Home » Frequently Asked Questions
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.
It depends on your nationality. Some countries are visa-exempt for short visits. Check with us for your specific situation.
Processing times vary but generally take 5 to 15 working days. Apply early.
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.
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.
No, a visitor visa does not permit work. You need a work visa for employment.
Common options include the General Work Visa, Critical Skills Visa, and Intra-Company Transfer Visa.
Processing can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Plan ahead.
No, you must apply for a work visa outside South Africa.
Costs depend on the visa type. Contact us for a quote.
Generally, a police clearance certificate is only required for long-term visas (e.g., work, study, or residence permits).
Yes and No. It depends on your passport nationality. Currently, only 37 countries can apply for an online visa. Others must apply in person.
If submitted via VFS, use their tracking system online. Otherwise, contact the embassy or consulate.
Yes, dependents can apply for a relatives’ or accompanying visa, but they won’t have work rights.
Yes, if you meet specific requirements, such as holding a work visa for five years or qualifying under financially independent or retired person categories.
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.
No, you need a study visa for courses longer than 90 days.
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.
Most applications go through VFS Global in South Africa or at South African embassies/consulates abroad.
Yes, on condition you have a multiple-entry visa with no restrictive conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions – Outbound Visas
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.
Most countries, but we specialize in short-term visas for the United States, Canada, Schengen states, Australia, and New Zealand.
We assist South African citizens, permanent resident holders in South Africa, and long-term visa holders in South Africa.
Processing times vary by country. On average:
– Schengen visas: 3 weeks
– US visas: Appointment availability varies
– Canada, Australia, New Zealand: 4 to 8 weeks
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.
It depends on the country. The US, Canada, and some Schengen states require in-person interviews. Australia and New Zealand typically do not.
Fees vary by country and visa type. Our professional fees range between $100 to $200.
Not all countries allow for multiple-entry visas. It largely depends on the country and your profile.
Yes, we guide you through the process and assist with scheduling appointments at the relevant visa application centers.
Yes, but it depends on the reason for the refusal. We assess your case, advise on improvements, and assist with a reapplication where possible.
Most Schengen and some other countries require compulsory travel insurance. Even if not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
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
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**.
Processing times vary, but it generally takes **10 to 20 working days**, depending on the issuing authority.
Yes, we can assist with document applications, follow-ups, and retrieval, provided you grant us the necessary authorization.
Yes, we facilitate **apostille, notarization, and embassy legalization** for documents required for international use.
We assist in **applying for replacements or corrections**, depending on the document type and issuing authority.
Yes, we provide **certified translations** for documents required in a different language for visa and immigration purposes.
For certain documents, expedited processing may be available. However, it depends on the issuing authority and their procedures.
Costs depend on the document type, processing requirements, and whether legalization is needed. Contact us for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions – 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.
Overstaying will result in a banning order, preventing re-entry for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the length of overstay.
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.
Yes, individuals found to be in South Africa without a valid visa may be detained and deported at their own expense.
Seek legal or professional assistance immediately. In some cases, a waiver or appeal may be possible to delay or prevent deportation.
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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