Job Discussion Forums

aussie_teacher · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 26 Location: UAE

Hi all!

I got a problem on my hands and was wondering if anyone knows how i could solve it.

I'm currently working in Oman and i've applied for a job in Saudi. I've been accepted by the ministry of something and by the university. Anyways, everything should be good... However, they want me to return back to Australia to get my visa issued from there. So....
my questions are:

1. Can i process my visa from Australia, but have it issued from Oman?
2. What does a standard visa application require
3. How long does it usually take to process everything.

Cheers

mforehand · Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Saudi Arabia

1. I don't think so. Visa's are sent to the Embassy of the Country of origina and seldom are transferred.
2. Depends on the country, could be a ver extensive medical examination, police background check (performed by Australian authorties).
3. In the US at least a month, possibly longer depending on the state you live. Our teachers from the UK seem to take the least, and South Africa is second.

In short, you will go home, and sit on your butt for awhile (probably).

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

mforehand has summed it up well. It is a lot of work for employers to transfer the visa from the country of origin to the country you are resident in, and it can take around three months. The big problem is that if you don't take the job they are stuck with a visa for an Australian in Oman, and have to transfer it back to Australia to use it.

aussie_teacher · Joined: 01 May 2004 Posts: 26 Location: UAE

thanks guys. Appreciate the advice. So it seems pretty difficult. But i gather that's it's not impossible??? My employer is pretty telling me they'll do anything for me to come over. So, technically speaking, there is a chance, right?

The reason why i'm asking, just in case you're wondering, is becasue i've got a family and no accomodation big enough in OZ for me to hang around "sitting on my butt". Therefore, i would need to leave from here directly to KSA. Alternatively, i've had offers in Kuwait and Qatar. Would anyone know if the process the same in those countries???

Thanks