Job Discussion Forums

[TravelingMuslim]

Hey everyone,

I was recently hired with ICEAT and I just completed the visa process. I now am looking into what I have to do to bring my family (wife and baby) over. I have read other threads that speak of the time frame of when I can apply, but I am still not sure as to how the actual application process is done.

ICEAT told me to contact the visa agency that did my visa and get started by attesting the marriage and birth certificates from the Saudi Embassy. The visa company said they do this for about $330. I asked ICEAT if I can use another service as this one seems pricey and they agreed (I am paying the expenses of bring the family over).

Does anyone know of a visa agency with reasonable pricing and service that can help take care of anything on the U.S end? Also, does anyone know what exactly happens after these two documents are attested? There seems to be no clear instructions anywhere on exactly what I need to do.

Thanks in advance.

[nomad soul]

Frankly, $330 is probably about average. Anyway, try https://saudiembassy.net/services/visa_offices_registered_with_enjaz.aspx for a list of registered visa agents. Note the disclaimer. You'll have to request current costs for comparison. The visa agent will explain the process and requirements.

[TravelingMuslim]

That's for the info. The thing is I have no idea what their total cost is. They are just giving me a quote for translation and attestation. I was hoping someone who has been through this process before can recommend a company.

[nomad soul]

[TravelingMuslim]

Thanks for the info. A final question: Is there any costs to be paid beyond those dished out to the visa agency, like an expense I pay in Saudi? I am not sure how much if any part of the process involves any agency in Saudi...

[scot47]

Iqamas and all the paperwork involved cost money at the Saudi end. Reasonable employers pay the cost of that. Not all do. In fact Government Universities ask teachers to pay for their Iqama, although the Labour Law states this is a responsibility of the employer. Their get out is that they invoke the KSA equivalent of "Crown Immunity".

Sorry to provide little comfort, or exact information.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

Things vary from employer to employer. Remember KSA is not a "rule-bound society" but a "wasta-bound society".

[TravelingMuslim]

Nomad and Scot47,

Understood. I saw nothing in the contract on Iqama expenses so I guess it may fall on me. I would hope they should pay it if it is in the Labour Law, but I guess I'll just wait and see. Thanks so much for all of the info.

[CANDLES]

ICEAT pay for employees IQAMA. That at least is one good thing they do plus give some money to tie you over till payday.

As for bringing over family - personally I think you need to wait until your IQAMA is in place and your 3 months probation is over. KSU/ICEAT have a habit of dumping people before the probationary period. KSU did that on the women's section.

If you use ICEAT to get your family over, eventually, get everything in writing!

[TravelingMuslim]

Candles, thank you for the info, that is good to hear. I am still confused as to how the process actually works. Does anyone know of a step-by-step explanation or something similar? Or perhaps a relevant thread from this site that discusses the actual process and how to do it?

[nomad soul]

[TravelingMuslim]

Thank you Nomad Soul once again! I don't know where I'd be without you (I'd probably still looking into how to get a CELTA)