Job Discussion Forums

randyteach · Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

Haven't heard anything from my employer (ISM), and we're supposed to arrive in Saudi Arabia in about 3 weeks.

Should we start applying for and getting a visa (I think it's a "business work" visa) from the Saudi consulate now, or do we wait for further word from ISM about getting a visa? I've heard getting a visa for KSA takes a very long time.

lizziebennet · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 355

Post deleted

manowur · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 68

Hello,

Lizzie, your understanding is correct.
I worked on a business visa last year so you will definitely need an invitation from the recruiter in order to apply for the visa. They also sent my a screenshot from the MOFA website that had information about the visa (i.e., visa number, date, list of names of all people on the same block number, etc.). However, I don't know if the screenshot is required though because it isn't mentioned on the embassy website (but it obviously doesn't hurt to have).
Once I had all my paperwork together and submitted it (via a visa agency I might add; I don't know if you can do it on your own), it only took a few days to process and get my passport back.
Hope this helps.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Have you read all the "caveats" on this site about coming to KSA on a business visa ? You are NOT coming on business. You are coming to teach.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 8:07 am Post subject:

dareva · Joined: 25 Aug 2009 Posts: 74 Location: almost there...

Hey Randy,
Im surprise dyou havent heard from ISM regard visa's cause I have. They're being processed now and they'll be here next week. Maybe you got the email too b/w now and writing your last post. And, yeah you cant get your own - you can go to the embassy and get the visa stamp but only after you have the letter in your hand from MOFA, which ISM will send to you. EMail Carol, if you haven't already done so and put your questions to her. Cool

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

do not come to KSA ona bsiness visa.. Come instead on a bizniss visa or a business visa.

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

Grendal · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:20 pm Post subject:

how bout a busyness visa?

G

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 3:25 pm Post subject:

how bout a BS-ness visa? Laughing

NCTBA

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

nctba I would try that one, but instead already obtained the BIZmilla visa.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:51 pm Post subject:

Ohhh! Good-un!

NCTBA

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You're lucky they're giving you the business visit visa in Thailand. According to the Saudi Foreign Office website they are only issued in the applicant's home country or country of permanent residence. I suspect the letter from your embassy is simply to cover their backs over waiving that requirement.

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

It looks like I won't be able to get the visa here. The KSA embassy is insisting I need to submit the contract. The agency is not giving it to me.

But it gets better.

The agency I'm dealing with wants me to send my passport from Thailand to a visa agent in Washington, D.C. The agency gave me the person's first name only and his phone won't accept my calls. It won't provide the person's last name or an alternative contact number or email. I'd be sending my passport from outside the US to a guy whose name I don't know and I can't get in touch with.

I could get 2 or 3 pieces of paper from these jokers, plus the embassy letter, and would have the visa in my hand here in 1 or 2 days.