Saudi Arabia is a popular destination for many travellers and expats looking for job opportunities. However, you must get a Saudi Arabia visa online or through the Embassy for a legal stay. The standard tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. If you need to extend your stay beyond that, you must apply for a Saudi visa extension. Here is everything you need to know about getting a Saudi visa extension in 2023.
Types of Saudi Visas
There are several types of Saudi visas, each with different eligibility requirements and authorized stay periods:
· Tourist Visa - Allows up to 90 days stay for tourism activities.
· Work Visit Visa - For business trips
· Work Visa - For expats employed in Saudi Arabia.
· Dependent Visa - For dependents (spouse/children) of someone on a Work Visa.
· Student Visa - For students enrolled in an educational institution in Saudi Arabia.
· Transit Visa - For transiting through a Saudi airport.
· Hajj/Umrah Visa - For religious pilgrimage.
Who is Eligible for a Saudi Visa Extension?
The eligibility criteria for getting a Saudi visa extension depend on your current visa type. Here’s a complete overview of it.
· Tourist visas cannot be extended at all. You must exit Saudi Arabia before the 90-day validity expires. In other words, a Saudi Arabia visit visa extension is not possible under any circumstances.
· Work Visit visas can be extended up to 180 days total stay, including the original 90-day validity.
· Work visas and Dependent visas can be renewed indefinitely as long as the employment contract or dependent status remains valid.
· Student visas can be renewed annually till you maintain student status at the institution.
· Hajj/Umrah visas cannot be extended beyond the authorized dates.
So, in summary, Work Visit, Work, Dependent and Student visa holders are generally eligible for extensions in Saudi Arabia. The eligibility depends on maintaining the underlying status on which the original visa was granted.
Saudi Visa Extension Process
To extend your Saudi visa, you must apply to the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat). The process pf Saudi Arabia visa extension is:
· Fill out online visa extension application - Visit the Absher portal and fill out the visa extension request form. You will need your Iqama number and other personal details.
· Pay visa fees - Pay the extension fees online. This is typically around SAR 2,000 but can vary.
· Visit Jawazat office - Visit the local Jawazat office and submit your original passport, previous visa, application printout and fee receipts. Get fingerprints taken.
· Wait for application processing - The Jawazat will review your application and decide within 7-15 days. Check your Absher account for application status updates.
· Collect passport - Once approved, you can collect your passport with the new extended visa from the Jawazat office. The extension is typically issued for a duration of 1 year.
NOTE: The visa extension process must be completed before the existing visa expires. It is recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks before the expiry date. Carry all supporting documents like employment contracts and qualification certificates if applying under Work or Student categories.
Visa Extension Fee
The standard Saudi visa extension fee is SAR 2,000. This fee must be paid online through the Absher portal by credit or debit card before visiting the Jawazat office.
Some categories may incur slightly higher fees. For example, student visas may cost SAR 2,200. There could also be minor additional charges for services like urgent processing or late submission of the application.
The visa extension fee is non-refundable, and you may lose the fee if your extension is rejected for any reason. Ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Visa Extension Documents
To apply for a Saudi visa extension, you must provide the following documents:
· Original passport with previous Saudi visa
· Printout of online visa extension application form
· Previous Iqama residency permit
· Receipt of online visa fee payment
· Biometric fingerprints (to be given at Jawazat office)
· Supporting documents like employment contract or student enrolment letter (depending on visa category)
· Medical insurance is mandatory in Saudi Arabia. You may need to submit updated health insurance coverage documents along with your extension application.
Not having the complete set of documents can delay your extension processing or even lead to rejection, so ensure everything is in order before visiting the Jawazat office.
Final words
Extending your stay in Saudi Arabia is possible for many expatriate residents and their families. Work Visit, Work, Student and Dependent visas can generally be renewed by submitting an extension application via Absher and visiting the Jawazat office.
Processing typically takes 7-15 days. Ensure you provide all required documents and meet the extension eligibility criteria for your specific visa type. Coordinate carefully with any international trips to avoid disrupting the application. With the proper planning, documents, and eligibility, getting a Saudi visa extension in 2023 can be straightforward. This allows you to continue living and working legally in the Kingdom beyond the initial visa validity period.
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