Temporary Residence Visas

 

LONG –TERM VISA CATEGERIES

 

1. General Work Visa

This type of visa can be applied for by any person holding a degree or diploma whether obtained in South Africa or abroad. For one with a foreign degree you will need to have it converted through SAQA.  This visa is normally issued according to the duration in one’s offer of employment but for a maximum of 5 years. The process comes in two stages for applicants with a direct right to apply (Ask about this).

An endorsement from the department of Labour. Alternatively this option can be waived. And the second stage is an application for to change conditions to a general work Visa.

Visa Point assists applicants who are applying for either the first time or changing conditions or even trying to extend or renew such visa options.

SHORT-TERM VISA CATEGORIES

 

Applicants who wish to visit South Africa for the first time may either apply for a visitor’s visa to cover their purpose in their home countries. The different purposes for the visit may include the following;

  • Holiday purposes
  • Medical purpose (Sometimes a medical visa may be issued)
  • Business visit
  • work visit (11.2)

Visa point may assist holders of such visas to either apply for extensions or change conditions to other long term visas whichever may be applicable.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR THIS VISA?

– Any person with a degree or diploma.
– Any person who has a right to change conditions to this visa (If one is holding an asylum or visitor’s visa 11.1, you will need a waiver granting you the right to change.)

Requirements

  • Valid passport and Visa.
  • Original Police clearance certificate from one’s home country.
  • Academic certificate and transcript.
  • CV
  • Offer or contract of employment.
  • A certificate by the Department of Labour confirming that- OR A WAIVER OF THESE CONDITIONS:
    • despite diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicants;
    • the applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer;
    • the salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or employees occupying similar positions in the Republic;
    • a contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant in line with the labour standards in the Republic and is made conditional upon the general work visa being approved;
  • Proof of qualifications evaluated by SAQA (South African qualifications authority) and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic.
  • A medical report
  • A radiological report, save for children under 12 years or pregnant women.
  • A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary.
  • A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment
  • Full particulars of the employer, including, where applicable, proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC).
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General; should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act, or conditions of the visa.
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer or when he or she is employed in a different capacity or role.
  • 3 months bank statements of the applicant or sponsor.

2. Critical Skills Visa

This type of visa can be applied for by any person holding a degree/diploma or certificate whether obtained in South Africa or abroad. For one with a foreign degree you will need to have it converted through SAQA.  This visa is normally issued for the duration of one’s offer of employment but for a maximum of 5 years.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR THIS VISA?

– Any person holding a degree, Diploma or certificate as per the critical skills list.
– Any person who has obtained a membership with a professional body and a recommendation letter (where applicable).
– Any person who has a right to change conditions to this visa (If one is holding an asylum or visitor’s visa 11.1, you will need a waiver granting you the right to change.)

Requirements

  • Valid passport and Visa.
  • Original Police clearance certificate from one’s home country.
  • Academic certificate and transcript.
  • CV.
  • Offer or contract of employment.
  • SAQA certificate if qualifications were obtained abroad.
  • Membership and recommendation letter with a professional body (whichever is applicable).
  • A medical report.
  • A radiological report, save for children under 12 years or pregnant women.
  • A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary.
  • A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment.
  • Full particulars of the employer, including, where applicable, proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC).
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General; should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act, or conditions of the visa.
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer or when he or she is employed in a different capacity or role.
  • 3 months bank statements of the applicant or sponsor.

3. Voluntary Work Visa

This type of visa can be applied for by any person who has received an offer of voluntary work or charitable activities. It is normally associated with NPOs/Churches/ NPC.  This visa is normally issued for the duration of one’s offer of employment but for a maximum of 3 years. With this type of visa one cannot qualify for permanent residence permit irrespective of how long they use this visa.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR THIS VISA?

– Any person who has received an offer or contract for voluntary work.
– Any person who has a right to change conditions to this visa (If one is holding an asylum or visitor’s visa 11.1, you will need a waiver granting you the right to change.)

Requirements

  • Valid passport and Visa.
  • Original Police clearance certificate from one’s home country.
  • Academic certificate and transcript.
  • CV
  • Offer or contract of voluntary work.
  • Proof of financial resources (either from the main applicant or a sponsor)
  • A medical report.
  • A radiological report, save for children under 12 years or pregnant women.

4. Visitors Visa 11.6

This type of visa is in two categories.

  1. Accompanying spouse with a right to conduct work, studies or conduct own business.
  2. Accompanying partner/boyfriend/girlfriend or any other marriages with have no formal recognition documents (e.g Customary marriages which may not have documentary evidence inform of certificates)

Under this type of Visa, the holder needs to prove existence of the relationship either by way of a marriage certificate where one is married or Notarial contract where no formal marriage. This visa is normally issued for a maximum of 3 years.

WHO CAN QUALIFY FOR THIS VISA?

Any person who has a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend or partner using either a citizen or non-citizen i.d for South Africa.

Any person who has a right to change conditions to this visa including a person holding a Visitor’s visa or stamp (If one is holding an asylum or Voluntary work visa (S.11.1.B.11), you will need a waiver granting you the right to change.)

Requirements

  • Valid passport and Visa.
  • Original Police clearance certificate from one’s home country.
  • Offer of employment/admission letter or ck registration documents for the employer.
  • Proof of financial resources (either from the main applicant or a spouse or partner or both)
  • A medical report.
  • A radiological report, save for pregnant women.
  • Police clearance from home country.
  • Motivation and other necessary letters to support your application.
  • Undertaking letter from partner.
  • Partner/spouse’s identity document and if such person is a permanent resident in South Africa, a copy of their permanent residence certificate.
  • Documents to prove shared responsibilities and identity documents of children (where applicants have children)

5. Study Visa

For purposes of study, once an applicant meets the requirements of any institution and obtain an admission letter, such a person can apply for a study Visa. There instances where a study visa may grant a right to partly conduct work for a given number of hours per week. (Ask a consultant in case you wish to take on this option. Such examples include; Academic sabbaticals S.11.1.B.I and Research S.11.1.B.III.

ASK A CONSULTANT FOR THE REQUIREMENTS

6. Intra-Company Transfer

This type of visa is applicable for companies that have branches, subsidiary, affiliate or parent companies in different jurisdictions. In this type of visa, no proof of steps taken to obtain the services of a South African citizen/permanent residence will be required. This visa is normally valid for a maximum of 4 years. For more details about this type of visa, ask a consultant.

7. Corporate Visa

This type of visa allows a corporate entity (e.g. a mine group, farmer, etc.) to employ a pre-determined number of skilled/semi-skilled/unskilled workers. This type of visa is normally issued for a period not exceeding three years. For more details about this type of visa, ask a consultant.

8. Business Visa

For an individual who wish to conduct business in the Republic of South Africa, there several ways of obtaining a business visa. One can either obtain a right to conduct business through their partner or spouse (11.6 with a right to conduct business). Alternatively an individual with a business which meets the following major requirements may also apply for a business Visa valid for a maximum of 5 years;

  1. Capital Requirement of R5M (alternatively waiving the same if it’s a business of National importance.
  2. Employment of 60% Citizens and PR holders.
  3. An endorsement from the Department of Trade and Industry.

For more information concerning this type of visa, contact a consultant.

9. Retirement Visa

This type of visa allows a person who wishes to retire in South Africa to apply for a retired person visa, provided that he or she receives at least R37 000 per month from a pension fund or an irrevocable retirement annuity or has a net worth or a combination of assets realising a minimum monthly income of R37 000. This visa is normally issued for a maximum of 4 years.

10. Relative Visas

A relative to any person staying legally in South Africa whether using any permit or identity document may obtain a relative visa provided such a person can prove the relationship. Here are a number of types of relative visas available.

RELATIVE (SPOUSE) VISA

This can type of relative visa is in two types. Either a spouse to a holder of a South African identity document (whether PR OR Citizen) or a holder of any permit in South Africa (11.1.B.IV). In the first case the visa is normally valid for a maximum of 2 years and in the latter case the visa is valid for the same duration as the spouse’s visa one is accompanying.

RELATIVE CHILD VISA

This visa category takes into consideration whether minor or major children above the age of 18 years. And may cover both children to holders of an identity document in South Africa who may apply for a Relative (Minor or Major Child visa). On the other hand, Children whose parents hold other types of temporary visas may apply for an accompanying parent’s visa (S. 11.1.B.IV). The first case is normally valid for a maximum of 2 years and the latter is normally valid for the same duration as the main applicant’s visa.

RELATIVE PARENT VISA

This category allows for parents to children (Minor or major children) with either an identity document or birth certificate (for citizens) to apply for a visa valid for a maximum of 2 years. To confirm whether you qualify for this option please contact Visa Point.

RELATIVE SISTER/BROTHER

This category allows for siblings to apply for a relative visa valid for a maximum of 2 years. It is important to confirm relationship.

Book an Appointment

 

Joan

Support

Call us on +27110431363 from 08:00hs to 16:30hs