FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions concerning your Visa Application

If you are conflicted about the type of visa that is suitable to your potential employment, qualifications or general intentions in South Africa, please do not hesitate to send us an email requesting further information. Please provide us with a clear copy of your passport, clear copies of your past South African visas (should you have), a copy of your updated CV and a detailed explanation of what it is you wish to do in South Africa. One of our skilled personnel will tend to your request, evaluate your documents and provide you with a detailed visa recommendation and applicable fee structure for the services that we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions concerning your Visa Application

1You are considered a prohibited person if:
What is the difference between being declared Prohibited and Undesirable? You are considered a prohibited person if:
• You are carrying highly contagious diseases, such as cholera, pestilence, yellow fever and any other diseases as determined by the Department of Health.
• You have been convicted of genocide, torture, drug trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, terrorism, or murder secured in South Africa or any country with which South Africa has constant and trusted diplomatic relations.
• You are a member or supporter of an organisation practising racial hatred or social violence.
• You are a member of an organisation inflicting crime and terrorism to manifest a regime.
• You have previously been deported and have not been rehabilitated by the Department of Home Affairs in the prescribed manner.
2You may be deemed to be an undesirable person if;
You may be deemed to be an undesirable person if:
• You are (or are likely to become) a public charge.
• You are identified by the Minister of Home Affairs, after consultation with the Immigration Advisory Board, as undesirable.
• You have been judicially declared incompetent.
• You are a fugitive.
• You have a previous criminal conviction, without the option of a fine, for conduct which would be an offence in South Africa.
3I intend to work in South Africa, but I am unsure of which visa I qualify for?
In the event that you are unsure about the work visa that you qualify for, please contact us for assistance. We will require a clear copy of your passport, clear copies of all the pages in your passport containing South African temporary residence permits, entry and exit stamps, copy of your updated CV and a copy of your qualification and the academic transcripts thereof in English. One of our skilled personnel will peruse your documents and provide you with a detailed recommendation and a detailed quote.
4My qualifications and transcripts in support of my visa application have been issued by foreign institutions in foreign languages. Will the Department of Home Affairs accept these copies in support of my visa application?
You will be required to have your foreign documentation translated into English by a sworn translator. You will further be required to have your foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority.
5Should I already be employed in South Africa before applying for a work visa?
No. Should it be your intention to work in South Africa, will need a job offer first in order to apply for the appropriate work visa.
6I am working in South Africa on a work visa and I am leaving my employer due to having another job offer. How do I go about changing the conditions on my visa?
Work visas in South Africa are issued to a person based on him / her meeting specific requirements for the particular job offer, the professional will need to apply for a new work visa and meet the requirements again to be able to work for a new employer. The specific details will be communicated to the individual once we are able to review all the documentation.
7Do I have to be formally accepted at a University to apply for a study visa?
Yes, to apply for a study visa to allow you to study in South Africa, you will first need to be formally accepted at a recognised University or Tertiary Institution in South Africa. A study visa is issued for courses that are scheduled for a period longer than 3 months.
8Can I work while on a Study visa?
Yes, however no more than 20 hours per week, provided that you are studying at a Higher Educational Institution.
9I am in a homosexual relationship with a South African. Is there a visa I can apply for?
Both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are recognised by the South African Constitution. In the event that you are able to proof that you have been in a good faith life partner relationship with a South African Citizen for a period of 2 years, you will qualify to apply for a visitor’s visa to accompany South African Citizen Life Partner. You will need to comprehensively prove that you are in a permanent, good faith relationship by showing evidence that you are living together and that you have shared and continue to share financial responsibilities
10I am in a long-standing relationship with a South African. Can I apply for South African Permanent Residence?
By being in a relationship with a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident, you will qualify for South African Permanent Residence once you can prove that you have been in a permanent, good faith relationship for a period of 5 years.
11Are there financial requirements that need to be met before I can retire in South Africa?
The Retired Person’s visa is a temporary residence visa that can be issued to any person who intends to retire in South Africa. To meet the necessary financial requirements the applicant will need to show that he or she receives a monthly income of at least R37,000 per month through either a pension, irrevocable annuity or retirement fund.
12Can my spouse accompany me on my Retired Person’s visa?
Yes, your spouse will be able to accompany you on the Retired Person’s visa.
13Can I apply for Permanent Residence through having a South African relative?
Yes. A relative of a South African citizen or Permanent Resident who falls within the 1st step of kinship (parents and children) may apply for Permanent Residence through the Relatives category.
14Am I allowed to work on a Relative’s visa?
Unfortunately not.