Can You Work in Saudi Arabia with a Student Visa in 2025?

Are you an international student wanting to work in Saudi Arabia? Do you want to know-can you work in Saudi with a student visa? You have come to the right page! This blog covers everything you need to know about working in Saudi Arabia. You will learn about the working hours permitted, the availability of post study permit, and the Saudi work visa. You will also learn about the residence permit you need to apply for or the Iqamah. Keep reading to get your answers.

Can you work in Saudi with a Student visa? An Overview 

International students are not permitted to work in Saudi Arabia at the time of their studies. This means once you graduate you need to return to your home country. If you are interested in working in Saudi Arabia apply for a work visa. The work visa will grant you the right to enter Saudi Arabia for work. Moreover, you must get a residence permit (which will legally permit you to stay for work).

Does Saudi Arabia Accept International Students?

Yes. Saudi Arabia accepts international students. Several universities in Saudi Arabia offer scholarships to international students. You can apply as long as you are eligible for it. Some of the top global universities in Saudi Arabia are the University Ha’il, King Abdulaziz University, King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, and King Saud University. 

Can International Students Work in Saudi Arabia after Graduation?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. You cannot work in Saudi Arabia with a student visa. Moreover, you cannot work in the country after graduation. This means there is no post-study work permit issued to students. You will have no time to search for employment. However, this does not mean that you cannot work. You can return to your home country, and then apply for a Saudi Arabia work permit. Thereafter, you can apply for a work visa.

Which Visa Allows Students to Work?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. You are not allowed to work with a Saudi Arabian student visa. However, what you can do is apply for a work visa. The work visa will grant you the right to enter the country for work. A Saudi Work Visa is valid for 1-2 years. However, the exact length of your visa depends on the work contract. The work visa is applied by your employer.

How to Get a Work Permit in Saudi Arabia?

A work visa is not sufficient to work in the country. You need permission from the Saudi Arabian government to work. Usually, this kind of permission is called a work permit. You obtain that before you apply for a work visa. However, in the case of Saudi Arabia, a work permit is not needed. The residence permit issued by the country authorises you to stay and work. Therefore, you do not need a separate work permit.

What is the Difference Between a Work Permit and a Work Visa?

What are the Requirements for a Work Visa in Saudi Arabia?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. You cannot. You can apply for a work visa to work. However, to apply for a work visa you must meet the following requirements-

Saudi Arabia Work Visa Requirements	Description
A valid Passport	Valid for 6 months beyond the duration of stay
Police clearance certificate (stamped by the Saudi Embassy	3 passport size photos taken against a white background
Work Visa application form	Completed application form
Saudi Employer ID, and Work Visa Number	For verification purpose
Police clearance certificate (stamped by Saudi Embassy	To prove that you do not have a criminal record
Medical form	Completed medical form (3 forms)
Degree or certificate copy	Your education must relate to the kind of work you are undertaking
Employment contract	Copy of your employment contract
Employment contract Stamp from Saudi Foregin Ministry	Those employed by a private organisation
Digital power of attorney from the employer	This is generated by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Original letter	If the company is sponsoring you

Note- The Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission must verify your degrees. This must be done before you apply for the work visa.

Understand the cost of living in Saudi Arabia 

How Can I Get a Work Visa for Saudi Arabia?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. You cannot. However, you can get a work visa. The Saudi Arabia work visa application process is as follows. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia processes the work visa applications.

1. Visit your nearest visa application centre and ask for a work visa application form 
2. You should also schedule an appointment at the visa application centre
3. Fill out the application form, and gather the necessary documents
4. On the date of your appointment show up with your original documents. 
5. Your biometric information will be taken. You are also required to pay the visa application fees. A visa interview may be conducted. 
6. Your application is processed and a decision is made
7. You will be informed of the decision. Thereafter, you can collect the passport from the visa office. 

How Much is the Work Visa Fee in Saudi Arabia?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. But you can work with a work visa. The work visa fees are as follows:

Visa	Fees
Saudi Work Visa	SAR 2,000

What is the Saudi Work Visa Processing Time in India?

The Saudi work visa processing times are as follows-

Visa	Processing Time
Saudi Work Visa	2 to 4 weeks

Note- the processing time and the fees provided are just an estimate. 

What is Iqama in Saudi Arabia?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? No. To work you need a work visa. However, the work visa will only permit you to travel to the country for work. It will not authorise you to stay or work. To get this authorization you need a residence permit. This residence permit is called an Iqama. The Saudi Arabian residence permit is both an authorization to stay, and work.

Things to Know About Getting an Iqama in Saudi Arabia 

These are some of the things you must know about getting an Iquama. 

1. Your employer should have sponsored you
2. Your visa must have been approved 
3. After entering Saudi Arabia you can apply for an Iqama 
4. You must have a valid employment contract, and a medical certificate stating that you are fit to work.
5. Health insurance and a work permit
6. Your employer will apply for a residence permit for you
7. The application must be submitted within 90 days of arrival. The application is sent to the Ministry of Labor. Thereafter the Ministry of Interior issues the Iqama.

How Long is Iqama Valid in Saudi Arabia?

Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? You need to get a work visa and an Iqama. The validity period is as follows-

Permit	Valditiy
Iqama (Saudi Arabia residence permit)	1-5 years

You can renew this one year at a time. The exact validity period depends on the duration of your employment contract.

Saudi Arabia Work Visa New Rules 2025 

As per the new rules, Indian nationals have to verify their documents before applying for a work visa. The documents have to be verified by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission and the Saudi Arabian Embassy. These new rules have been made to improve the quality of the workforce entering the country. 

Understand the Cost of Living in Saudi Arabia

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question-Can you work in Saudi with a student visa? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! 

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