So are you saying aside those two airline one can't to go SA because my flight is cote d'Ivoire airline and I have my visa already.Make una no dey mislead person o.

Myst77:
It shouldn’t be a problem provided that you’ll be landing at OR Tambo intl airport. SA evisa holders must arrive at OR Tambo and no other airport. Ensure that you book a direct flight from Lagos to Johannesburg with Rwanda Air or Ethiopian.

As for bank statement, please DO NOT submit an e-statement. Statement must be stamped and signed by the bank. You can then scan the original and upload on the evisa platform.

For hotel bookings, if you have a contact in SA who has a good relationship with a hotel there, you can ask them to help contact a hotel for a booking without payment IN YOUR NAME (there are no certainties though).

OR initiate a refundable booking IN YOUR NAME via a hotel’s website or by contacting them directly but they’ll need a USD card info to initiate (could be yours or someone else’s). They won’t deduct money from your card until your check-in date but you must cancel before the actual date if for any reason you won’t be using the hotel. In most cases, the hotel will specifically advise you on their refund policy.

Download bank statement online and take it to the bank for sign and stamp simple

ChrisRocks:
Na wa o which one is do not submit an e-statement? Banks allow you to download exactly what you would get from the bank, and it is even "signed and stamped" on each page. Imagine having a business account and then going to print from the bank and scanning 40-plus pages. Then booking with the hotel directly, when UK/US/Schengen consulate accept booking,com and other third party websites? They should just say they want to be silly (By they I mean the DHA). I would like to know where you got these requirements from though, please.

He isn't saying you can't travel with your airline, these airline mentioned are for visa processing.

Gernny:
So are you saying aside those two airline one can't to go SA because my flight is cote d'Ivoire airline and I have my visa already.Make una no dey mislead person o.

I think They’ve started issuing Long term visas already!! This is from an applicant that applied in Mid-October

Visa processing how?

djbaju:
He isn't saying you can't travel with your airline, these airline mentioned are for visa processing.

Gernny:
Visa processing how?

He meant for reservations. You know the embassy requires flight reservation?

Tryhard:
I think They’ve started issuing Long term visas already!! This is from an applicant that applied in Mid-October

Seriously �

Gernny:
So are you saying aside those two airline one can't to go SA because my flight is cote d'Ivoire airline and I have my visa already.Make una no dey mislead person o.

Not misleading anyone. My response was to this question by @djbaju (check the thread for the full question):
“… can I use Ethiopian or Rwanda air reservation for my evisa application…”
That was why I mentioned the two airlines in my response. The key thing to note is that evisa holders must arrive at OR Tambo Intl, period. You can use any airline as long as you arrive at that airport. Also, I suggested a direct flight from LOS to JNB to avoid any potential transit issue (in any case you can always call the airlines directly to confirm their acceptance of SA evisa if you’re not sure). I hope this clarifies your concern.

The key thing is to have the statement stamped and signed by the bank (doesn’t matter if it is downloaded and printed by the bank or by you). The bank will decide what is acceptable for stamping and signing.

Oluwaloniglory7:

Download bank statement online and take it to the bank for sign and stamp simple

ChrisRocks:
Na wa o which one is do not submit an e-statement? Banks allow you to download exactly what you would get from the bank, and it is even "signed and stamped" on each page. Imagine having a business account and then going to print from the bank and scanning 40-plus pages. Then booking with the hotel directly, when UK/US/Schengen consulate accept booking,com and other third party websites? They should just say they want to be silly (By they I mean the DHA). I would like to know where you got these requirements from though, please.

The key thing is to have the statement stamped and signed by the bank (doesn’t matter if it is downloaded and printed by the bank or by you). The bank will decide what is acceptable for stamping and signing.

As for booking hotel directly, please visit the VFS document checklist on their main SA website. Here’s an excerpt (paragraph 7) attached if you are in doubt.

mekuscato:
I applied for student visa since 25th November 2022, my school is starting lectures on 6th February 2023 and I have not gotten any respond for my visa uptil now.
Please what should I do because I have to pay my school fees on or before 3rd February 2023 but I can't pay when I have not received my visa

which varsity?

Myst77:


Not misleading anyone. My response was to this question by @djbaju (check the thread for the full question):
“… can I use Ethiopian or Rwanda air reservation for my evisa application…”
That was why I mentioned the two airlines in my response. The key thing to note is that evisa holders must arrive at OR Tambo Intl, period. You can use any airline as long as you arrive at that airport. Also, I suggested a direct flight from LOS to JNB to avoid any potential transit issue (in any case you can always call the airlines directly to confirm their acceptance of SA evisa if you’re not sure). I hope this clarifies your concern.

bro don’t stress yourself. Use non stop flight which is South african airways. They fly from Lagos to joburg on sundays, Wednesdays and fridays. It is 5hrs journey!

Thanks my mind won cut because my airline is Cote d'Ivoire airline and it's landing at tambo airport

Myst77:


Not misleading anyone. My response was to this question by @djbaju (check the thread for the full question):
“… can I use Ethiopian or Rwanda air reservation for my evisa application…”
That was why I mentioned the two airlines in my response. The key thing to note is that evisa holders must arrive at OR Tambo Intl, period. You can use any airline as long as you arrive at that airport. Also, I suggested a direct flight from LOS to JNB to avoid any potential transit issue (in any case you can always call the airlines directly to confirm their acceptance of SA evisa if you’re not sure). I hope this clarifies your concern.

lymelyte:
which varsity?

University of Cape town

Good morning house,

I have been trying to gather information on travel to SA, but don’t know which page to start from.

I will appreciate information on how to start visa application to SA for a group of family. It is for a tourist visa to stay at most two weeks later in the year. Some have been to SA before while others haven’t been. What are the general requirements please and how long does it take for the visa to be out?

In addition, can one travel with a passport that has less than 3 months validity after arrival?

Thank you in anticipation of a response.

tayo4me:
Good morning house,

I have been trying to gather information on travel to SA, but don’t know which page to start from.

I will appreciate information on how to start visa application to SA for a group of family. It is for a tourist visa to stay at most two weeks later in the year. Some have been to SA before while others haven’t been. What are the general requirements please and how long does it take for the visa to be out?

In addition, can one travel with a passport that has less than 3 months validity after arrival?

Thank you in anticipation of a response.

1. Documents you need: click this link: /https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/southafrica/nigeria/english/pdf/visa-requirements-checklist-jan-2022.pdf OR click this link: https://southafrica.vfsevisa.com/document-information. Key things to note:
a. Make sure your self intro letter explains your travel itinerary/programme of activities
b. Make sure your bank statement is stamped and signed by the bank. Don't pad your account. Submit a bank statement showing inflows that are verifiable and consistent through a monthly source of income (e.g. salary (whether you are employed or self-employed), pension, interest on investment etc.)
c. Make sure your yellow fever card/QR code is verifiable online
d. Make sure to book with a hotel directly and not through a third party site

2. Apply here (read how to apply on the page): https://southafrica.vfsevisa.com/. Processing time: 5-10 working days (max - 15 working days).

3. Travelling with family: Adults should apply individually/separately. A minor will accompany the parent/guardian (refer to the links in paragraph 1 for more details)

4. Passport validity for visa: MUST be valid at least 30 days after expiry of your intended date of departure from South Africa.

Thank you for the response and all noted.

Myst77:


1. Documents you need: click this link: /https://visa.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/southafrica/nigeria/english/pdf/visa-requirements-checklist-jan-2022.pdf OR click this link: https://southafrica.vfsevisa.com/document-information. Key things to note:
a. Make sure your self intro letter explains your travel itinerary/programme of activities
b. Make sure your bank statement is stamped and signed by the bank. Don't pad your account. Submit a bank statement showing inflows that are verifiable and consistent through a monthly source of income (e.g. salary (whether you are employed or self-employed), pension, interest on investment etc.)
c. Make sure your yellow fever card/QR code is verifiable online
d. Make sure to book with a hotel directly and not through a third party site

2. Apply here (read how to apply on the page): https://southafrica.vfsevisa.com/. Processing time: 5-10 working days (max - 15 working days).

3. Travelling with family: Adults should apply individually/separately. A minor will accompany the parent/guardian (refer to the links in paragraph 1 for more details)

4. Passport validity for visa: MUST be valid at least 30 days after expiry of your intended date of departure from South Africa.

I'm just wondering whether It is still worth it to go to south Africa for studies with the view to settling there

Even if temporarily

The guy who was supposed to travel on the 16th of January, have you gotten your VFS e visa?
Also, the travel date for the VFS e visa is tomorrow, is there a need to send an email if the visa doesn’t come out today?

Backpedal:
I'm just wondering whether It is still worth it to go to south Africa for studies with the view to settling there

Even if temporarily

Not sure anyone can tell you with certainty if it is worth it or not because each person has a different SA immigration experience (some good, and some bad). It’s a risk only you can decide to make by yourself. But if you do decide to take the risk, do it with great awareness (and not ignorantly or naively) by researching about what you need to do to relocate to SA successfully and legitimately (whether temporarily or permanently).

With study visa, you can only stay for the period of your study. If you’re thinking of staying further after your study, one option is the work visa route. You can start by studying a course or getting a degree that will make you attractive for hire in SA. It’s better to equip yourself with a skill/qualification that falls under the SA official critical skills list, click this link to see the skills/qualifications that are critical: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202208/47182gon2334.pdf

After your study, you can apply for a SA job role that falls under the critical skills list but, note that you may have to apply for such jobs from Nigeria if your study visa expires before you get a job. Don’t overstay to avoid a ban.

If you do get an SA critical skills job, you can then apply for a critical skills work visa (CSV). CSV is the easiest route to secure a permanent residency through employment if you have held the CSV for at least, 5 years after which you can apply for permanent residency (check VFS and DHA site online for more details).

This is only a theory of course and just one option, the reality may be different if you consider long visa processing time, possible visa application rejection, affordability of school fees, availability of jobs for a foreigner, SA employer’s willingness to hire a foreigner, general economy, etc. So please, don’t take this as a confirmation that going the study route is worth it! Do your research, get more info from SA immigrants, and know your strengths. All the best!

Go to Mauritius

Backpedal:
I'm just wondering whether It is still worth it to go to south Africa for studies with the view to settling there

Even if temporarily

Myst77:


Not sure anyone can tell you with certainty if it is worth it or not because each person has a different SA immigration experience (some good, and some bad). It’s a risk only you can decide to make by yourself. But if you do decide to take the risk, do it with great awareness (and not ignorantly or naively) by researching about what you need to do to relocate to SA successfully and legitimately (whether temporarily or permanently).

With study visa, you can only stay for the period of your study. If you’re thinking of staying further after your study, one option is the work visa route. You can start by studying a course or getting a degree that will make you attractive for hire in SA. It’s better to equip yourself with a skill/qualification that falls under the SA official critical skills list, click this link to see the skills/qualifications that are critical: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202208/47182gon2334.pdf

After your study, you can apply for a SA job role that falls under the critical skills list but, note that you may have to apply for such jobs from Nigeria if your study visa expires before you get a job. Don’t overstay to avoid a ban.

If you do get an SA critical skills job, you can then apply for a critical skills work visa (CSV). CSV is the easiest route to secure a permanent residency through employment if you have held the CSV for at least, 5 years after which you can apply for permanent residency (check VFS and DHA site online for more details).

This is only a theory of course and just one option, the reality may be different if you consider long visa processing time, possible visa application rejection, affordability of school fees, availability of jobs for a foreigner, SA employer’s willingness to hire a foreigner, general economy, etc. So please, don’t take this as a confirmation that going the study route is worth it! Do your research, get more info from SA immigrants, and know your strengths. All the best!

So if I want to apply for CSV, I have to come down to Nigeria to make such application at VFS Nigeria? Even when my study visa is yet to expire ?

Myst77:


Not sure anyone can tell you with certainty if it is worth it or not because each person has a different SA immigration experience (some good, and some bad). It’s a risk only you can decide to make by yourself. But if you do decide to take the risk, do it with great awareness (and not ignorantly or naively) by researching about what you need to do to relocate to SA successfully and legitimately (whether temporarily or permanently).

With study visa, you can only stay for the period of your study. If you’re thinking of staying further after your study, one option is the work visa route. You can start by studying a course or getting a degree that will make you attractive for hire in SA. It’s better to equip yourself with a skill/qualification that falls under the SA official critical skills list, click this link to see the skills/qualifications that are critical: https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202208/47182gon2334.pdf

After your study, you can apply for a SA job role that falls under the critical skills list but, note that you may have to apply for such jobs from Nigeria if your study visa expires before you get a job. Don’t overstay to avoid a ban.

If you do get an SA critical skills job, you can then apply for a critical skills work visa (CSV). CSV is the easiest route to secure a permanent residency through employment if you have held the CSV for at least, 5 years after which you can apply for permanent residency (check VFS and DHA site online for more details).

This is only a theory of course and just one option, the reality may be different if you consider long visa processing time, possible visa application rejection, affordability of school fees, availability of jobs for a foreigner, SA employer’s willingness to hire a foreigner, general economy, etc. So please, don’t take this as a confirmation that going the study route is worth it! Do your research, get more info from SA immigrants, and know your strengths. All the best!

You are very correct, just few additions.
1. Even if you qualify for Critical skills visa, you need to have about 5years working experience. The DHA have cancelled the waiver for students that studied in SA universities. Before February 2022, they didn't need that work experience but now they do.
2. If you already have the work experience, you don't need to apply for critical skills from Nigeria, you can apply for it with yor student visa as far as it's not expired yet.
3. Also prior to Feb. 2022, you didn't need a job offer for critical skills visa, you could be granted one year visa to seek for jobs in the Republic but now, you need a valid job offer (with contract agreement of 5years or below) before you apply for it. As communicated by the Minister, Critical Skills Visa is not a job seeker visa.
4. Another alternative is General Work Visa but you see that one? It's easier for a Donkey to pass through a needle hole than to get it. They'd almost request for Adam's birth certificate.

All the best.

Kazikagesama & Myst77

What if it’s a company/organization that is sponsoring your study visa and you don’t work for that company though, what are the documents one need to submit as proof of fund? I’m a bit confused. Any idea
Thanks

KazikageSama:



You are very correct, just few additions.
1. Even if you qualify for Critical skills visa, you need to have about 5years working experience. The DHA have cancelled the waiver for students that studied in SA universities. Before February 2022, they didn't need that work experience but now they do.
2. If you already have the work experience, you don't need to apply for critical skills from Nigeria, you can apply for it with yor student visa as far as it's not expired yet.
3. Also prior to Feb. 2022, you didn't need a job offer for critical skills visa, you could be granted one year visa to seek for jobs in the Republic but now, you need a valid job offer (with contract agreement of 5years or below) before you apply for it. As communicated by the Minister, Critical Skills Visa is not a job seeker visa.
4. Another alternative is General Work Visa but you see that one? It's easier for a Donkey to pass through a needle hole than to get it. They'd almost request for Adam's birth certificate.

All the best.

I think it’s PR that you need 5 years working experience. If you want to get a PR and you have a critical skills qualifications and 5 years experience you can now apply for PR

But if you want a CSV I think, you don’t need experience, just get a solid job offer in a critical skill area/org/field then apply. Then say you hold like CSV for Five years then you can get automatic PR when you apply.

What DHA cancelled is PR based on Foreign Graduates from A SA Uni that studied a critical skills qualification. Before they could obtain PR now, they can’t again. They have to go through normal process to get PR

I think this is the case

Tryhard:


So if I want to apply for CSV, I have to come down to Nigeria to make such application at VFS Nigeria? Even when my study visa is yet to expire ?

I think you may have misread my post - please read it again. I stated: “…After your study, you can apply for a SA job role that falls under the critical skills list but, note that you may have to apply for such jobs from Nigeria if your study visa expires before you get a job. Don’t overstay to avoid a ban….”

Thanks.

Myst77:


I think you may have misread my post - please read it again. I stated: “…After your study, you can apply for a SA job role that falls under the critical skills list but, note that you may have to apply for such jobs from Nigeria if your study visa expires before you get a job. Don’t overstay to avoid a ban….”

Thanks.

Okay I didn’t understand before but now you’ve shed more life I totally understand
Thanks.

LOL @ your comment about General Work Visa. Very true - in fact, I’ve heard from some SA immigration experts that DHA has put a hold on issuing General Work Visa. One thing applicants should be aware of us is that there are some visas DHA has stopped issuing or approving (at its own discretion) but they won’t say it officially. They also prioritize visa applications based on SA’s economical and political needs. That’s why CSV is top priority for them at the moment. They really don’t want outsiders to come and take jobs that they think SA citizens should have. Some of the problems are largely related to the “X” word. Those who know, know

KazikageSama:



You are very correct, just few additions.
1. Even if you qualify for Critical skills visa, you need to have about 5years working experience. The DHA have cancelled the waiver for students that studied in SA universities. Before February 2022, they didn't need that work experience but now they do.
2. If you already have the work experience, you don't need to apply for critical skills from Nigeria, you can apply for it with yor student visa as far as it's not expired yet.
3. Also prior to Feb. 2022, you didn't need a job offer for critical skills visa, you could be granted one year visa to seek for jobs in the Republic but now, you need a valid job offer (with contract agreement of 5years or below) before you apply for it. As communicated by the Minister, Critical Skills Visa is not a job seeker visa.
4. Another alternative is General Work Visa but you see that one? It's easier for a Donkey to pass through a needle hole than to get it. They'd almost request for Adam's birth certificate.

All the best.

Bursttt:
Kazikagesama & Myst77

What if it’s a company/organization that is sponsoring your study visa and you don’t work for that company though, what are the documents one need to submit as proof of fund? I’m a bit confused. Any idea
Thanks

Myst77 ?

Myst77:
LOL @ your comment about General Work Visa. Very true - in fact, I’ve heard from some SA immigration experts that DHA has put a hold on issuing General Work Visa. One thing applicants should be aware of us is that there are some visas DHA has stopped issuing or approving (at its own discretion) but they won’t say it officially. They also prioritize visa applications based on SA’s economical and political needs. That’s why CSV is top priority for them at the moment. They really don’t want outsiders to come and take jobs that they think SA citizens should have. Some of the problems are largely related to the “X” word. Those who know, know

Even the documents for General work Visa choke, because the employer will write to them why they should employ you not an SA Citizen. Plus plenty plenty. Plus that again it’s hard get. But CSV is a bit lenient to get but you’d need a job offer first before you can apply. IT, Programming, Software Development, Data Scientist and Some Engineering have it easy to get emphasis on IT, Programming & Data Scientist

Anniebam:
The guy who was supposed to travel on the 16th of January, have you gotten your VFS e visa?
Also, the travel date for the VFS e visa is tomorrow, is there a need to send an email if the visa doesn’t come out today?

Submitted for evisa via VFS on 22nd December. Travel date was 15th JAN, Still have not gotten a response from them. No idea why.