IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES

Visa information:

Canadian citizens who wish to go to South Africa for tourism, business purposes or study for 90 days or less are exempted from visa requirements. The passport holder must be in possession of a return air ticket or onward going ticket. The passport must be valid for a period of at least 30 days after the planned departure from South Africa.  One blank visa page is required when a person reports to a port of entry. Non compliance will result in refusal of admission to South Africa.

The length of sojourn is determined by Immigration Control on arrival when a temporary residence permit is granted. All visitors to South Africa must hold a return/onward ticket and a valid visa when required.

Visa Exempt Countries (click to see the link)

Please refer to the list of countries that pay for visa and if your country is not listed it means you do not need to pay for visa. 

Your visa/permit application will be processed within 10 business days if all the requirements are met.

Please note that applications from the residents of Ontario (excluding The Greater Ottawa Area), Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Yukon and Northwest Territories must be mailed to the South African Consulate General in Toronto.

Applications from the residents of The Greater Ottawa Area, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island must be mailed to the South African High Commission in Ottawa.

Visitors Visa Application: (Fee CAN$79)

Requirements:

• Visa application form (BI-84).
• Flight Itinerary (The South African Consulate General and the South African High Commission do not take responsibility for applicants purchasing tickets prior to obtaining their visas);
• Two (2) passport photos with white or light background;
• A statement or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of the visit e.g. proof of accommodation in South Africa such as hotel booking or formal signd scanned letter of invitation from the host. Letter should state commitment of the host, period of stay and physical address. No invitations in email body will be accepted.
• Certified copy of host's South African identity documents or foreign passport and legal status in South Africa. Certified copy should not be older than 6 months;
• Prescribed fee of CAN $ 79.00 for processing by certified cheque or money order made payable to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General, Toronto;
• Proof of sufficient funds (recent bank statement, salary advise or travellers cheques, credit card, etc);
• Yellow fever certificate if the applicant will be traveling or intends traveling or traveled from or through the yellow fever endemic area. (Click here for list of countries falling within the Yellow Fever Belt)
• Proof of status in Canada such as copy of a permanent resident card, work permitor study permit;
• Any other documentation or proof that the visa official may deem necessary;
• Original passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit with at least 2 blank visa pages;
• Express post Canada Post self-addressed envelope for the retunr of your passport;
• Marriage Certificte/Divorce decree if visiting for more than 90 days;
• Death certificate in case of widowed applicant;
• In the case of an unaccompanied minor, applicant must submit proof of consent from both parents, the parents' identity documents, marriage or death certificate in the case where one of the parents is deceased, adoption papers and the applicant's unabridged birth certificate;
• In the case of a school trip the student under the age of 18 years will be required to submit a letter from the school indicating the appointed guardian by the school and a certified copy of his/her passport;
• In the case of a minor, accompanied by one parent, a notarized letter of consent from the other parent who is not accompanying the applicant;
• In the case of a minor, the particulars of the person in the Republic who will act as the applicant's guardian and confirmatory letter from such person; Proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents or from the sole custody parent along with the proof of sole custody i.e. decree of divorce;
• In the case of adoption, certified copies of adoption papers, full Birth certificate of applicant and parents identity documents.

• All documents listed under Visitors visa application
• A letter from the foreign academic institution, confirming enrolment abroad;
• A letter from the host organization or institution in the RSA;
• Police clearance certificate in respect of each country he/she lived in for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 (not older than 6 months);
• Medical and radiological report (stamped and signed by practitioner).

• All documents listed under Visitors visa application
• A letter from the organization where the services will be rendered, confirming the nature and period of services;
• A letter of confirmation that it is not a paid post ;
• Police clearance certificate in respect of each country he/she lived in for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 (not older than 6 months);
• Medical and radiological report (stamped and signed by practitioner).

• All documents listed under Visitors visa application
• A letter from the educational institution concerned, confirming the nature and period of the research ;
• Police clearance certificate in respect of each country he/she lived in for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 (not older than 6 months);
• Medical and radiological report (stamped and signed by practitioner).

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMITS: (Fee CAN$79)

Basic Requirements for all permits:

Passport requirements when applying for a South African visa or permit

Note:  Passports/travel documents must be valid for at least 30 days after expiry of visit to South AfricaFor nationals of countries whose citizens require a visa or permit. If repatriation was paid the original receipt and the original passport in which the visa was issued is required to claim back the funds after returning from South Africa.

Passports (Including Travel/Emergency Travel Documents) must have:

• At least two (2) unused (blank) visa pages when presented at the Embassy or Consulate; one page for affixing the visa or permit by the embassy/consulate and the other page for endorsement of entry/departure stamp by the South African Immigration Services. 
• For nationals of countries whose citizens do not require a visa: Passports (including travel/emergency travel documents) must have:
  • at least one (1) unused (blank) visa page when presented to the South African Immigration Services upon arrival in South Africa.
  • Note:  Visa pages referred above do not include pages reserved for observations, amendments and endorsements.
     
  • Passport valid for 30 more days after the intended return date from South Africa with at least two unused visa pages for endorsement. The unused page needed for endorsement purposes is separate from pages in a passport reserved for observations and amendments. 
     

• Prescribed fee paid by money order or certified cheque
• Prescribed Form 1738
• Medical Report (BI-811)
• Radiological Report (BI-806) (not required for children under 12 years and pregnant women);
• Police Clearance Certificate from all countries where the applicant resided for 12 months or longer since 18 years.
• A vaccination certificate, if required;
• Proof of financial means in the forms of:· 
  • Original Bank statements;· 
  • Salary advices;· 
• Undertaking (commitment) by the South African host work permit, intra company transfer and exceptional skills permit;
• Bursaries (grant awarded as part of a financial assistance package);· 
• Medical coverage;
• Cash available, including credit cards or travelers' checks to cover expenses related to the visit;
• Deposit - Repatriation fee (original receipts are required in the case of deposits having been previously lodged and applicants wish to re-apply for another visa);
• Marriage certificate/ divorce decree/
• Death certificate in case of widowed applicant;
• Proof of accommodations i.e. hotel reservations or invitation letter from host including certified copy of host's SA identity document or foreign passport and status in South Africa;
• Certified copy of Unabridged Birth Certificate (in case of a dependant);
• Applicants traveling by air must be in possession of return or onward tickets, or proof of sufficient funds or lodge a cash deposit of equivalent value to such a ticket;
• Statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of visit;
• 1 Passport photograph.

STUDY PERMIT/STUDY EXCHANGE PERMITS: (Fee CAN$79)

Requirements:

The following documents must be submitted with your completed application:

. BI 1738 form;
. valid original passport;
. full birth certificate of applicant (minors under 18 years of age) which reflect the names of both parents;
. 1 passport photograph;
. flight intinerary
 . fee of $79 CDN payable by money order or bank draft only to the SA High Commission or SA Consulate-General dependent on where application is submitted
. police clearance certificate (criminal records check for applicants 18 and older.)
. medical certificate (downloadable form (BI 811) to be completed and stamped by your general practitioner and applicable to all applicants);
. Radiological Report (downloadable from (BI 806) to be completed and stamped by your general practitioner and applicable to all applicants over 12 years of age);
. letter of acceptance from the SA university/educational institution and duration of course;
. letter from Canadian university/education institution confirming official exchange ( if applicable);
. notorised letter of consent signed by both parents for applicants under 18 years of age

In the case of a Minor, the particulars of the person in the republic who will act as the Learner's Guardian, confirmation letter from such person, and certified copy of their passport/ID document and proof of consent for the intended stay from both parents or from the sole custody parent along with the proof of sole custody and certified copy of identification;

. proof of accommodation whilst in South Africa;
. proof of sufficient funds;
. proof of medical coverage for period in South Africa;
. return prepaid self addressed Canada Xpress Post envelope for the return of your passport.

A deposit in the amount of $1000 CDN (money order or bank draft only) will be payable to the South African High Commission or SA Consulate General for all periods of study exceeding twelve months.  This amount will be refunded on the applicant’s permanent return to Canada as long as the conditions of the permit, or subsequent permits are not violated.

Relatives permit:

This is a permit that will be issued to relatives to South African citizens or residents intending to visit the Republic. It will be issued for the period not exceeding 24 months at a time.

Documents to be submitted:

• See basic requirements
• The financial assurance in question shall be an amount of R5,000.00 per person per month and will not be applicable in the case of a spouse or a dependent minor child.
• A certified copy of the South African citizen's South African Passport or South African Identity Book or in the case of a permanent resident, their South African Identity Document or passport with permanent residence permit or full South African Birth Certificate (whichever is applicable proof of kinship for others);
• Payment of prescribed fee (not for spouse or dependent children of South African Citizen/Permanent Residence Holder);
• Applicants must lodge a cash deposit of equivalent value to a return or onward ticket (not required for spouse or dependent children of South African citizens/permanent residents);
• Statement and/or documentation confirming purpose and duration of visit and proof that applicant is the immediate family member of South African citizens/permanent resident.

Work Permits:

Work permits are issued to all foreigners intending to take up employment in South Africa. The following are the kinds of work permits issued on application:

General Work Permit: (Fee CAN$283)

Documents to be submitted:

Original advertisement of the job in the national media. The advertisement should comply with the following:

• See basic requirements;
• Contract of employment signed by both applicant and employer;
• Original proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA);
• Proof of experience and skills in line with the job offer;
• The employer to submit a certificate from the Department of Labor or extract from the database of a salary benchmarking organization detailing the average salary earned by employees occupying similar positions in the Republic of South Africa;
• Submission of the original advertisement in the national printed media, which must comply with regulation 16(5);
  • The specimen must reflect the full particulars of the relevant newspaper/specialized magazine, as well as the dates on which the advertisement was published;
  • Such advertisement must stipulate the minimum qualifications and experience required to fill the position as well as the remuneration and benefits offered;
  • The position offered and the duties to be performed must be clearly defined;
  • Such advertisement should measure at least 60 mm X 60 mm;
  • The closing date for the application must be stated in the advertisement;
  • The advertisement may not be older than 3 months at the time of application.
• A letter of motivation from the employer detailing the efforts he or she made to obtain the services of a citizen or resident;
• Proof that all short - listed candidates have been interviewed;
• In the case of senior positions, reasons for not filling the position through the promotion of existing personnel; 
• Undertaking to register with professional body, board or council in SA, where applicable; 
• Letter of approval, where required by a law from:
  • Relevant professional body, board, council;
  • Department of labor;
  • Relevant organ of state
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General in Toronto.

• See basic requirements
• An offer of employment;
• Certification by a chartered accountant detailing the following:
• Describing the job description;
• Certifying that the job position falls within a relevant category;
• Certifying that the position exists and is intended to be filled by such foreigner;
• Certifying that such foreigner possess the legal qualifications required for the performance of the tasks called for by the job position, taking into account any applicable requirement of the South African Qualification Authority;
• Confirmation of the required experience for the occupation;
• Registration if requird by law;
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General in Toronto.
  • (Within 90 days of admission, the holder of a Quota Permit shall submit to the Director General confirmation of having secured employment within the category or class contemplated in section 19(1) of the Act and within every 12 months thereafter, confirmation of continued employment within that category or class).

• See basic requirements
• A letter from a foreign or South African organ of state, from an established South African academic, cultural or business body, confirming the applicant's exceptional skills or qualifications;
• Testimonials from previous employers, if applicable, and a comprehensive curriculum vitae;
• Other proof to substantiate exceptional skills or qualifications such as publications and testimonials;
• A letter of motivation indicating that the exceptional skills possessed by the applicant will be to the benefit of the South African Government in which he/she intends to operate;
• All requirements for a visitors visa if spouse and children intends to accompany the applicant - fee is CAN$79 per applicant;
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General.

• See basic requirements
• The foreigner's contract of employment with the company abroad
• A letter from the international concern confirming that the foreigner will be transferred to a branch/affiliated South African company;
• A letter from the South African company confirming the transfer of such foreigner from the parent/affiliated company abroad, as well as specifying the occupation and capacity in which the foreigner will be employed, and that maximum duration will not exceed two years;
• An undertaking from the employer to defray deportation and other costs should such foreigner fail to depart when no longer allowed to sojourn SA;
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General;.
• The foreigner shall be emloyed in the position for which the permit was issued;
• All requirements if spouse and children intends to accompany the applicant, fee is CAN$79 per applicant.

Corporate Permit: (Fee CAN$283)

This is a permit issued by the Department to a corporate applicant. A corporate applicant is defined as a juristic person established under the laws of SA or foreign country as a corporation to employ foreigners to conduct work for such an applicant. The following will be employed under corporate permit: seasonal workers and workers on foreign state labor agreement.

The following documents must be submitted before a corporate permit can be issued:

• See basic requirements;
• A certification by a chartered accountant specifying conditions of employment of the foreigners;
• An undertaking by the corporate applicant to:
  • Ensure that a foreigner's passport is valid for no less that 30 days after expiry of stay;
  • Ensure that foreigners are employed in the specific positions authorized by the corporate permit;
  • Ensure the departure of foreigners on completion of service.
• Motivation letter for the need to employ foreigners, specifying a job description and the organogram;
• An undertaking to comply with provisions/conditions of a corporate permit;
• Corporate worker authorization certificate and coporate permit to be submitted by the applicant;
• Proof of employmnet and the duration of the contract from the employer;
• Corroborated representation demonstrating the need to employ foreign worker;
• Job description of each foregn worker ad remuneration;
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General.

• See basic requirements;
• Corporate worker authorization certificate and corporate permit to be submitted by the applicant;
• Acceptance letter of offer of employment;
• Certificate detailing terms and conditions of employment.
• Fee CAN$283.

• See basic requirements;
• Corporate worker authorization certificate and corporate permit to be submitted by the applicant;
• Valid employment contract entered into for a period not exceeding 18 months;
• No objection letter from the Department of labor or an exemption letter;
• An undertaking by the employer to remove the employee on expiry of contract;
• Certificate detailing terms and conditions of employment.
• Fee CAN$283.

• See basic requirements
• Corporate worker authorization certificate and corporate permit to be submitted by the applicant;
• Valid employment contract entered into for a period not exceeding six months;
• An undertaking by the employer to repatriate the employee on the expiry of the contract;
• No objection letter from the Department of labor or an exemption letter;
• Certificate detailing terms and conditions of employment.
• Fee CAN$283.

Retired Person's Permit :

This is a kind of a permit issued to retirees intending to live in SA only for limited or seasonal periods during the validity of the permit. It can be issued for a period not exceeding four years and on its expiry, it may be renewed for one or more time.

Retired Person's Permit (Non Worker): (Fee CAN$79)

Documents to be submitted:

• See list of basic requirements;
• A pension with a minimum value of R20,000 per month or an irrevocable retirement annuity or retirement account to the equivalent amount;
• A net worth providing an income of at least R20,000 per month;
• Fee is CAN $ 79 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General.

Retired Person's Permit (Worker): (Fee CAN$79)

Documents to be submitted:

• See list of basic requirements;
• Proof of Financila means in the form of:
  • A pension with a minimum value of R20,000.00 per mnth or an irrevocable retirement annuity or retirement account to the equivalent amount or;
  • a combination of assets realising R20,000.00 per month;
• All the requirements listed under retired persons' permit above;
• Proof that a citizen or resident is not ready and willing to take up relevant employment.
• Fee is CAN $ 79 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General.

Treaty Permit: (Fee CAN$283)

This is a kind of a permit issued to a foreigner conducting activities in South Africa in terms of an international agreement to which South Africa is a party.

Documents to be submitted:

• See list of basic requirements
• Letter from the relevant organ of state attesting to:
  • The nature of the programme and the treaty under which it is conducted;
  • The fact that the relevant foreigner participates in such programme;
  • The type of activities that the foreigner is expected to perform under such programme and the duration thereof and whether he or she is expected to conduct work;
  • Proof of Governments to Government Treaty to be obtained from Foreign Affairs or confirmed with Head Office that such Treaty Exists.
• Fee is CAN $ 283 paid by money order to the South African High Commission or South African Consulate General.

IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS

• See basic requirements;
• Proof of financial/capital contribution which originated from abroad (R2.5 million);
• A chartered accountant to certify the investment and that it is available and originated from abroard ;
• Compliance with one of the following:

1. A business plan outlining feasibility of the business;
2. Proof that at least five (5) citizens/permanent residents shall be employed;
3. an undertaking to register with SARS;
4. Proof of registration with the appropriate board/council/body;
5. A potential investor may request the waiver or reduction of the prescribed capitalization requirement by approaching the department of Trade and Industry for recommendation or by the Department of Home Affairs, provided the business falls in the one of the following:

• Information and communications technology;
• Clothing and textile manufacturing;
• Chemical and bio-technological industry;
• Agro processing industry;
• Metals and mineral refinement industry;
• Tourism industry;
• Automotive and manufacturing industry;
• Crafts.

Prescribed fee: $283 Canadian

MEDICAL PERMIT

• See basic requirements.
• A letter from the applicant's medical practitioner or medical institution, indicating the reasions/necessity for treatment, the period of treatment and particulars of the treatment plans in South Africa;
• Details of the person or instituion responsible for the medical expenses and hospital fees, if any. Should the applicant's medical scheme or employers not be liable for expenses incurred, proof of financial means or mdical cover must be submitted;
• Particulars of person accompanying the applicant;
• Copy of return ticket or a repatriation guarantee in the form of a deposit equivalent to the cost of an air ticket to the country of origin or residence;
• Valid temporary residence permit, in the case of regional office in terms of regulation 7 (6);
• Vaccination certification, if required by law;
• Issued for a period of six (6) months;
• Any other documentation or proof that the visa official may deem necessary;
• Fee - $79.00 Canadian;

Cultural, Economic and Social Exchange

• See basic requirements;
• Letter from the organ state confirming the status or existence of the exchange permit;
• Letter from the educational institution in the Republic confirming that the applicant, if a student has been accepted to register in that institution; or a letter from the entity organization or family where the foreigner intends to conduct his/her program;
• Letter from the organ of foreign state confirming awareness of the exchange program;
• Letter from the sponsoring body responsible for the organizing or administering the program, confirming that it will take responsibiility for the applicant while he/she is in the Republic;
• Annual reports from the sponsoring body-education institution or organ state must submit the reports;
• Any other documentation or proof that the visa official may deem necessary;
• Fee - $79 Canadian.

Work Exchange:

• See basic requirements;
• Statement from the prospective employer certifying that:

1. The position exists;
2. The remuneration of the foreigner complies with labor requirements;
3. The employer will provide for the welfare and needs of the foreigner whilst in his employ;
4. Will inform Department of Home Affairs if the foreigner does not comply with the terms and conditions of his/her permit or leaves the Republic;
5. The applicant will leave when his/her permit expires:

• Letter from prospective employer certifying compliance with and providing responsibility to:
• Pay such foreigner remuneration (salary) which complies with applicable requirements;
• Provide for welfare and needs of the foreigner while in the Republic;
• Report to the Department of Home Affairs failure of the foreigner to comply with the terms of his/her permit or to depart when so requested;
• Provide copy of job offer detailing the terms, conditions and duration of the inteded employment;
• Any other documentation or proof that the visa official may deem necessary;
• Fee - $79.00 Canadian.

Note: The holder of an exchange permit under work category may not conduct work other than the work other than the work for which the permit is issued.