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The Riyadh visa office checklist asks for a few items specific to Saudi Arabia, including a Chamber of Commerce certified employment letter and, for expats, copies of the iqama and exit and re-entry visa.
Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:
| IRCC processing time from Saudi Arabia | 53 days (Visitor visa (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times |
|---|---|
| Visa application centres | Riyadh, Jeddah and Al KhobarSource: IRCC: Find a visa application centre |
| Proof of status for non-Saudis | Copy of iqama and of exit and re-entry visaSource: IRCC Riyadh visa office: Additional document checklist, visitor visa (IMM 5887) |
| Bank statements | Past 3 monthsSource: IRCC Riyadh visa office: Additional document checklist, visitor visa (IMM 5887) |
| Employment letter | Certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce; states position, salary, service length, contract dates and leave datesSource: IRCC Riyadh visa office: Additional document checklist, visitor visa (IMM 5887) |
IRCC sets no fixed amount. The Riyadh checklist asks for bank statements or a bank book covering the past three months, plus an employer letter, pay slips, pension proof, trade licence or investments. Your riyal balance should credibly cover the whole trip, including flights, stay and daily costs.
The Riyadh checklist says the letter should be certified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce and state your position, salary, length of service, contract dates and the dates of your authorized leave. A letter without leave dates leaves the officer guessing whether you have a job to return to.
Non-Saudi citizens must give proof of current immigration status: a copy of the Saudi residence permit (iqama) and a copy of the exit and re-entry visa. Your passport must be valid at least six months after arrival in Canada, and the visa will not be issued past your passport’s expiry.
Yes. Provide an invitation letter, a copy of an email is fine, with proof of your relative’s legal status in Canada, such as a PR card, citizenship certificate, Canadian passport or permit. Do not have relatives send documents to the embassy directly. They must be in your application.
These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.
Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Saudi Arabia application, before IRCC does.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.