Timeline - Houston ASC Interviews Feb 2012

Overland: Thank you and hope to meet you in the next few weeks in Saudia.
The visa stamp was dated 8/10. However, I got a call on 8/16 (after sending number of emails and leaving voice mails) to let me know that I got the visas and that it will be sent to me overnight via Fedex. I agree with you on ASC lack of communication. This is actually what made the process so difficult on me and my family.

Well, just to give another update,
* I recieved my remote medicals and submit back on 7/31.
* Heard back mid-August I was good for Visa submittal.
* Visa mailed in August 27th to embassy.
* Relo advisor called me September 6th and said visa is stamped and housing assignment in order. Official letter being prepared for me but she wanted to give me a heads up.
* Planned flight date is 9/26. (I asked for an additional week to prepare).
* ASC payroll called to verify a few information points with me on my savings choices on 9/6.

So, things are looking good all! Hang in there! Even with the computer issues and other things they're dealing with, things seem to be working.

Thanks! Hang in there. I'm sure no matter happens when you get there, you'll look back and say, "I'm glad I tried."

o Friends:

I would like to first thank everyone for sharing their information on this forum. It has been helpful!

Timeline for us:
March: received and accepted official offer
April: cleared medical and background check
April: submitted passport for visa
Today (September 30, 2012): still waiting for visa
(The only official notice I received from ASC was the following; job le change needed and medical tests expired.)

So, yes overland, highlander, and other friends...you are not alone. In addition, the miscommunication and lack of communication is unfortunately common. You will not necessarily know how many times your visa was submitted, the reasons for the delays, etc. At times errors play a role, as well as politics. You will NOT be given a lot of information you should know or wish you knew.

However, there are some individuals who have no problems through this process, while there are some that will be able to write a novel. Expect the unexpected, and as many have stated, the key is patience.

Live your life (i.e., professional and personal) like you did before you received a contingent offer (e.g., ........., marriage, having children, looking for another job, receiving promotions from your current employer, buy the car you have been saving up for, buy the house you wanted that now has a good deal, plan to attend a wedding that is 3 months in advance, make travel plans.).

My BIGGEST recommendation is not to make any changes in your personal or professional life IN ANY WAY. Even if you...have an ETA in writing, are told you are in "high demand", are sought by various departments in Saudi Aramco, graduated from the best university, have several degrees and certification, are considered an international/national recognized expert in your field, have the cleanest background (including security clearance from various governments), you have connections with government enies/CEO...NONE of this will ensure you will have a smooth process or that you will meet all the contingencies. You have NO control over what happens from the moment you walk to the interview to the moment you are officially hired; and the reality is you will never know. Therefore, when you receive your visa (in your hands) and travel itinerary, then you can start planning and making arrangements if you choose to still accept the offer.

Hi all,

Just want to give a heads up of my timeline:

Applied-April 2012
Interviewed-Video conference (perth-London-Dahram) - 5th May 2012
Received offer- July 2012
BI and SAMSO clearance- August 2012
Visa -still on going.

In my case delay is blessing because my plan is moving to KSA around January or early Feb.
I am looking forward to go there...excited...!!!

Etocan, you will find that things move slowly for many reasons, yes, in the U.S. it might seem to be unprofessional, when it may be cultural differences. ASC also has to be in contact with Saudi. Yes, it would be nice if they stayed in contact on a timeline that didn't frustrate us, but they are bringing in hundreds of people and they have to wait on answers from the different groups hiring, investigators, the medical personnel and but not only the Saudi government. People go on vacation right in the middle of processing. Then it (processing) waits. Government changes its policies, then it waits (happens frequently). ASC has been processing people for years, they know they cannot make everyone happy with the process, so they communicate as they have or need information.