than relying on hearsay. Within that window, your main options are: transferring directly to a new employer, which needs no exit and is the cleanest path if an offer lands; switching to the official jobseeker visa, designed precisely for your situation, which gives you a lawful stay while you interview; moving under family sponsorship if your spouse holds a residence and meets the requirements; or a self-sponsored route such as the green visa if your qualifications and history fit. A standard visit visa change is the fallback if none of those work. Separately, if you were enrolled in the unemployment insurance scheme, claim the compensation promptly — that is money rather than status, but it funds the search. Whatever you choose, start the paperwork early: switching while in grace is routine, while fixing an overstay is not. A licensed UAE immigration lawyer can map which route best fits your role, nationality and timing.