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Post by cantwait2 on Jun 16, 2013 4:41:51 GMT
I am currently waiting for the visa...
The Saudi Consulate website says it is 10 days.
My relocation advisor is saying it is 4-6 weeks on avee..maybe more...
- Anyone received recently the visa who can share what was the wait time (for Canadians)?
- What happens once the visa is ready? do I wait for any additional steps/requirements from Aramco?
- Do I get my passport from the Saudi Consulate in Ottawa? or ASC will send it to me?
I am a little bit anxious about having my passport, I would have liked to visit my parents who live overseas, I have some marriage plans that I wanted to deal with before moving and many other things that all require having my passport...Will I need to wait 2 more months?
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Post by tsatti on Jun 17, 2013 17:54:26 GMT
I Just got visa, It took me exactly 12 business days, the processing time is anywhere from 10-15 business days.
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Post by cantwait2 on Jun 17, 2013 23:07:21 GMT
That's great!
My relocation advisor told me it is 4-6 weeks...adding to that one month that was already wasted with emails going back and forth
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mac
Member
Posts: 22
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Post by mac on Jun 18, 2013 17:32:22 GMT
Do we need to send Canadian passports via courier to ASC Houston for visa application submission? Who receives the passport back from Ottawa after visa issuance - ASC or the candidate? Any gone through the process, comment please.
I have heard that mailing the passport from one country to the other is not legal but I have no clear source to subtantiate this statement.
Thanks for all the info posted on this Forum which has been very helpful.
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Post by gbhatia on Jun 18, 2013 20:10:03 GMT
We sent our passports to Houston from Toronto via courier. I was prepared to drive to Ottawa to hand deliver the passports but our relocation advisor recommended otherwise as the Embassy gives priority to requests from Aramco and they (Aramco) can follow up if need be. If you send the documents yourself, you are placed in the queue like everyone else and the embassy has to go through the verification steps etc. Also, when Aramco sends them and if there are questions, they would call Aramco (for things like degree certification, marriage/birth certificates etc.) instead of you.
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Jun 18, 2013 20:49:57 GMT
Tsatti,
Were your visas processed by the Houston consulate?
I'm anxiously waiting for our visas. My relo advisor said it would take 1 week, give or take a few days. It's been a little over 2 weeks. Can't wait to actually move on with the actual relocation process.
My impression is the delay is caused by high activity prior to Ramadhan. Looks like Aramco is trying to process as many people as they can before the fasting period.
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zsb
Advanced Member
Posts: 59
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Post by zsb on Jun 19, 2013 0:55:22 GMT
Revive,
I am under the same situation as you are. I was told 5-6 business days to get the visa, but its already going on over 10 business days and no news yet. I am guessing it probably will take another 10-15 days before I hear anything. Will keep you guys posted on any update. By the way I applied through Houston Aramco office for the visa.
zsb
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Post by canada29 on Jun 19, 2013 12:09:42 GMT
I have also been told 4-6 weeks for the visa, which I am hoping is not the case. I tried to get clarification from my relocation advisor, but wasn't told much, other than a few of her people's passports have been at the Embassy for 4 weeks so far. I've also had quite a bit of time wasted with emails back and forth with ASC. If there are any Canadians who have recently received their visas, I would love to hear how long it took and the process afterwards.
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zsb
Advanced Member
Posts: 59
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Post by zsb on Jun 19, 2013 20:53:51 GMT
Finally received good news today that visa has been issued. Took around 10-11 business days to get the visa. Now time to pack up.....
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revive
Senior Member
Posts: 180
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Post by revive on Jun 19, 2013 21:27:40 GMT
Congrats zsb... must feel quite a relief for you.
May I ask when you expect to depart?
My relo advisor said they (the consulate?) prioritizes visa processing based on targeted departure date. With my departure being Aug 1st and lots of people are departing in June/July before Ramadhan starts, I sense that I've been placed near the bottom of the list. Fyi, ASC submitted my visa application on May 31st.
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zsb
Advanced Member
Posts: 59
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Post by zsb on Jun 19, 2013 21:56:12 GMT
Hi revive,
ASC wanted me to leave sometimes in June-July, but due to several reasons, I couldn't leave before Ramadan. Anyway, current ETA is somewhere in August (not finalized yet). Just hang in there and the wait time will be over soon. Good luck...
zsb
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Post by cantwait2 on Jun 22, 2013 3:06:45 GMT
For people who got the visa in 10 days...are you guys Canadians? Maybe it take more time for canadians?
I am unable to understand how it works...One guess could be depending on the need of the department
but who cares...I guess I just have to enjoy it while it last...
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zsb
Advanced Member
Posts: 59
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Post by zsb on Jun 22, 2013 19:22:35 GMT
Cantwait2,
I am from US and I can imagine the process to be little longer if the visa is being applied from Canada to the Houston, TX office. Also as some of the the other posts have mentioned, the process may be faster for folks who are required to start in June or July or if the department really wants you to start ASAP. I have heard from a personal friend who received his visa within 3 days end of last year.
zsb
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