South Africa

 

South African immigration can turn around visa applications very quickly because the processes have been simplified so that each application is reviewed on an individual basis, taking into consideration the local labour market and meeting requirements.

 

A foreign resident can move to this country by applying for the proper type of visa. The country encourages skilled immigrant workers and investors who will contribute to South Africa's economic development to migrate to this country. 

 

If you are planning to move to South Africa, you need to apply for the right type of visa that suits your purpose of visit and the length of time you wish to spend in the country. South Africa immigration service offers visas suited for investors, entrepreneurs, students, people on retirement and tourists from other countries.

 

The Immigrants Selection Board (ISB) of South Africa is an independent government body that judges the South Africa Visa applications on individual merit.  South Africa is actively encouraging visa applications from investors and entrepreneurs to relocate their businesses or create new opportunities in the rapidly growing nation. Potential candidates for immigration to South Africa via this route are asked to invest their assets, skills and experience for the greater good of themselves and the native population.

 

Whether you want to work in South Africa temporarily or set up and run a business, there are many South African visas to choose from that will allow you to work in the country: temporary residence visas, work visas depending on categories and work visa extensions to name but a few.

 

A work permit in South Africa does not ensure permanent residency for the applicant. If required, sometimes, work visas can be extended. South Africa visa requirements for work permits require your occupation must already be on the shortage occupation list. Traditionally these roles tend to be in the IT, engineering and financial sectors. 

 

Workers in South Africa are advised to have a job offer before applying to South Africa immigration although in certain categories it is possible to avoid these requirements.

 

Foreign residents can move to South Africa by applying for the appropriate visa. In order to be eligible for the South Africa visa a candidate has to fulfill several criteria as well as submit the required documents. In South Africa, one can apply for a visa under the following categories: 

 

One can apply for an employment visa in South Africa through South Africa medical visa or South African work permit. 

 

With a medical visa, a foreign resident can immigrate to South Africa for medical treatments in any private or public hospitals or health organization. This temporary visa is valid for only 90 days. 

A work permit will allow a foreign national to immigrate to South Africa on a temporary basis in order to undertake an offer of employment. Working permits allow foreign nationals to live and work in South Africa for an agreed period, based upon a job offer being in place. 

 

A foreign national can immigrate to South Africa to pursue specific study programs. These visa services are not designed to provide a route to permanent residence and are granted for the duration of the course of study in question.

 

A person is required to apply for a study visa if the concerned course is going to continue for more than 3 months. An applicant for this type of visa should possess a prior offer from an academic institution in the country. The approximate time required for processing this visa is about 8 weeks. In addition, whilst holders of South African study visas may not engage in full time employment they are permitted to work part-time for no more than 20 hours per week.

 

A foreign resident can apply for a family visa under the categories of:

 

South Africa Relatives Visa: Under this category, a close family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident can apply for a visa. This is a sponsored program where the sponsor has to ensure that he/she will be able to provide R5000 per month for the applicant. 

 

South Africa Retirement: With this visa program, seasonal visitors can apply for both temporary and permanent visas in South Africa. The temporary permit remains valid for a period of 4 years. 

 

South Africa Spousal Visa: This category of family visa allows a spouse or life partner of a permanent resident or citizen of South Africa to move to this country. The South Africa Spousal Visa is available to people in either heterosexual or same-sex relationships. 

 

This visa is suitable for foreign nationals who wish to visit South Africa on the purpose of travel. The tourist visa allows foreign nationals to immigrate to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days. 

 

For a temporary period, a foreign national can immigrate to South Africa with a short stay business visa. This visa is known by the name of an investor permit or entrepreneur permit. A short stay business visa in South Africa is valid for 24 months and can be extended if required. 

 

In South Africa, citizenship can be obtained through three routes: by birth, by descent or by undergoing the process of South African naturalisation.  If a person acquires citizenship visa in South Africa, then he/she will gain the complete freedom to live and work in South Africa afforded to existing citizens.