Types of Immigration Permits
The Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, its Amendment, Act 19 of 2004 and the Regulations clearly and succinctly outline an array of permits of a temporary and permanent nature. It may be daunting at first glance and the selection of the appropriate permit may appear to be an impossible exercise in itself.
We have outlined the most commonly applied for permits in this section.
Permanent Residence:
In general the documents required for ALL permanent residence permits are the following: Valid Passport, Application Form, 2 Passport Photos, Unabridged Birth Certificate, Proof of Spousal Relationship or Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree where applicable, Medical Certificate, Radiological Certificate, Police Clearance Certificate and your Temporary Residence Certificate if you are already in South Africa.
We have outlined the categories of permits will enable you to apply for permanent residence with the specific requirements per permit in more detail:
Retired Person's Permit
The documents referred to above are required for an application based on a retired persons permit. In addition proof of required of an irrevocable retirement annuity of at least R20 000 per or the prescribed net worth with an income of R20 000 per month.
General Work Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required: a permanent contract of employment is required, an advertisement as prescribed in the immigration regulations, letters from the company in the prescribed form, a copy of the company's registration certificate, references, SAQA authentication of the applicant's qualifications as well as a certificate from the Department of Labour.
Exceptional Skills Work Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Comprehensive CV with testimonials from previous employers, letter from foreign or South African organ of state confirming the applicant's exceptional skills or qualifications, proof to substantiate exceptional skills like testimonials or publications and letter of motivation indicating the benefit of the exceptional skills in the South African community the applicant intends to operate.
Spouse Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Spousal affidavit confirming the existence of the relationship for a period of at least 5 years or a marriage certificate, further proof of the relationship in the form of affidavits from third parties, joint bank accounts, joint medical aid, joint lease agreement, South African identity document of spouse, letter of support from South African spouse. Please note that in order to qualify for permanent residence, the relationship has to be a bona fide mutally exclusive cohabitive relationship of at least 5 years.
Own Business Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Proof of R2.5 million available for investment into the book value of the business in funds from abroad, business plan, undertaking to or registration with SARS, undertaking to or registration with requisite body or board, undertaking to or proof of employment of 5 South African citizens or residents.
Relatives Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
An unabridged birth certificate confirming the lineage as only relatives in the first degree of kinship are entitled to apply in this category, letter of support from the South African relative, copy of the South African relative's Identity Book.
Refugee's Permit
In addition to the documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Confirmation from the Sanding Committee of the Department of Home Affairs that the applicant will remain a refugee indefinitely.
Temporary Residence Permits:
Temporary Residence Permits are valid for a limited period of time only. The following documents are required for the following Temporary Residence Permits:
In general the documents required for most temporary residence permits are the following: Valid Passport, Application Form, Birth Certificate, Proof of Spousal Relationship or Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree where applicable, Medical Certificate, Radiological Certificate, Police Clearance Certificate and your currently valid Temporary Residence Certificate if you are already in South Africa.
Retired Person's Permit
The documents referred to above are required for an application based on a retired persons permit. In addition proof of required of an irrevocable retirement annuity of at least R20 000 per person per month or the prescribed net worth with an income of R20 000 per person per month and payment of a repatriation guarantee.
General Work Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required: a permanent contract of employment is required, an advertisement as prescribed in the immigration regulations, letters from the company in the prescribed form, a copy of the company's registration certificate, references, SAQA authentication of the applicant's qualifications as well as a certificate from the Department of Labour.
Exceptional Skills Work Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Comprehensive CV with testimonials from previous employers, letter from foreign or South African organ of state confirming the applicant's exceptional skills or qualifications, proof to substantiate exceptional skills like testimonials or publications and letter of motivation indicating the benefit of the exceptional skills in the South African community the applicant intends to operate.
Spouse Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Spousal affidavit confirming the existence of the relationship for a period of at least 5 years or a marriage certificate, further proof of the relationship in the form of affidavits from third parties, joint bank accounts, joint medical aid, joint lease agreement, South African identity document of spouse, letter of support from South African spouse. Please note that in order to qualify for permanent residence, the relationship has to be a bona fide mutally exclusive cohabitive relationship of at least 5 years.
Own Business Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Proof of R2.5 million available for investment into the book value of the business in funds from abroad, business plan, undertaking to or registration with SARS, undertaking to or registration with requisite body or board, undertaking to or proof of employment of 5 South African citizens or residents and payment of a repatriation guarantee.
Relatives Permit
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
An unabridged birth certificate confirming the lineage as only relatives in the first degree of kinship are entitled to apply in this category, letter of support from the South African relative, copy of the South African relative's Identity Book and payment of a repatriation guarantee.
Study Permit:
In addition to the general documents referred to above, the following supporting documents are required:
Letter of confirmation from the study institution, proof of South African medical aid, letters of support from parents in the case of minor children, payment of a repatriation guarantee.
These are the most frequently applied for permit types. For further information regarding permit types like corporate permits or medical treatment permits, the qualifying documents or any other matters related to permanent or temporary residence permits please contact us at cicinfo@immigration-south-africa.co.za or 021 465 2020 to set up an appointment to discuss your needs in detail. For a free assesment regarding whether you qualify for permanent residence in one of these categories, please do not hesitate to contact us.