Relocation Process Steps

Hi gsh3000

I'll have a go at answering those questions - similar ones have come up before so I'm pretty sure of the answers although I'm at roughly the same stage of the process as you.

As far as I can see the role of the RA is to facilitate the processes and ensure that everyone is doing what they should be doing. Obviously they are there to help with your enquiries as well. The RA has probably initiated the background check process.

The background process has many steps including degree attestation, criminal record checks, references, visa application and many others (I believe) and most of them are probably being done concurrently. The general answer for how long the steps take that I have seen is "as long as it takes" and there is no normal. It just depends. For example my degree attestation took a week or so and someone else on here from a similar University to mine in the UK had their degree attestation take more than 3 months.

When your RA emails you, you could ask them but the period of time that they say is highly subject to change depending on the exact circumstances. My advice is to make sure that things are happening but then let them happen. I understand that your particular circumstances will mean that you won't be comfortable with this but that is just how it is when applying (I understand).

I received the hard copy of my conditional offer with all the documentation needed to start my background checks. Check with your RA when they contact you.

It is unlikely that the RA can assist in getting stuff done much more quickly as so many things are done by other external enies including universities, government departments and embassies. Patience is the key word and from my limited experience of being in Saudi before as well as what many have said on here that is something that you will need when you get there too.

I am sure that one of the old hands here will correct me if I have not adequately explained or am incorrect in something I've said above.

Best of luck.