What Is Saudi Arabia's Qualification Verification Program (QVP)?
The Qualification Verification Program (QVP) is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to verify the educational qualifications and professional credentials of foreign nationals seeking employment in the Kingdom.
Depending on the occupation and applicable requirements, the verification process may involve reviewing:
- Academic degrees and transcripts
- Employment history and professional experience
- Job titles and occupational classifications
- Employment contracts and offer letters
- Supporting professional certificates
The objective is to establish whether an applicant's qualifications are consistent with the occupation for which they are seeking authorization to work in Saudi Arabia.
Can You Obtain QVP Certification Without a Bachelor's Degree?
Potentially, yes. Not every occupation necessarily requires a four-year university degree.
Certain occupational classifications may allow applicants to demonstrate their qualifications through relevant professional experience rather than a bachelor's degree.
Based on APVI's recent experience assisting applicants with QVP certification, we have encountered cases in which candidates without a four-year degree were able to obtain certification by documenting substantial relevant professional experience.
However, eligibility depends on the specific occupation, the applicant's background, and the requirements applied by QVP.
Manufacturing Supervisor: A Potential Option for Experienced Professionals
One occupation worth evaluating is Manufacturing Supervisor.
Based on our recent case experience, this job title may be appropriate for certain candidates who have extensive manufacturing or supervisory experience but do not hold a four-year bachelor's degree.
For these applicants, APVI recommends preparing documentation demonstrating at least six years of relevant professional experience.
Importantly, the selected job title must accurately describe the applicant's actual responsibilities and the position offered by the Saudi employer.
Applicants should never select an inaccurate occupation solely to avoid an educational requirement.
Documents for QVP Applicants Without a Four-Year Degree
For applicants pursuing an experience-based qualification pathway, APVI recommends preparing the following documents:
1. Valid Passport
A clear scan of the applicant's passport information page.
2. Employment Offer Letter
An offer letter from the Saudi employer identifying the proposed job title and employment position.
3. Proof of Professional Experience
Employment verification letters or professional recommendation letters from current or previous employers demonstrating relevant experience.
For candidates pursuing an experience-based route, we recommend documenting at least six years of relevant professional experience where applicable.
The letters should ideally include:
- Applicant's full name
- Employer's name and contact information
- Employment dates
- Job title
- Description of responsibilities
- Authorized employer representative's name and signature
QVP may contact employers to verify the information provided, so all supporting documents should be accurate and independently verifiable.
QVP Requirements for Applicants With a Four-Year Bachelor's Degree
Applicants who hold a four-year bachelor's degree may follow a more traditional educational verification pathway.
Based on APVI's recent experience, providing evidence of at least two years of relevant professional experience alongside a bachelor's degree may help support certain applications.
The recommended documents include:
1. Passport: Clear scan of the passport information page.
2. Employment Offer Letter: Identifying the proposed occupation.
3. Proof of Professional Experience: Employment verification or recommendation letters demonstrating relevant work experience.
4. Bachelor's Degree: A clear PDF scan of the degree certificate.
5. Academic Transcript: A copy of the applicant's university transcript.
Additional documentation may be requested depending on the occupation and the verification process.
Why the Job Title Matters for Saudi Work Visa Applications
One of the most important considerations in the Saudi Work Visa process is ensuring consistency between the applicant's qualifications and the occupation listed in the supporting documents.
The following should be reviewed carefully:
- QVP occupational classification
- Saudi Visa Block Number
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Applicant's education and professional experience
Discrepancies between these documents can result in additional verification requests, processing delays, or potential rejection.
For example, if an applicant's QVP certificate identifies one occupation while the Saudi Visa Block Number identifies a substantially different position, the discrepancy may need to be resolved before the visa application can proceed.
APVI recommends reviewing the proposed occupation and supporting documentation before initiating QVP certification whenever possible.
How Long Does QVP Certification Take?
APVI generally advises applicants to allow approximately 2-3 weeks for QVP certification planning.
However, processing times vary based on the applicant's qualifications, the issuing educational institution or employer, the occupation selected, and any additional verification requests.
Some applications may take longer.
Starting QVP early can help reduce delays during the overall Saudi Work Visa process.
Can APVI Help With QVP Certification Only?
Yes. APVI offers QVP certification assistance as a standalone service.
Applicants and employers do not need to purchase a complete Saudi Work Visa processing package to request QVP assistance.
Our services may include:
- Reviewing educational and professional qualifications
- Evaluating supporting documents
- Providing guidance on appropriate occupational classifications
- Assisting with QVP application preparation
- Helping address verification discrepancies
- Monitoring the application and providing status updates
QVP Service Fee
APVI QVP Assistance: $580
Additional third-party or government charges, if applicable, are separate.
APVI's Saudi Work Visa Services
For applicants processing their Saudi Work Visas in the United States, APVI also offers comprehensive consular assistance through the Saudi Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Services include:
- Visa application document review
- Embassy submission and passport collection
- Medical examination and laboratory coordination
- FBI Background Check apostilles
- State-issued document apostilles
- QVP certification assistance
- Ongoing guidance throughout the application process
APVI assists U.S. citizens and eligible foreign nationals who are legally residing in the United States.
Get Professional Assistance With Your Saudi QVP Application
If you are an experienced professional without a four-year bachelor's degree—or an employer recruiting candidates with extensive practical experience—APVI can help you evaluate the documentation and QVP requirements associated with your proposed occupation.
Serving international travelers and corporate clients since 2003, APVI provides personalized assistance with Saudi Work Visas, QVP certification, apostilles, and related documentation.
Ready to get started? Visit APVI.com to explore our Saudi Work Visa services and begin your application.
You may also contact an APVI Specialist at 202-470-5048.
Important: QVP eligibility, occupational classifications, and documentation requirements are determined by the relevant Saudi authorities and may change. APVI does not guarantee QVP approval or visa issuance. The experience-based pathways described above reflect case-specific experience and should not be interpreted as universal eligibility rules.