Saudi Arabia Visa Extension

When you need to extend your visa for Saudi Arabia, whether it’s a work or residency visa, the process involves several meticulous steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to apply for a visa extension, what documents you will need, and some tips to ensure a smooth application process.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsorship Letter

You will need a letter from your sponsoring organization in Saudi Arabia requesting an extension of your single/multiple re-entry visa. This letter must be signed and stamped by the sponsor and certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Step 2: Pre-Check and Document Preparation

Gather all necessary documentation by downloading the Saudi Able Link Application bundle. Before starting the official application process, scan your documents and submit them to consultants for a free pre-check. This step ensures that everything is in order before proceeding to the next stages.

Step 3: Submit Documents to Consultant

Once your documents are confirmed to be in order, you will send everything to the consultant. The consultant will handle the submission of your documents to the Saudi Arabian embassy.

Step 4: Submission to the Saudi Embassy

The consultant will prepare and send your application along with all required paperwork to the Saudi Embassy. You will be promptly notified by the consultant once your visa has been processed. Afterward, your passport, now stamped with the new visa, will be returned to you via expedited next-day delivery. You will receive a tracking number to monitor the package.

Required Documents for a Saudi Arabian Visa Extension

Applicants who hold a valid work visa or residency permit in Saudi Arabia and seek to extend their current departure visa must prepare the following documents:

1. Passport

• Your original passport is required.
• The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and have at least two blank visa pages.
• It should be in scannable condition with no damages.

2. Passport-Sized Photos

• Two color passport-sized photos with a white background.
• The photos must show the applicant’s full face without glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons).
• The size of the photos should be 35mm x 45mm.
• They must have been taken within the last three months before submission.
• The photos should be printed on high-quality photo paper and not glued or stapled to the application.

3. Introductory Letter

• A letter of introduction from your Saudi sponsor, addressed to the Consular Section, explaining the reasons for the visa extension.
• This letter must be attested by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

4. Proof of Extension Approval

• Log in to your Absher profile to check whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved your visa extension.
• Provide a copy of this approval along with your application.

5. Photocopies of Supporting Documents

Submit photocopies of the following documents:

• Proof of legal residency in Saudi Arabia.
• Your valid, previously issued Exit/Re-entry visa (which must have expired no more than one month before the application date).

6. E-Number Request Form

• You need to submit a form requesting an E-Number. Ensure the form is filled out completely, signed in its original form, and printed on individual A4 paper sheets.

7. Visa Application Form

The fully completed visa application form must adhere to these guidelines:

• Use black ink.
• Write in block letters.
• The applicant must fill out the form; no one else should do this.
• No corrections or alterations are allowed.

Important Considerations Before Applying

• Check Visa Terms Before Traveling: Ensure you have reviewed your visa’s terms and conditions before attempting to enter Saudi Arabia through, for example, the Saudi-Bahrain Causeway.
• Processing Time: Once submitted, visa processing times cannot be altered. Also, once the visa application has been sent to the Embassy, the passport cannot be retrieved unless a written emergency request is submitted to Saudi Able Link on your behalf.
• Emergency Passport Retrieval: If necessary, the passport can be retrieved within 48 hours by submitting a formal request to the Saudi Embassy. However, this will result in the immediate cancellation of the visa application, and the process will need to be restarted with a new form and accompanying documents.
• Visa Cancellation: Only one valid visa can be held at a time. If you wish to cancel an existing valid visa, you will need to submit a formal cancellation request to the Embassy.

Applying for a visa extension for Saudi Arabia requires attention to detail and adherence to a strict process. Ensure that all documents are carefully prepared, that approvals from MOFA are secured, and that you adhere to the rules and guidelines regarding the application. By following this guide, you will improve your chances of a smooth and successful visa extension process.