Job Discussion Forums

Cleopatra · Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 5:23 pm Post subject:

I've never used a visa agency any of the times (which is more than I care to remember!) that I've applied for a Saudi visa. However, if you can find one who'll do the job for $55, I'd say go for it! That seems like a very small amount to pay a visa agency, and could end up saving you time, stress and money in the long run.

sauditeacher · Joined: 05 Oct 2009 Posts: 44

Chailocks, I am very interested in the answers you'll hopefully receive.

I'm waiting on papers from my future employer in order to start the KSA visa process (for the 1st time I'd be working in KSA). And, from what I've read so far on this discussion board, I've concluded that paying a visa processing agency (here in Canada, to deal with the KSA embassy in Ottawa) to handle my visa application - from the very start of that process - would be the way to go for me.

Can such an agency 'do it all' for me? i.e. advise me on each discrete & multi-part step, and in the proper sequential way, such that the process happens in as logical and quick a way as possible? Or am I being unrealistically optimistic?

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

This is my third time entering KSA.
The first two times, I dealt directly with the Saudi Embassy.

It was difficult, but managed okay. However, this time round the KSA university I have been accepted at says I need to use a Visa agent...apparently the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa now prefers to deal with a third party - Visa agent. Guess they are fed up with Canadian applicants not following-understanding the Visa proceedures Rolling Eyes

Chailocks · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 47

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

What advice is the company you are working for offering you? Aren't you being guided through the process? Why are you spending your own money on this?
I think you should be sure yo're not chasing fool's gold before you spend a single dime.
People are hung out to dry all the time in this business.

Chailocks · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 47

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

johnslat · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 2:19 pm Post subject:

It's probably quite cynical of me, I know, but I find myself wondering whether this "middle-man" (or for the PC inclined, "middle-person") process involves what are commonly called "kickbacks."

Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Not cynical at all...what else are 'middle men' good for...unfortunately... Confused

sauditeacher · Joined: 05 Oct 2009 Posts: 44

Fie fie, John: such a low opinion have you of the process! (But I'm right there with you; a too-easy & too-painless way of increasing a bureaucrat's take home pay?).

And cmp45, many thanx: yours has become a personal sticky. Very considerate of you to go to the trouble of presenting that info.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Regarding medical, for work visa: I have verified with my visa agent that the only requirement necessary is to ensure that the medical has been certified/ authenticated by the College and Physicians in the province where you had your medical completed.

Enshallah I will be on my way ... again Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It was common a few years back for those proicessing through London to use Les Budd. Well worth the money.

amoyer · Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 4

I used a third party company, it was still dificult and some things needed to be re-submitted, but at least I wasn't the one running around.

Chailocks · Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Posts: 47