Visa Processing — What Happens Next

After selection, your file moves through a defined 14-stage pipeline before you fly out. Most delays in this process come from one thing: missing or incomplete documents at an early stage. Here is exactly what each stage means, what you need, and where the real bottleneck usually is.

The 14-Stage Pipeline

• Pending — your profile is in the queue after initial selection.
• Client Approval — the employer confirms your selection.
• Medical/Documents — GAMCA medical and document collection begin (see our GAMCA guide).
• Biometrics — fingerprints and photo capture for visa processing.
• NAVTTC (Saudi trades only) — skills verification test, see below.
• Embassy — visa application submitted to the relevant embassy/consulate.
• Visa Awaited — application is with the embassy; timing depends on the country.
• Visa Received — stamped visa returned to Allied.
• Ready to Travel — ticketing and final travel documents prepared.
• Joined — you have reported to the employer.
• Dispatched — final mobilisation complete.

Allied tracks your file at every stage — check the portal visa status lookup or contact your assigned coordinator rather than guessing.

Documents You Will Need

• Passport valid 6+ months
• CNIC (original + copies)
• Passport-size photographs
• GAMCA medical fitness certificate
• Police character certificate (required by some destination countries)
• Attested educational/trade certificates
• Employer-specific forms (FSA declaration, oath, etc., where applicable)

A single missing document delays the whole file, not just that stage — the pipeline is sequential, so submit everything requested the first time.

Saudi Arabia: The NAVTTC Skill Verification Step

Most Saudi trade visas (welding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, masonry, heavy equipment operation, and similar trades) require passing the Takamol Skill Verification Program (SVP), administered in Pakistan through NAVTTC.

• Fee: approximately $50 (around PKR 14,100 as of January 2026 — check the current rate, this moves with the exchange rate).
• Format: a 30-minute computer-based theory test plus a 90–120 minute hands-on practical assessment, in Urdu or English.
• Pass mark: 50% combined.
• Attempts: maximum 3. Failing three times closes that trade's visa route — this is not a step to rush.
• Where to register: through the NAVTTC–Takamol partnership (navttc.gov.pk/takamol) at a centre in your nearest major city.

Allied coordinates test slots for candidates who need NAVTTC verification — build in an extra 1–3 weeks for this step before your embassy submission, since results take time to process and a failed first attempt needs a retest slot.

What to Do Next

• Gather every document on the list above before your file reaches "Medical/Documents" — don't wait to be asked one at a time.
• If your trade requires NAVTTC, register early; three attempts is a hard limit.
• Check your stage on the portal visa status lookup rather than assuming — stages move at different speeds depending on the destination embassy.
• Contact your coordinator if a stage hasn't moved in more than 2 weeks with no explanation.