Job Discussion Forums

muhajir · Joined: 21 Jan 2008 Posts: 11

Hello all,

Does anyone have any updates on the Canada visa situation? Last I heard there were mixed stories of the visa processing taking anywhere from 1-3 months by the Saudi embassy in Canada, and they are only taking ESL teachers with English-related qualifications. As a result, a lot of employers are not bothering to hire Canadians e.g. Aramco's contractors.

Anyone have the contact of a Canadian visa agent who deals with the Saudi embassy?

Thanks

Jessiemiles · Joined: 07 Jun 2012 Posts: 49 Location: Home

Check out the list of approved agents and try calling a few.

http://embassies.mofa.gov.sa/sites/canada/EN/ConsulateSection/Visa/Pages/default.aspx

Canadians now have to have a degree in English or Linguistics to get an employment visa to teach English. The wait time is reported to be ten days, but I've heard in reality it's 20. I think this also depends on who your employer is.

timmiez · Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 13 Location: Toronto, Canada

I have contacted a couple of the authorized agents and one of them mentioned how a group of 6 Canadian teachers were denied visas due to non related (i.e. English) degrees, this happened in July last year. They were then told to re-apply in September. But by then they had already pursued other positions in other countries so the agent is still not sure whether the ban has been lifted yet.

Does anyone know any Canadian teacher that was recently hired with a non-related bachelors degree?

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Voyeur · Joined: 03 Jul 2012 Posts: 431

So, let me see if I understand this. Canadians must get their VISA from the Saudi embassy in Canada, even if said Canadians live abroad. And there is a policy at that embassy which requires a related bachelor's degree to get the visa, even if you have a masters or PhD in TESOL?

timmiez · Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Posts: 13 Location: Toronto, Canada

You're good if you have a Masters or PhD in Tesol!

The problem is only if you are Canadian and have a base requirement of a Bachelor degree in a non-related field such as Commerce and a TEFL certification, they might not issue you a work visa.

P.S. - If you're American, you're good to go! Just spoke to an American teacher with the base requirements who got a work visa like two weeks ago!

Waiting to hear from a Canadian now!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

http://news.visato.com/canada/canadas-diplomats-concerned-over-immigration-rules-for-polygamist-saudi-visa-applicants/20121016/