Visas & Permits

SOUTH AFRICAN VISAS & PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMITS

Our immigration laws are based primarily on the Immigration Act of 2002, as amended (“the Act”), read together with the 2014 Immigration Regulations, which set out the various categories and requirements for temporary and permanent residence that a foreign applicant must comply with to enter and remain in South Africa on a valid status.

There are some significant changes in our immigration laws:

First, in terms of the new immigration laws that took effect in 2014, any new applicant who applies for a South African temporary residence beyond three months, save for exceptional circumstances, needs to apply at the nearest South African Embassy or High Commission in his or her country of passport or residency before entering South Africa.

Second, we would note that renewals or change of condition or status of South African visas can be applied for in South Africa without the need to return to his or her home country but must be applied for at least 60 day before expiry.

Third, financial & investment amounts for business or retirement visas and permits are increased significantly.

Fourth, the introduction and interventions of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Labour Department in business and general work visas.

Fifth, the introduction of specific visitor categories in terms of regulation 11(4) that includes: film and advertising productions, artists, international teachers at international schools, qualified journalists, visiting professors and researchers in academia and touring entertainers.

Finally, the categories of work visas are revised to cater for Critical Skills Work Visas and Permanent Residence on basis of Critical Skills category.

Legal Immigration Services is at your service for assistance in the acquisition of South African Visas and Permanent Residence. We will ensure that you receive the highest standards of legal representation and prepare all your paperwork in response to a submission abroad or in South Africa.