Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa from Canada

A Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Saudi Arabia to perform authorized employment or specific work assignments for a limited period.

This visa is designed for professionals and workers who need to undertake temporary employment activities without entering Saudi Arabia under the longer-term employment and residency arrangements associated with a Permanent Work Visa.

Temporary Work Visas may be suitable for approved assignments involving:

• Short-term employment contracts.
• Technical installation, maintenance, or specialized project work.
• Engineering, technology, or professional assignments.
• Project implementation, training, or operational support.
• Other temporary employment activities authorized by the Saudi authorities.

The application process begins with the sponsoring employer or organization in Saudi Arabia, which must obtain the appropriate temporary work visa authorization through the relevant government channels.

Once the authorization is issued, the applicant can proceed with the visa application process in Canada.

How Long Can You Stay in Saudi Arabia?

Under Saudi Arabia's temporary work visa regulations:

• Visa Validity: The Temporary Work Visa is valid for one year from its issuance date.
• Permitted Stay: The initial authorized stay is 90 days from the date of entry.
• Extension: The Saudi authorities may approve one extension of up to another 90 days.

The visa validity period should not be confused with the length of time an individual is permitted to remain in Saudi Arabia.

Temporary workers must comply with the conditions of their visa and leave Saudi Arabia before their authorized stay expires unless an extension has been approved.

Important: A Saudi Temporary Work Visa is a work authorization category. It is not interchangeable with a tourist visa or ordinary business visit visa.

Canadian citizens and eligible foreign nationals legally residing in Canada, including Canadian permanent residents, may apply for a Saudi Temporary Work Visa, subject to the applicable Saudi immigration and employment requirements.

Applicants generally must meet the following conditions:

• Saudi Employer or Sponsor: Have a qualifying Saudi employer or organization authorized to request a Temporary Work Visa.
• Approved Visa Authorization: The sponsoring organization must obtain the required temporary work visa authorization from the relevant Saudi authorities.
• Temporary Employment Contract: Have a signed contract describing the work assignment and its agreed terms.
• Valid Passport: Hold a passport that meets Saudi entry and visa requirements.
• Professional Qualifications: Meet any occupational, educational, or licensing requirements applicable to the approved assignment.
• Medical Insurance: Have the medical insurance required under Saudi temporary work visa regulations.
• Additional Requirements: Complete any medical examinations, biometric procedures, or background checks required for the application.

Non-Canadian citizens may also need to provide evidence of their legal residence in Canada.

Not sure whether your assignment qualifies? VIA TRAVEL can review your visa authorization and help identify the requirements applicable to your case.

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

Saudi Temporary Work Visa

Designed for specific work assignments that must be completed within a limited period.

The applicant enters Saudi Arabia for the approved temporary employment activity and must respect the authorized length of stay.

This visa does not ordinarily establish the long-term residence arrangements associated with an Iqama issued for regular employment.

Saudi Permanent Work Visa

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

Following entry, the employer generally completes the applicable work permit and residency procedures, including obtaining an Iqama.

Which Work Visa Should You Apply For?

The appropriate visa depends on your employer's authorization, the type of work, the permitted occupation, and the anticipated employment period.

VIA TRAVEL can help you understand the visa category approved by your Saudi employer and the corresponding application requirements in Canada.

What About Temporary Work Visas for Hajj and Umrah Services?

Saudi Arabia also maintains a separate Temporary Work Visa category specifically for approved Hajj and Umrah service activities.

This category is subject to additional eligibility requirements, seasonal restrictions, and procedures.

Applicants should not assume that a general Temporary Work Visa automatically authorizes employment in Hajj or Umrah service operations.

Document requirements may vary depending on your nationality, profession, sponsoring organization, and the specific visa authorization issued.

VIA TRAVEL provides a personalized document checklist based on your circumstances and the applicable requirements for processing your visa through the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

The following documents are commonly required or may be requested.

Temporary Work Visa Authorization

The sponsoring Saudi employer must obtain the appropriate Temporary Work Visa authorization through the relevant Saudi government systems.

The employer should provide the authorization number and supporting information required for the applicant's visa processing.

VIA TRAVEL will review the authorization details and identify the corresponding documentation requirements.

Signed Temporary Employment Contract

A copy of the employment contract signed by both the applicant and the sponsoring employer is required under Saudi temporary work visa regulations.

The contract should accurately identify the parties and establish the employment terms, including the nature and duration of the assignment.

Additional certification may be required depending on the applicable application procedures.

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 applicable passport requirements before submission.

Saudi Visa Application Form

Applicants must complete the appropriate Saudi visa application.

VIA TRAVEL will guide you through the required forms and review your information to help ensure that it matches your passport, employment contract, and visa authorization.

Medical Insurance

Medical insurance is a requirement under Saudi Arabia's temporary work visa regulations.

The required insurance documentation must be provided in accordance with the applicable Saudi consular procedures.

VIA TRAVEL will advise you about the insurance evidence required for your application.

Personal Photographs

Applicants generally need recent colour photographs taken against a white background.

The number, dimensions, and specifications must comply with the applicable Saudi visa requirements.

Educational and Professional Certificates

Depending on the occupation, applicants may be asked to provide educational qualifications, technical certifications, professional licences, or evidence of relevant work experience.

Certain documents may require professional verification, authentication, or attestation.

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

Medical Examination and Reports

Medical screening may be required as part of the visa application process.

Any examinations and supporting medical reports must meet the applicable Saudi requirements, including those concerning the medical facility, examination results, and report validity.

VIA TRAVEL will help identify the medical documentation required for your particular application.

Proof of Canadian Immigration Status

Non-Canadian citizens applying from Canada may need to provide a valid permanent resident card or other evidence of their immigration status in Canada.

Eligibility to apply through the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa is subject to the applicable consular requirements.

Additional Supporting Documents

Depending on the case, additional documents may include:

• Letter from the sponsoring Saudi employer.
• Information about the project or temporary assignment.
• Professional licences or technical qualifications.
• Police clearance certificates, when required.
• Biometric information, where applicable.
• Travel arrangements or other documents requested by the Saudi authorities.

Before preparing your documents, contact VIA TRAVEL. Our specialists will identify the requirements applicable to your application and help you avoid unnecessary expenses, incorrect documentation, and preventable delays.

Applying for a Saudi Temporary Work Visa involves coordination between the sponsoring organization in Saudi Arabia, the applicant in Canada, and the relevant Saudi authorities.

As an approved Saudi visa processing agent in Canada, VIA TRAVEL provides professional assistance throughout the consular application process.

Personalized Visa Requirements

Our specialists assess your visa authorization, nationality, employment details, and the nature of your assignment.

Based on this information, we provide a personalized checklist of the documents required for your application.

Complete Document Review

VIA TRAVEL reviews the application and supporting documents to check that they are complete, consistent, and prepared according to the applicable requirements.

If documents are missing, contain errors, or require updates, our team will advise you before submission.

Assistance with Document Authentication

Some applicants may need to authenticate educational certificates, professional qualifications, or other supporting documents.

VIA TRAVEL can assist with coordinating the applicable authentication and attestation procedures. Additional fees may apply.

Embassy Application Submission

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

Our team helps ensure that your application package is properly organized and prepared for submission.

Application Follow-Up and Communication

VIA TRAVEL communicates available updates concerning your application.

If the Saudi authorities request additional information or documents, we will advise you of the requirements and assist with the next steps.

The VIA TRAVEL Advantage

With VIA TRAVEL, you receive assistance from a Saudi visa processing agent familiar with the documentation and procedures applicable to visa applications in Canada.

Our objective is to simplify the application process, reduce avoidable errors, and help you prepare your documents efficiently for your intended work assignment.

Let VIA TRAVEL handle the visa preparation so you can focus on your assignment in Saudi Arabia.

Step 1 - Obtain Your Saudi Temporary Work Visa Authorization

Your sponsoring employer in Saudi Arabia initiates the process through the appropriate Saudi government platform.

Once the authorization is approved, request the authorization details and necessary employment documents from your sponsor.

Step 2 - Contact VIA TRAVEL

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

Our specialists will review your circumstances and provide a personalized list of required documents, along with information about any additional services you may need.

Step 3 - Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Gather the documents identified in your checklist and provide them to VIA TRAVEL according to our instructions.

Our team reviews your application and identifies any missing, incorrect, or incomplete information.

Step 4 - Embassy Submission and Processing

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

If additional information, medical documentation, or other requirements arise, VIA TRAVEL will notify you accordingly.

Step 5 - Receive Your Visa Decision

When a decision is communicated by the Saudi authorities, VIA TRAVEL will notify you of the outcome.

If the visa is issued, we recommend reviewing its details, entry validity, and conditions of stay before finalizing your travel arrangements.

Important Information About Processing Times

Processing times can vary depending on visa authorization, applicant circumstances, document completeness, additional verification, and the workload or requirements of the relevant Saudi authorities.

Although VIA TRAVEL assists with the preparation and coordination of your application, no approved visa agent can guarantee a specific processing time or influence the final decision.

We strongly recommend beginning your application well before your intended departure date.

Is Saudi Arabia currently issuing Temporary Work Visas?+

Yes. Saudi Arabia maintains a Temporary Work Visa category for eligible foreign nationals performing approved short-term employment assignments.

The sponsoring Saudi employer must meet the applicable requirements and obtain the necessary visa authorization.

VIA TRAVEL can assist eligible applicants in Canada with the documentation and consular application procedures once the appropriate authorization is available.

How long can I stay in Saudi Arabia on a Temporary Work Visa?+

The standard permitted stay is 90 days from the date of entry.

Saudi regulations allow the competent authorities to approve a one-time extension for a similar period, potentially bringing the authorized stay to 180 days.

An extension is not automatic and must be approved by the relevant Saudi authorities. The traveller must leave before the authorized stay expires.

Can I work in Saudi Arabia on a Business Visit Visa instead of a Temporary Work Visa?+

A Saudi Business Visit Visa is generally intended for authorized business visits, such as meetings, negotiations, and other permitted business activities.

It does not automatically authorize the holder to perform paid employment or undertake work activities reserved for an employment visa category.

If your visit involves performing work in Saudi Arabia, your sponsoring organization should confirm the appropriate authorization before you travel.

VIA TRAVEL can help explain the relevant visa application requirements.

What is the difference between a Temporary Work Visa and an Iqama?+

A Temporary Work Visa allows an eligible foreign national to enter Saudi Arabia and perform an authorized work assignment for a limited period.

An Iqama is the residence identification issued to eligible foreign residents under the applicable Saudi residency procedures, commonly associated with longer-term employment.

A Temporary Work Visa does not ordinarily involve obtaining the long-term residency status associated with a standard employment Iqama.

Can VIA TRAVEL guarantee approval of my Saudi Temporary Work Visa?+

No. Visa approvals, eligibility decisions, extensions, and processing timelines are determined exclusively by the relevant Saudi authorities such as the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Ottawa.

As an approved Saudi visa processing agent, VIA TRAVEL assists with document preparation, application review, submission, and communication throughout the process.

Our role is to help ensure that your application is complete and properly prepared, while the final decision remains with the Saudi authorities.

Suggested footer:

Start Your Saudi Temporary Work Visa Application with VIA TRAVEL

Your work assignment has a deadline. Your visa preparation deserves professional attention.

Whether you are travelling to Saudi Arabia for a short-term project, technical assignment, or temporary employment opportunity, VIA TRAVEL is ready to assist with the visa application process in Canada.

As an approved Saudi visa processing agent, we provide personalized document requirements, professional application review, and coordination with the appropriate consular processing channels.

Speak with a Saudi Visa Specialist

VIA TRAVEL provides visa application assistance and processing coordination. Visa issuance, eligibility decisions, permitted stays, extensions, and processing times remain subject to the relevant Saudi authorities.

Meta description

Apply for a Saudi Arabia Temporary Work Visa from Canada with VIA TRAVEL, an approved visa agent. Get help with documents, attestation and embassy submission.