Job Discussion Forums

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

Hi all,

I was hoping I could get some advice from those with a bit more experience than me in ESL related matters.

I have received a job offer, contract, etc. from a university in Saudi to teach ESL. I have a PhD, Masters and undergraduate degree from the UK, but not in English or education. I have two very good references attesting to my experience as a teacher of undergraduates and have been through a teaching course at the university got my PhD from.

My documents were sent to a visa agent who said I would not be permitted a work visa as my certification did not relate to the subject I would be teaching. I got two second opinions from other visa agents who said I would be fine with my contract and certification.

So now I feel like I am taking a massive risk in spending £500-600 to find out if my visa might or might not go through. Can anyone shed any light on what exactly is needed for a Saudi work visa in this situation? I have tried calling the Saudi embassy in London but can never get through.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Do not ask a visa agent. Ask the employer. If it is a Government University the Cultural Attache in London should expedite matters.

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

You need to direct this question to the Saudi sponsor who hired you, especially if they informed you that you'll be issued a proper work/employment visa. (They're responsible for determining the type of visa.)

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

Thanks for the response guys. It is a work visa that will be transferred to an Iqama. They have issued me with a visa reference via Enjaz, so I have total faith in them. I have contact through the recruiter for the sponsor.

So the visa agent pointed out that as I didn't have a CELTA I wouldn't be granted a work visa. And my Saudi recruiter has gone AWOL since he heard this. So I'm completely confused - my sponsor has done everything he can to get me this far, but now the visa agency are saying I won't be able to get a visa

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

A CELTA-equivalent 120-hour, in-person TEFL cert is fine for Saudi Arabia. Since none of your degrees qualify you to teach English, do you have a TEFL certificate---the teacher-training course you mentioned? What did that entail, because it should show up on your academic transcript.

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

I have two references from senior members of my university noting the teaching I have done. I would ideally like to do the CELTA though. I have another conditional offer from KSU, dependent upon my registration on a CELTA course. I rejected this as I had a firm offer and contract from another (lesser ranked) uni and thought that would guarantee me a work visa. I had no idea it would all blow up in my face. So I think I might go back to KSU and accept their offer, do a CELTA and be guaranteed entry. At the moment it all seems like a bit of a gamble.

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

Forgot to clarify - I don't have TEFL but it would be a good idea for me to get one.

One other thing - I have been given a block visa number already from my sponsor. This probably doesn't mean much but I thought I'd put it out there.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

If you have a visa number allocated then you can go. Do you want to ?

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

I am seriously confused. I DEFINITELY want to go. My documents (contract, number, etc) were forwarded to the visa agency in London. They called and said my application in all probability wouldn't be accepted without a CELTA.

I have told my recruiter this, and since then he has gone completely AWOL. I've tried contacting him on Skype and email.

This is my first time with a Saudi Arabian employer, and the whole thing has put me in a massive spin.

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

Ps I think a visa block number is different to a visa number. My understanding is that a visa block number is what you get from your sponsor before applying for the visa. But please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

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

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

Well I didn't have any contact with the employer - only through the recruiter. But very good advice. I will do the CELTA and take the other offer.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

might be good to know the name of the visa agent in London who said this would be no go

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

DrAesthete · Joined: 01 Apr 2015 Posts: 27

It was Britannia in London who seem very reputable. I guess it wasn't a problem getting the offer, just might be getting the visa without a CELTA.