@stevetop, thanks for answering my last questions.

Now, I read page by page of this thread and I say thank you, all that contributed. Though not expressly stated on this forum but it seems it is faster to apply for visa than visit visa. (pls, correct me if am wrong) so I will go the

I am actually going for that will keep me in SA for about a month I realised not many people are applying for so the plenty questions are about student and visit visas.
I grabbed some info tho but pls, I still need answers to the following questions :
A. I saw forms B1-84 and B1-1784. Pls which one applies to a visa applicant?
B. Do I need letter of self introduction since I have a salary account I can use. Note pls:
Is letter of self introduction different from application letter? (sorry, I read something like that in d previous pages)

C. How many months of bank statement is required for the visa application? 3, 6months?

D. With my xxxxxxx visa, is there any neighboring country I can visit for like 5days or any tour (site) we can book in capetown.

Meanwhile, @OgaTheTop2, were you allowed to see the city during your layovers?

Thanks.

iyaaliyah:
@stevetop, thanks for answering my last questions.

Now, I read page by page of this thread and I say thank you, all that contributed. Though not expressly stated on this forum but it seems it is faster to apply for medical visa (if genuinely seeking medical treatment in SA) than visit visa. (pls, correct me if am wrong) so I will go the medical visa route cos I was thinking It Wd be the usual visit visa.

I am actually going for medical procedure in capetown that will keep me in SA for about a month I realised not many people are applying for medical visa, so the plenty questions are about student and visit visas.
I grabbed some info tho but pls, I still need answers to the following questions :
A. I saw forms B1-84 and B1-1784. Pls which one applies to a medical visa applicant?
B. Do I need letter of self introduction since I have a salary account I can use. Note pls: my husband runs his own business with a business account, private account and an1-84 existing company.
Is letter of self introduction different from application letter? (sorry, I read something like that in d previous pages)

C. How many months of bank statement is required for medical visa application? 3, 6months?

D. With my (medical) visa, is there any neighboring country I can visit for like 5days or any tour (site) we can book in capetown.

Meanwhile, @OgaTheTop2, were you allowed to see the city during your layovers?

Thanks.

I think B1-84 is the correct form. Letter of self introduction. is as it connotes, it's a letter written to introduce yourself to the high commission and stating your reason for applying for the visa and that you have sufficient financial means to cater for your living expenses and medical bill. 6 months bank statement will suffice since you are applying from Nigeria. You can visit any neighbouring country if you are given multiple entry visa. NB: you need to submit letter from your Nigerian doctor as well your doctor in mzansi, the doctor in SA must be working in private sector. Regards.

Hello forum, I just got back from Lagos, I have not been in lagos for 2 years. So I visited for 2 weeks. All I could see are opportunities. Really I don't see why people stress themselves to come to SA, as a matter of fact I am winding up my activities in SA and coming to come back to Lagos, I have given myself 3 years to do this. None of my friends that I left in lagos is on the same levelthey are all doing better. Apart from kia and hyudia there is no brand new car less than 5 million, yet people buy brand new cars daily and u can't see a 2015 model of car still on display as brand new, most 2015 cars are sold. Its only in Nigeria a house can be 250 million and u see pple paying cash upfront.
I think Nigeria has all the potentials, staying in another man's land isn't it at all. Mind you, by the grace of God I can never apply for any kind of visa in SA again as I am a permanent resident permit holder so I am not saying all these because I am frustrated.

Thanks much. Your points are noted.
Yes. Am searching for accommodation now tho they sent me a list to choose from but expensive and most are self catering. Wetin I wan dey cook? BTW, how much was your SAA ticket? Am getting 204k or thereabout. Want a cheap ticket but not badly cheap.
Thanks.

staggerlee:
Hello forum, I just got back from Lagos, I have not been in lagos for 2 years. So I visited for 2 weeks. All I could see are opportunities. Really I don't see why people stress themselves to come to SA, as a matter of fact I am winding up my activities in SA and coming to come back to Lagos, I have given myself 3 years to do this. None of my friends that I left in lagos is on the same levelthey are all doing better. Apart from kia and hyudia there is no brand new car less than 5 million, yet people buy brand new cars daily and u can't see a 2015 model of car still on display as brand new, most 2015 cars are sold. Its only in Nigeria a house can be 250 million and u see pple paying cash upfront.
I think Nigeria has all the potentials, staying in another man's land isn't it at all. Mind you, by the grace of God I can never apply for any kind of visa in SA again as I am a permanent resident permit holder so I am not saying all these because I am frustrated.

@staggerlee, I must say you've got rich friends, go to the grassroot level, you'll know the struggle is real. Let's not consider the wealth difference. You get stuck in gridlock hold up everyday, trips you make in minutes in SA will take hours in Nigeria, you practically have to pay for generator because power supply is not good, from my observation on this group, most Nigerians come here to study, I presume you also got your PR going through the study route in SA. There is no gain saying that if you are dedicated to your PG studies, you finish ur postgraduate degree within minimum time in SA. I know many people that finished their full time masters in 3yrs in Nigeria and they even said theirs was fast, meanwhile, I know quite a banner of people in SA that finished their masters and PhD within 3yrs with publications and they've got their PR. Don't forget that you are going to Nigeria as a better person than when you came to SA and you are going to invest in the Nigerian economy which is what we need. Nigeria needs us to give back than take from it, hence, I guess people are coming to SA to be able to study then go back to Nigeria to invest their intellectual and financial resources in the economy, I don't think that should be discouraged. I don't mean to be pessimistic about Nigeria but the suffering is much in Nigeria than in SA. I stand to be corrected.

@iyaaliyah, nope. we were not allowed to see d city at Kigali. we were in transit and were directed to where we sat waiting for d next plane to continue the journey. We only disembarked at Kigali while at Lusaka we remained in d plane, thereafter we took off.

iyaaliyah:
Staggeriee, thanks much. Your points are noted.
Yes. The clinic is private. It's in capeTown. Am searching for accommodation now tho the clinic sent me a list to choose from but expensive and most are self catering. Wetin I wan dey cook? BTW, how much was your SAA ticket? Am getting 204k or thereabout. Want a cheap ticket but not badly cheap.
Thanks.

where in Cape Town are you ? I thought you can't get a house until the month ends ?

staggerlee:
Hello forum, I just got back from Lagos, I have not been in lagos for 2 years. So I visited for 2 weeks. All I could see are opportunities. Really I don't see why people stress themselves to come to SA, as a matter of fact I am winding up my activities in SA and coming to come back to Lagos, I have given myself 3 years to do this. None of my friends that I left in lagos is on the same levelthey are all doing better. Apart from kia and hyudia there is no brand new car less than 5 million, yet people buy brand new cars daily and u can't see a 2015 model of car still on display as brand new, most 2015 cars are sold. Its only in Nigeria a house can be 250 million and u see pple paying cash upfront.
I think Nigeria has all the potentials, staying in another man's land isn't it at all. Mind you, by the grace of God I can never apply for any kind of visa in SA again as I am a permanent resident permit holder so I am not saying all these because I am frustrated.

Stagg, I get your points. It baffled me when I saw Nigerians doing all sorts of jobs there in SA, well, I wouldn't blame them. Current unavailability of employment opportunities in naija are not favourable to some calibre of naija people hence they choose working in SA. Saw some naijas parking cars for stipends in the rain and cold weather. I felt pained. saw some in fruit and food sheds selling fruits...I mean men with responsibilities. most naija ladies do hairdressing and some store works. Blame them not. Yet, some of us who are professionals in our chosen careers wouldn't even consider relocating to foreign land where we couldn't be free to express our living styles without the locals getting jealous and beefed up.
Anyways, good for you to come establish in naija. opportunities abound...

muhaogunlo:


@staggerlee, I must say you've got rich friends, go to the grassroot level, you'll know the struggle is real. Let's not consider the wealth difference. You get stuck in gridlock hold up everyday, trips you make in minutes in SA will take hours in Nigeria, you practically have to pay for generator because power supply is not good, from my observation on this group, most Nigerians come here to study, I presume you also got your PR going through the study route in SA. There is no gain saying that if you are dedicated to your PG studies, you finish ur postgraduate degree within minimum time in SA. I know many people that finished their full time masters in 3yrs in Nigeria and they even said theirs was fast, meanwhile, I know quite a banner of people in SA that finished their masters and PhD within 3yrs with publications and they've got their PR. Don't forget that you are going to Nigeria as a better person than when you came to SA and you are going to invest in the Nigerian economy which is what we need. Nigeria needs us to give back than take from it, hence, I guess people are coming to SA to be able to study then go back to Nigeria to invest their intellectual and financial resources in the economy, I don't think that should be discouraged. I don't mean to be pessimistic about Nigeria but the suffering is much in Nigeria than in SA. I stand to be corrected.

First I find it hard to believe that anyone can get masters and phd in 3 years. In down town New York people are suffering. No where u go in the world, pple dey suffer, it now depends on what or who u focus on. Every policy in Naija has enriched some people, why can't we focus on those that benefit. Its about time to change our focus. Yes I saw fuel queues, yes I saw mad traffic, but that didn't limit my movement in anyway, I got what I had to do sharply. Naija is a place u can sleep with 1 naira and wake up as a millionaire. People have become millionaires because of dollar scarcity. My brother u need to shift ur antenna small (like wazobia tv advert on radio)

OgaTheTop2:
Stagg, I get your points. It baffled me when I saw Nigerians doing all sorts of jobs there in SA, well, I wouldn't blame them. Current unavailability of employment opportunities in naija are not favourable to some calibre of naija people hence they choose working in SA. Saw some naijas parking cars for stipends in the rain and cold weather. I felt pained. saw some in fruit and food sheds selling fruits...I mean men with responsibilities. most naija ladies do hairdressing and some store works. Blame them not. Yet, some of us who are professionals in our chosen careers wouldn't even consider relocating to foreign land where we couldn't be free to express our living styles without the locals getting jealous and beefed up.
Anyways, good for you to come establish in naija. opportunities abound...

Have seen pple spend over 1m just to arrange visas to get out of naija if u invest that 1 m in doing something in naija and u are not a lavish spender, u will blow in no time, just be patient

Staggerlee - this is in response to your latest post. While i respect your intention to come back home (Nigeria) to invest etc., the point is that the current situation is not helpful.

Imagine a barber in Cape Town (Main Road) earning R30 per cut, without having the stress of buying fuel at black market rate for more than two months.I bet you can not compare the same occupation in Nigeria? The stress and agony pursuing a living in Nigeria is serious. You earn well outside the shores and improve their income generating power. I would like you to see this as an example.

staggerlee:


Have seen pple spend over 1m just to arrange visas to get out of naija if u invest that 1 m in doing something in naija and u are not a lavish spender, u will blow in no time, just be patient

That's just what most people don't understand. They just don't have time for patience and investment in naija. Well, whatever rocks their boats..

Hope u had a nice stay in naija.

Keneking:
Staggerlee - this is in response to your latest post. While i respect your intention to come back home (Nigeria) to invest etc., the point is that the current situation is not helpful.

Imagine a barber in Cape Town (Main Road) earning R30 per cut, without having the stress of buying fuel at black market rate for more than two months.I bet you can not compare the same occupation in Nigeria? The stress and agony pursuing a living in Nigeria is serious. You earn well outside the shores and improve their income generating power. I would like you to see this as an example.

I can bet u that if that barber is a non-south african, he is probably on asylum or he has done runs to get a permit to live in SA or he is living in SA illegaly, is this what a Nigerian should risk his/her integrity to do? He earns R30 per cut, the standard of living is crazy in SA so u can't directly compare wages together between SA and Naija. I also know barbers that charge 1,500 per cut in Naija.

staggerlee:


I can bet u that if that barber is a non-south african, he is probably on asylum or he has done runs to get a permit to live in SA or he is living in SA illegaly, is this what a Nigerian should risk his/her integrity to do? He earns R30 per cut, the standard of living is crazy in SA so u can't directly compare wages together between SA and Naija. I also know barbers that charge 1,500 per cut in Naija.

what works for Mr A might not work for Mr B ..if you think Nigeria is the best place to invest or hustle ..it might not be the same way for another man ..so do ur thing bro ..wish u luck

I don't understand. Whether I got a house?

henryogb:
where in Cape Town are you ? I thought you can't get a house until the month ends ?

Ahh. Okay. I can't sit it out the whole 2stops then! Will find out how much SAA is. Thanks.

OgaTheTop2:
@iyaaliyah, nope. we were not allowed to see d city at Kigali. we were in transit and were directed to where we sat waiting for d next plane to continue the journey. We only disembarked at Kigali while at Lusaka we remained in d plane, thereafter we took off.

staggerlee:


I can bet u that if that barber is a non-south african, he is probably on asylum or he has done runs to get a permit to live in SA or he is living in SA illegaly, is this what a Nigerian should risk his/her integrity to do? He earns R30 per cut, the standard of living is crazy in SA so u can't directly compare wages together between SA and Naija. I also know barbers that charge 1,500 per cut in Naija.

You sound as if getting asylum in SA has become a criminal offence. This barber is a non citizen. He is on asylum with his payments up to date. He is recognised and thus not an "illegal immigrant."

In his country, the challenges are so much doing the same work.

iyaaliyah:
Ahh. Okay. I can't sit it out the whole 2stops then! Will find out how much SAA is. Thanks.

Lol. I flew Rwanda airline with those stopovers because I felt like seeing more of other nations from the air. Kigali is beautiful, even more beautiful is Lusaka. But, SA is a class on her own...very beautiful country..
My next trip is to Kigali, Rwanda. I heard they are nice and accommodating. I'm going there in July, God willing.

Keneking:


You sound as if getting asylum in SA has become a criminal offence. This barber is a non citizen. He is on asylum with his payments up to date. He is recognised and thus not an "illegal immigrant."

In his country, the challenges are so much doing the same work.

Stagg wasn't saying getting an asylum was a crime but getting an asylum could aid in that man working as a barber. See, no one is to blame but the mess caused by our politicians in naija..

Keneking:


You sound as if getting asylum in SA has become a criminal offence. This barber is a non citizen. He is on asylum with his payments up to date. He is recognised and thus not an "illegal immigrant."

In his country, the challenges are so much doing the same work.

The process of Nigerians and some other nationals getting asylum in SA is fraudulent. Some Nigerians will lie that they under threat in their home country, paint Naija like its one war zone, some even lie that they are not Nigerians, but from countries like Congo. Some will lie that they came into SA via the bush while they came in thru OR Tambo. Are these not crimes? Why lie or change identity cos of iwe (paper)? Yet u are quick to justify asylum seekers

staggerlee:

First I find it hard to believe that anyone can get masters and phd in 3 years. In down town New York people are suffering. No where u go in the world, pple dey suffer, it now depends on what or who u focus on. Every policy in Naija has enriched some people, why can't we focus on those that benefit. Its about time to change our focus. Yes I saw fuel queues, yes I saw mad traffic, but that didn't limit my movement in anyway, I got what I had to do sharply. Naija is a place u can sleep with 1 naira and wake up as a millionaire. People have become millionaires because of dollar scarcity. My brother u need to shift ur antenna small (like wazobia tv advert on radio)

I guess we are entitled to our opinion. But just before I rest my case, May I ask the reason why you left naija for SA when you did? And if you have any regrets? Also, what got better in naija from when you left till now that makes you want to return to naija? maybe we can take a que from your experience and stay back in Nigeria. Thanks.

muhaogunlo:


I guess we are entitled to our opinion. But just before I rest my case, May I ask the reason why you left naija for SA when you did? And if you have any regrets? Also, what got better in naija from when you left till now that makes you want to return to naija? maybe we can take a que from your experience and stay back in Nigeria. Thanks.

I left Nigeria cos I was tired of just having a first degree, I wanted more and SA provided me the opportunity to do my research. I left Naija without breaking a sweat Thanks to God. Mind you have not said no one should not leave naija, but dont stress yourself to leave. What has changed in Naija since I left? Nothing! but people have changed, at least those I choose to align with. Everyone in my close cycle have stepped up. Like I say it depends on what you focus on that you will see. My mind set have changed, have decided to see the wealth. I left Naija on sunday, the airport was so full, yet we all complain no FOREX, no be FOREX those that are traveling go spend? I have decided to come back to Nigeria (maybe not fully cos I have a family here in SA) because 1. I am tired of living in another mans country 2. There is a limit a non south african by origin can rise to 3. I have business proposals I want to push into the Nigerian space 4. I am a Nigerian and I want to push the Nigerian project. 5. We live a fake life in SA, to buy car is credit, house is credit, clothes credit. I need to make real cash. for now naija is the only place that offers me that opportunity

staggerlee:


I left Nigeria cos I was tired of just having a first degree, I wanted more and SA provided me the opportunity to do my research. I left Naija without breaking a sweat Thanks to God. Mind you have not said no one should not leave naija, but dont stress yourself to leave. What has changed in Naija since I left? Nothing! but people have changed, at least those I choose to align with. Everyone in my close cycle have stepped up. Like I say it depends on what you focus on that you will see. My mind set have changed, have decided to see the wealth. I left Naija on sunday, the airport was so full, yet we all complain no FOREX, no be FOREX those that are traveling go spend? I have decided to come back to Nigeria (maybe not fully cos I have a family here in SA) because 1. I am tired of living in another mans country 2. There is a limit a non south african by origin can rise to 3. I have business proposals I want to push into the Nigerian space 4. I am a Nigerian and I want to push the Nigerian project. 5. We live a fake life in SA, to buy car is credit, house is credit, clothes credit. I need to make real cash. for now naija is the only place that offers me that opportunity

I rest my case. Thanks for the insight, really appreciate. Credit facilities in SA is a discussion for another day. I agree with you, you can never be a first class citizen in another man's country and a person in diaspora must be able to go back to Nigeria with something tangible to invest in the economy. I'll like to say again, you align with people that are well too do in Nigeria. God bless Nigeria. Cheers!

staggerlee:


I left Nigeria cos I was tired of just having a first degree, I wanted more and SA provided me the opportunity to do my research. I left Naija without breaking a sweat Thanks to God. Mind you have not said no one should not leave naija, but dont stress yourself to leave. What has changed in Naija since I left? Nothing! but people have changed, at least those I choose to align with. Everyone in my close cycle have stepped up. Like I say it depends on what you focus on that you will see. My mind set have changed, have decided to see the wealth. I left Naija on sunday, the airport was so full, yet we all complain no FOREX, no be FOREX those that are traveling go spend? I have decided to come back to Nigeria (maybe not fully cos I have a family here in SA) because 1. I am tired of living in another mans country 2. There is a limit a non south african by origin can rise to 3. I have business proposals I want to push into the Nigerian space 4. I am a Nigerian and I want to push the Nigerian project. 5. We live a fake life in SA, to buy car is credit, house is credit, clothes credit. I need to make real cash. for now naija is the only place that offers me that opportunity

I agree totally to no.5 and it's not really worth the stress.

muhaogunlo:


I rest my case. Thanks for the insight, really appreciate. Credit facilities in SA is a discussion for another day. I agree with you, you can never be a first class citizen in another man's country and a person in diaspora must be able to go back to Nigeria with something tangible to invest in the economy. I'll like to say again, you align with people that are well too do in Nigeria. God bless Nigeria. Cheers!

Let me also state that coming to SA didnt really make me a better person it is just a perception. like I said all my cronies that I last saw in Nigeria have all moved up the success ladder faster than myself. So probably, if I was in Naija I could have also made more success. A lot of people feel leaving Naija is the ultimate, I dont believe so, maybe if I had this believe years ago I would have stuck my guns in Naija

I was sent an admission letter of the skull I put in for in SA "university of the free town".... That was feb this yr ND I went down to South Africa high commission Abuja and I was told study visa has been close till June 1st...... I want to knw the way they process the study visa and I want to know the required document I will take along with me ......pls help on that question

Biolypop:
I was sent an admission letter of the skull I put in for in SA "university of the free town".... That was feb this yr ND I went down to South Africa high commission Abuja and I was told study visa has been close till June 1st...... I want to knw the way they process the study visa and I want to know the required document I will take along with me ......pls help on that question

University of the Frestate you meant? What level of study are you going for? There is no special way to apply for a study visa, just get all your docs tight and submit to the high commision. A list of required docs can be found on this thread

staggerlee:

Let me also state that coming to SA didnt really make me a better person it is just a perception. like I said all my cronies that I last saw in Nigeria have all moved up the success ladder faster than myself. So probably, if I was in Naija I could have also made more success. A lot of people feel leaving Naija is the ultimate, I dont believe so, maybe if I had this believe years ago I would have stuck my guns in Naija

Well... moving up is relative and the grass always seem green on the other side. The basic amenities that are available in SA will save you a lot of hard earned money. Presently people fuel their cars and generators with as much as 200 naira per litre, you will need your to put on the generator overnight ( that will gulp like 20 litres) - If you have your own business you will still need to have your generator on all through the day etc. It is true that no place can be like home, but it is not a bad idea to keep your options open - glad to know you have a PR already so there's always a plan B

iyaaliyah:
Staggeriee, thanks much. Your points are noted.
Yes. The clinic is private. It's in capeTown. Am searching for accommodation now tho the clinic sent me a list to choose from but expensive and most are self catering. Wetin I wan dey cook? BTW, how much was your SAA ticket? Am getting 204k or thereabout. Want a cheap ticket but not badly cheap.
Thanks.

You can check travelstart for a range of available tickets and check gumtree for accommodation.

stevetop:


Well... moving up is relative and the grass always seem green on the other side. The basic amenities that are available in SA will save you a lot of hard earned money. Presently people fuel their cars and generators with as much as 200 naira per litre, you will need your to put on the generator overnight ( that will gulp like 20 litres) - If you have your own business you will still need to have your generator on all through the day etc. It is true that no place can be like home, but it is not a bad idea to keep your options open - glad to know you have a PR already so there's always a plan B

I do see all the probs in Naija, but also there are more millionaires in Naija than in SA, I mean in dollars. If we dedicate the way we get visas to thinking of biz ideas and looking for biznesses in naija soon and soon we ll strike gold. Coming to do masters here u go spend millions, no odd jobs for students like the US to suppliment if we channel those millions to setting up something in naija u will flourish

staggerlee:


I do see all the probs in Naija, but also there are more millionaires in Naija than in SA, I mean in dollars. If we dedicate the way we get visas to thinking of biz ideas and looking for biznesses in naija soon and soon we ll strike gold. Coming to do masters here u go spend millions, no odd jobs for students like the US to suppliment if we channel those millions to setting up something in naija u will flourish

You keep focusing on the rich people in Nigeria, you need to look at the bigger picture, the common man working tirelessly to enrich the rich people, not everyone is good doing business, I beg to disagree that you need millions to go for a masters in SA, as you didn't break a sweat to do your PG studies in SA, some other people don't break a sweat, also, there are schools in SA that give full tuition fee waiver for PG studies and you can even apply for scholarships even though it's quite competitive, it's not impossible to get. I agree there are no odd jobs but there are tutorship opportunities and some schools in SA even give free accommodation to PG students. Tell me you were sad when you got your PR. Or that you will return your PR when going back to Nigeria then I'll agree with you that you are really sure you don't need to have a plan B when going back to Nigeria. The point is, PG studies in SA or any other country in the world opens your eyes to opportunities and removes the limitation you get in Nigeria due to the lack of basic amenities. You've got that eye opener thats why you are going back home to invest in the economy. I think you should rather encourage more people to get that eye opener than discourage them, they don't have to stay after their PG studies but the basic thing is that they will leave as a better person, if not financially then intellectually.