how long does it take for family visa to be approved?

Hey cant really answer the question apart from to say we are in the same boat, I received an offer in July, submitted my medicals soon after but have been waiting since. Had an email to say it has taken longer than usual as Ramadan and that it should be soon but no definite time line. It is hard and i can totally relate to the limbo bit as in the west we are not used to this kind of waiting. An offer here means a contract within days of accepting. All i can add is that it seems to be the norm. If the reasons for accepting are still there then all you can do is wait. Yes easier said than done ;-0. It is even harder since i have had other offers but to be honest we are committed to the change so we are waiting!

good luck...

Thanks so much Rsai!!

You have been a great help - always good to compare others experience!!

It is like that for everyone. It took 6 weeks for us. That is fine. However, after you come here when the real problem starts. The primary sponsor (job holder) needs to get the Resident Permit (lovingly called RP). You are not allowed to leave the country until the RP is obtained as if you leave during this period new visa is required.

An application for RP is made by the employer if the work is with a big company. After one to two weeks you need to get finger printing. I have seen people take four months if the lines are not clear on the hand or there are scratches. Use of gloves while doing dishes and shower, application of Olive oil needs to be applied etc. etc. Each time you fail finger printing you need to wait for another week before you can go back.

After the finger printing is completed, you will get the RP in a week or two maximum. People have got in few days.

Note: In Qatar you can only get pre-paid SIM card before obtaining RP. You cannot generally rent a house or get access to internet as Qtel requires your RP etc. etc. If you are from a Western Country your licence is directly transferable. However, for car rental you require your RP.

On the positive side, there are a lot of benefits. Food, Laundry and Ironing are dirt cheap. In most villa's thre is a Driver who can take you to work and back and help you go to shopping for a nominal rate - around QR 700-800 per month.

It is a safe place. The most expensive item is your accommodation. If the company pays for it, everything else is fine. I found Qatari people to be very friendly.

Best of luck

RSAI

OOPS, sorry - I guess its my husbands work Visa that we are waiting for - my mistake for using the wrong term.

We have been going through the process since July. Ramadan was occuring during our initial processing time so I guess it seems along time for us sitting over here. Just very excited about our new life in Qatar.

Am I correct in saying that once we arrive it will take 3-4 days for our residence visa?

So does 3-4 weeks for the work Visa seem to be the norm?

I am not sure which official offer letter you are talking about. If you mean a Job Offer to your husband, so this offer has nothing to do with the Family Visa. Family visa is issued to one who already has a valid Work Visa and a Residence Permit in Qatar and want to sponsor his/her family. If your husband is already here and got his RP, and now you are talking about the Family Visa application, that has been submitted 4 weeks ago, so 4 weeks is too much. Usually it takes few days. Please clarify your question and the current status in Qatar of your husband, then we will be able to give the correct answer.

Since you are British, and as i understand have been working in Qatar, and if your husband is already here, you always can enter Qatar on Visit visa which you can obtain at the airport upon arrival.

So again, give us more details for getting better answer.

3 WORKING DAYS ONLY

Takes 4-5 days max