Saudi Arabia Permanent Work Visa from Canada

A Saudi Arabia Permanent Work Visa, also known as a Saudi Work Visa, allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia for long-term employment with a sponsoring Saudi employer.

This visa is intended for individuals who have received a formal job offer and employment contract from a Saudi company or organization.

The application process begins in Saudi Arabia, where the employer must obtain the necessary employment visa authorization from the relevant Saudi authorities. Once the authorization is issued, the applicant can proceed with the consular visa application in Canada.

After arriving in Saudi Arabia, the employee's sponsoring employer completes the applicable procedures for obtaining a work permit and residence identification, commonly known as an Iqama.

A Permanent Work Visa does not grant permanent residency or citizenship. The employee's legal status remains subject to Saudi employment and residency regulations.

Canadian citizens and eligible foreign nationals legally residing in Canada, including Canadian permanent residents, may apply for a Saudi Permanent Work Visa, subject to the Saudi authorities' requirements.

Applicants generally must meet the following conditions:

• Valid Employment Offer: Have a confirmed job offer from a Saudi employer authorized to recruit foreign employees.
• Employment Contract: Hold a signed employment contract identifying the position and employment terms.
• Visa Authorization: Have the required Saudi work visa authorization issued through the appropriate Saudi government channels.
• Professional Qualifications: Meet any educational, professional licensing, or experience requirements applicable to the position.
• Medical Requirements: Complete the required medical examinations and provide acceptable medical documentation.
• Security Requirements: Provide police clearance or other background documentation when required.
• Valid Travel Documents: Hold a valid passport and satisfy the entry and visa requirements.

Foreign nationals residing in Canada may also need to provide proof of their Canadian immigration status.

Not sure whether you qualify? VIA TRAVEL can review your circumstances and explain the documentation required for your application.

Saudi Arabia offers different visa categories depending on the nature and duration of employment.

Saudi Permanent Work Visa

Designed for foreign nationals entering Saudi Arabia for longer-term employment with a Saudi employer.

The employer sponsors the employee and arranges the applicable employment and residency procedures. Once completed, the employee can obtain an Iqama, allowing legal residence in Saudi Arabia for the authorized period.

Saudi Temporary Work Visa

Designed for eligible foreign nationals entering Saudi Arabia to perform authorized work for a limited period, such as a short-term project or specific assignment.

This visa does not ordinarily establish the same residency arrangements as a long-term employment visa.

Important: A temporary work visa is different from a tourist or ordinary business visit visa. Visitors must hold the appropriate authorization before performing employment activities in Saudi Arabia.

VIA TRAVEL can help you understand the application procedures associated with your employer's approved visa category.

Saudi work visa requirements can vary according to nationality, profession, sponsoring employer, and individual circumstances.

VIA TRAVEL provides a personalized document checklist based on your case and the applicable requirements of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

The following documents are commonly required.

Saudi Work Visa Authorization

Your Saudi employer must arrange the necessary employment visa authorization through the relevant Saudi authorities.

Once approved, the employer should provide the visa authorization number, date, and other information required to process your application in Canada.

Electronic Sponsorship Authorization (Tafweed)

An electronic authorization, commonly called Tafweed, may be required to establish the sponsoring employer's authorization for the visa process.

The information must correspond with the applicant's details and the approved visa authorization. Supporting company registration documents may also be required.

Valid Passport

Applicants generally require an original passport valid for at least six months from the intended travel date, with sufficient blank pages for visa processing.

VIA TRAVEL will confirm the passport requirements applicable to your application.

Saudi Visa Application Form

A completed Saudi visa application is required.

VIA TRAVEL will guide you through the applicable application forms and procedures, review the information provided, and check for inconsistencies before submission.

Employment Contract

A copy of the employment contract signed by both the applicant and the Saudi employer is generally required.

The contract should accurately reflect the applicant's position and employment arrangements and include any certification required by the Saudi authorities.

Educational Certificates and Professional Qualifications

Depending on the occupation, applicants may need to provide university degrees, diplomas, academic transcripts, professional certificates, or employment experience letters.

These documents may require notarization, apostille or other authentication, professional verification, or Saudi Cultural Bureau review, depending on the circumstances.

VIA TRAVEL can assist with coordinating the required educational document authentication and attestation procedures. Additional service and third-party fees may apply.

Police Clearance Certificate

A recent police clearance certificate may be required to confirm the applicant's criminal record status.

The issuing authority, acceptable format, and document validity requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances and the applicable Saudi consular instructions.

Medical Examination and Reports

Applicants generally must undergo medical screening and provide the required medical reports and laboratory results.

The examination must meet the Saudi authorities' requirements, including any rules concerning the examining physician, medical facility, report format, and validity period.

Personal Photographs

Recent colour photographs with a white background are generally required.

The number, dimensions, and technical specifications must meet the applicable Saudi visa application requirements.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the application, additional documents may include:

• Proof of Canadian permanent residence or other immigration status.
• Professional licences or occupational approvals.
• Curriculum vitae or employment experience records.
• Proof of health insurance, where applicable.
• Travel information or additional documents requested by the Saudi authorities.

Avoid unnecessary expenses or document delays. Contact VIA TRAVEL before arranging medical examinations, police certificates, translations, or document authentication so our specialists can confirm which requirements apply to your case.

Document specifications: Obtain VIA TRAVEL's current Ottawa work visa checklist to confirm exact medical report requirements, photograph dimensions, certificate authentication procedures, and any mandatory biometrics.

Applying for a Saudi Permanent Work Visa can involve several parties, including your Saudi employer, Canadian document-issuing authorities, and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

As an approved Saudi visa processing agent in Canada, VIA TRAVEL helps bring these requirements together through an organized and professional application process.

Personalized Visa Assessment

Our specialists review your visa authorization, employment details, and individual circumstances to determine the documentation required for your application.

Rather than relying on a generic checklist, you receive guidance tailored to your case.

Professional Document Review

We carefully review your application and supporting documents for completeness, consistency, and compliance with the applicable requirements.

If information is missing, incomplete, or requires correction, we advise you before proceeding with submission.

Educational Document Attestation Assistance

Some Saudi work visa applications require educational qualifications to undergo authentication, verification, or attestation.

VIA TRAVEL can help coordinate the applicable procedures, including assistance involving the Saudi Cultural Bureau when required. Additional fees may apply.

Embassy Application Submission

Once your application package is ready, VIA TRAVEL coordinates its submission through the applicable authorized channels for processing by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

Our role is to help ensure that your documents are organized and submitted in accordance with the relevant requirements.

Application Follow-Up and Communication

VIA TRAVEL communicates available application updates and notifies you if additional documents, corrections, or information are requested.

When a decision is communicated, we advise you of the outcome and coordinate the applicable next steps.

The VIA TRAVEL Advantage

Working with VIA TRAVEL means receiving specialized assistance from a Saudi visa processing agent familiar with employment visa documentation and the procedures applicable to applications in Canada.

Our goal is to help you submit a complete, properly prepared application while minimizing avoidable errors and documentation delays.

Step 1 - Obtain Your Saudi Work Visa Authorization

Your Saudi employer begins the process by obtaining the necessary authorization from the relevant Saudi government authorities.

Once the authorization is approved, request the details and supporting documents from your employer.

Step 2 - Contact VIA TRAVEL

Provide VIA TRAVEL with your visa authorization details and basic applicant information.

Our specialists will assess the requirements and send you a personalized document checklist, including information about services we can assist with.

Step 3 - Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Gather the required documents and provide them to VIA TRAVEL according to the instructions received.

Our team reviews the application package, identifies any outstanding requirements, and coordinates the necessary corrections or supporting services.

Step 4 - Embassy Submission and Processing

Once the application is ready, VIA TRAVEL submits it through the applicable channels for processing by the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

If additional documentation or information is requested, we will communicate those requirements to you.

Step 5 - Receive Your Visa Decision

Following a decision by the Saudi authorities, VIA TRAVEL will notify you of the outcome and explain the next steps.

If your visa is issued, review its details and authorized entry period before making final travel arrangements.

Processing Time Notice

Saudi work visa processing times vary depending on the applicant, document readiness, employer authorization, verification requirements, and decisions made by the relevant Saudi authorities.

VIA TRAVEL does not control embassy processing times or guarantee a specific completion date. We recommend beginning the process well before your intended travel date.