Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions – South African Visas

  1. What does a Visitor Visa cover?  

A Visitor Visa allows temporary stays for tourism, business meetings, conferences, visiting family, medical treatment, or short-term study (under 90 days). It does not permit work, volunteering, or long-term stays. If unsure about your activity, check before traveling.  

  1. Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?  

It depends on your nationality. Some countries are visa-exempt for short visits. Check with us for your specific situation.  

  1. How long does a South African visa take to process?  

Processing times vary but generally take 5 to 15 working days. Apply early.  

  1. Can I extend my visitor visa in South Africa?  

Yes, you can apply for a 90-day extension, but you must follow these rules:  

– Apply at least 60 days before your visa expires.  

– If your visa is valid for 30 days or less, apply at least 7 days before expiry.  

Late applications may be rejected, so apply early.  

  1. What happens if I overstay my visa?  

Overstaying will result in a banning order, preventing re-entry to South Africa. However, there is a process to appeal and have it overturned. Contact us for assistance.  

  1. Can I work in South Africa on a visitor visa?  

No, a visitor visa does not permit work. You need a work visa for employment.  

  1. What types of work visas are available?  

Common options include the General Work Visa, Critical Skills Visa, and Intra-Company Transfer Visa.  

  1. How long does it take to get a work visa?  

Processing can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Plan ahead.  

  1. Can I switch from a visitor visa to a work visa?  

No, you must apply for a work visa outside South Africa.  

  1. What is the cost of a South African visa?  

Costs depend on the visa type. Contact us for a quote.  

  1. Do I need a police clearance for my visa?  

Generally, a police clearance certificate is only required for long-term visas (e.g., work, study, or residence permits).  

  1. Can I apply for a visa online?  

Yes and No. It depends on your passport nationality. Currently, only 37 countries can apply for an online visa. Others must apply in person.  

  1. How can I track my visa application?  

If submitted via VFS, use their tracking system online. Otherwise, contact the embassy or consulate.  

  1. Can my family join me if I get a work visa?  

Yes, dependents can apply for a relatives’ or accompanying visa, but they won’t have work rights.  

  1. Can I apply for permanent residence in South Africa?  

Yes, if you meet specific requirements, such as holding a work visa for five years or qualifying under financially independent or retired person categories.  

  1. What is the difference between a Critical Skills Visa and a General Work Visa?  

A Critical Skills Visa is for occupations on the government’s skills shortage list, while a General Work Visa requires a job offer and proof that no South African could fill the role. 

  1. Can I study in South Africa on a visitor visa?  

No, you need a study visa for courses longer than 90 days.  

  1. What is a Business Visa?  

A Business Visa allows foreign nationals to establish or invest in a business in South Africa. You must invest a minimum amount determined by the government and create jobs for South Africans. Certain business sectors may qualify for investment waivers.  

  1. Where do I submit my visa application?  

Most applications go through VFS Global in South Africa or at South African embassies/consulates abroad.  

  1. Can I travel in and out of South Africa on a study or work visa?  

Yes, on condition you have a multiple-entry visa with no restrictive conditions.  

Frequently Asked Questions – Outbound Visas  

  1. What is an outbound visa?  

An outbound visa is a visa required for South African residents traveling to other countries. It grants permission to enter, stay, or transit through a foreign country based on the visa’s conditions.  

  1. What visas do you assist with?  

Most countries, but we specialize in short-term visas for the United States, Canada, Schengen states, Australia, and New Zealand.  

  1. What nationalities do you assist with?  

We assist South African citizens, permanent resident holders in South Africa, and long-term visa holders in South Africa.  

  1. How long does it take to process an outbound visa?  

Processing times vary by country. On average:  

– Schengen visas: 3 weeks  

– US visas: Appointment availability varies  

– Canada, Australia, New Zealand: 4 to 8 weeks  

  1. Can you guarantee visa approval?  

No, visa approval is solely at the discretion of the issuing embassy. We can and do, however, conduct a profile assessment to lower the risk of rejection.  

  1. Do I need to attend an interview?  

It depends on the country. The US, Canada, and some Schengen states require in-person interviews. Australia and New Zealand typically do not.  

  1. What are the costs involved?  

Fees vary by country and visa type. Our professional fees range between $100 to $200.  

 

  1. Can I apply for multiple visas at the same time?  

Not all countries allow for multiple-entry visas. It largely depends on the country and your profile.  

 

  1. Do you assist with biometric appointments?  

Yes, we guide you through the process and assist with scheduling appointments at the relevant visa application centers.  

 

  1. Can I reapply if my visa is denied?  

Yes, but it depends on the reason for the refusal. We assess your case, advise on improvements, and assist with a reapplication where possible.  

  1. Do I need travel insurance for my visa application?  

Most Schengen and some other countries require compulsory travel insurance. Even if not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.  

  1. Can I travel to multiple Schengen countries on one visa?  

Yes, a Schengen visa allows travel across all 27 Schengen states, but you must apply through the country where you will spend the most time.  

Frequently Asked Questions – Document Management  

  1. What is Document Management?  

Document Management is a service we provide to assist with the management of certain documents needed for visa and immigration purposes. Documents may include but are not limited to **police clearance certificates, birth, death and marriage certificates, professional certifications, and memberships**.  

  1. How long does it take to get a police clearance certificate?  

Processing times vary, but it generally takes **10 to 20 working days**, depending on the issuing authority.  

  1. Can you obtain documents on my behalf?  

Yes, we can assist with document applications, follow-ups, and retrieval, provided you grant us the necessary authorization.  

  1. Can you assist with document legalization and authentication?  

Yes, we facilitate **apostille, notarization, and embassy legalization** for documents required for international use.  

  1. What happens if my documents are lost or incorrect?  

We assist in **applying for replacements or corrections**, depending on the document type and issuing authority.  

  1. Do you assist with translations of official documents?  

Yes, we provide **certified translations** for documents required in a different language for visa and immigration purposes.  

  1. Can you expedite document processing?  

For certain documents, expedited processing may be available. However, it depends on the issuing authority and their procedures.  

  1. What are the costs for document management services?  

Costs depend on the document type, processing requirements, and whether legalization is needed. Contact us for a quote.  

Frequently Asked Questions – Immigration Enforcement  

  1. What is Immigration Enforcement?  

Immigration Enforcement refers to the actions taken by authorities to ensure compliance with immigration laws. This includes visa overstay penalties, deportation, detention, and monitoring of legal status in South Africa.  

 

  1. What happens if I overstay my visa in South Africa?  

Overstaying will result in a banning order, preventing re-entry for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the length of overstay.  

  1. Can an overstay ban be overturned?  

Yes, in certain cases, a formal appeal can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs. The success of an appeal depends on the circumstances and supporting evidence.  

  1. Can I be detained for immigration violations?  

Yes, individuals found to be in South Africa without a valid visa may be detained and deported at their own expense.  

  1. What should I do if I am facing deportation?  

Seek legal or professional assistance immediately. In some cases, a waiver or appeal may be possible to delay or prevent deportation.  

  1. What is a Good Cause?  

A Good Cause is a legally acceptable reason used to justify an immigration violation, such as visa overstay or non-compliance with immigration conditions. Good cause may include:  

– Medical emergencies  

– Flight cancellations beyond your control  

– Political unrest in your home country  

– Administrative errors by the Department of Home Affairs 

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