When you apply for a South Africa visa you may come across obstacles during the process. Sometimes there may be a technical problem, or you may not have all the documents when you want to apply for a visa to enter the country— this is where South Africa waivers come in handy.
What Is a Waiver in South Africa?
A waiver is a request to the Department of Home Affairs to leave aside specific requirements for any type of visa. The waiver will allow you to apply for a visa without providing all the required documents. However, you have to keep in mind that waivers are issued in specific cases and for specific visas only.
Who Can Apply for a Waiver in South Africa?
You can apply for a waiver in South Africa if any of the following cases apply:
- The applicant cannot provide a police clearance certificate.
- The applicant cannot return to their country to apply for a temporary residence visa.
- When the applicant applies to reduce the required investment amount of R5 million (five million Rand) for a business visa.
- When an applicant does not have the NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level that is needed for a particular critical skills category at the time of application.
- When businesses apply for a blanket waiver for an identical requirement for the corporate visa.
- When an applicant wants to waive the Department of Labor certificate.
How to Apply for a Waiver in South Africa?
To apply for a waiver in South Africa, you must complete the following steps:
- Write a letter of waiver. You can write a letter of waiver yourself or through an immigration agent that generates immigration services in South Africa. Your letter must state all the valid reasons for requesting a waiver.
- Complete the application form. The application form can be found online. It consists of questions about yourself, your family members, and the reasons for your waiver. You must answer all of them truthfully, and handwritten forms will not be accepted.
- Gather the required documents. The required documents will depend on the reason for applying for a waiver. You can find the standard documents in the section “What Are the Requirements for a South Africa Waiver”.
- Submit the required documents. The submission process may change depending on why you’re requesting a waiver. For example if you’re applying for a work visa, and you’re unable to provide one of the required documents your employer may submit a request for a waiver. In other cases, you may include the required documents for a waiver with your visa application. Depending on the country, you may be required to send the documents for a waiver separately via e-mail, so make sure to check with the embassy or consulate.
What Are the Requirements for a South Africa Waiver?
The required documents vary depending on whether you are applying for your waiver from outside of the country or from within South Africa.
Applying From a Foreign Embassy/Consulate
If you are applying for a South Africa temporary residence visa and you also need to apply for a waiver, you must submit the following documents:
- A DHA Form 48 application form. You can access the application form online; ensure you answer all the questions truthfully.
- A valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days after your visa expires.
- A valid visa. While in South Africa, you must be in possession of a valid temporary residence visa or valid status to submit the application.
- A letter of waiver. The letter must include all the reasons for your waiver.
- Original bank payment/electronic fund transfer receipt.
- Original and copy of bank receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation/bank guarantee paid in the Department of Home Affairs Account.
Applying From South Africa
If you are in South Africa and you need to apply for permanent residence but you also need to apply for a waiver, you must have these documents:
- Duly completed online DHA Form 48. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
- A valid passport. You must also include copies of your previous passport and visas.
- Passport copy. Please also include a copy of your passport and all temporary residence permits affixed.
- Appointment Letter. A letter signed by the employer citing the requirements to be waived and a comprehensive motivation for each requirement.
- Bank receipt. Make sure to include an original copy of the bank receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation/bank guarantee paid in the Department of Home Affairs Account.
- A copy of your CV. Don’t forget to include a copy of your CV with all of your professional qualifications.
- Work contract. You must also submit a copy of the employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee (if applicable).
- Background on the company/institution for record purposes.
- Business plan (if applicable).
- Bank or financial statements (if applicable).
- Recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry (if applicable).
Note: Any incorrect or misleading information or false documents provided in support of the application may result in the application being rejected, or if discovered after the waiver has been issued, the applicant will be denied entry into South Africa.
How to Write a Letter of Waiver?
You can type out the letter yourself and then print it. When you write a letter of waiver, make sure:
- You use formal language.
- You choose your words wisely.
- Clearly lay out the reasons for your waiver.
- Your reasons for the waiver are valid.
- Acknowledge the reader and thank them for their time.
- Proofread your letter before submitting it.
- You stick only to the facts.
- You stay away from any complaints.
You can also use an immigration agent that generates immigration services in South Africa to write a letter of waiver. Having experience with assisting many different families and individuals through the process, they are highly specialized in this area. If you are applying to the Department of Home Affairs, they’ll know exactly how to draft your letter so that it has the best chance of success.
How Long Does a Waiver Take to Process in South Africa?
It usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks to process a waiver request. However, processing time can vary depending on several factors such as what is the reason you’re requesting a waiver, or are you applying for a waiver from South Africa or outside the country. All of this can be a determining factor in how long a waver takes to get approved, and affecting your visa application.
This is why you’re highly recommended to contact an embassy or consulate prior to applying for a visa if you think you need a waiver first.
Can a Waiver Help Me if I Am Banned or an “Undesirable Citizen”?
A waiver will not assist you in getting the ban on your name lifted if you have violated any terms or agreements during your stay in South Africa.