₦airaland Forum

cdokoh:
Please is it possible to go to SA on a visa like say tourist visa and then from there (SA) apply for study visa?

Geenosko:
Capital NO

osinawanta:
You can change ur status inside SA if you have good contact then get a school here too apply for ur student permit believe me you will be granted (pray)

Generally, I'll agree with Geenosko. It is nearly impossible. Like osinawanta said, a few really strong people/agents can make it happen. However, a lot of people get scammed every year as a result of this process. Some lose their passports, others lose their money, a few lose both. I will rather go the official route that is clear to me than pay tens of thousands of rands for an agent that may or may not scam me.

I know people who thought the agents got them legitimate visas, opened bank accounts with the visa, worked for a few months with the visa, only for the visa to disappear from the Home Affairs database after a few months. Some are back in Naija now.

Remember the story by Sage7 (here) where he spoke about the guy who's PR was revoked at the airport for reasons he doesn't understand.

Nobody understands why the PR was revoked, but I bet you stand a higher chance of not having these issues if you do things right. Their law presently says you can't change your status in the country, I'll stand by that.

Cheers and all the best.

Ejiod:
Please guys how can I get a flight reservation without paying of which I don't know my Visa outcome I need to show vfs tomorrow..please abeg inhouse.This is the only pending document left.

Read the answer to Q1 in this link:
https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/69#19896643

Then read the answer to Q1, Q2 and Q3 in this link:
https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/71#20190297

Cheers and all the best.

Incandescent:
This is another wahala..

She studied in SA for a year & she's in naija with my child. How do I resolve this? How can she come to SA just for PCC??

Anyone with an advise.. Typop pls come o

She does not have to come physically.

Let her go to the embassy in Lagos and get her prints taken. Then let her courier (not scan) it to you. You can then pay for this at any SAPS Police Station and submit it. They will accept this from you and process the PCC.

However, please note that it is taking longer than a month now. At least, give it a month, nothing less.

Cheers and all the best.

akindele214:
Can anyone help with the SA Abuja Embassy email?

I don't have their email address. They used these numbers in the past. Not sure if they still work 094624200, 094624201.

Incandescent:
Hello dearest people.
I saw this on VFS website.
"All applicants for all categories of Long term visas must provide SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE CLEARANCE report, and any countries they have lived in for a period more since 18 years of age OR must fill the Waiver/Incomplete in absence of the same at the time of submission."
Does this mean that my wife has to request for an SA police clearance asides the one we have gotten in Nigeria?
Typop

akindele214:
If she has stayed in SA for more than 6 months it will be required if not just go with what you have.

@akindele214 is right. Please don't fill the waiver form. The PCC is very important and cannot be easily explained away. If she was in SA (or any other country for that matter) for up to 6 months (or more), she's obliged to get PCCs from such countries.

CaptainDee:
Does the SA consular still really grant anyone visa within 4-8 weeks?

Hmmmm. Good question.

The truth is, it depends on how lucky you are and also who you know. Some people still get their visas even before that timeline you indicated. Some of them know people, others don't, just pure God/luck.

Incandescent:
Thank you so much. Do I need to request a police clearance certificate or there's no need since it's my wife & child applying?

No, you don't need to get PCC for yourself. Only your wife does.

Thanks silversurfer1, nanaf, dynamitee, ladymarshall, hayoakins and mariesio.

I will call both hospitals and tell them I have a certified copy of the Passport and see if they will accept. If accepted, I'll explain in LOE with proof of submission at VFS. Will update.

Thanks again everyone.

Hi all. Please I need assistance.

I don't know what to do and may have to decline my ITA for the 4th time. I have declined it 3 times now and I have just received another one.

My issue is that my wife applied to SA embassy in Lagos for SA visa. Till date, her passport is still with them. This means she is unable to go for medicals (from what I have read on this thread, passport is required). This has been the major reason for my declining each time.

Is there anything I can do please? Thank you.

Incandescent:
Wow..thank you so much. What other documents do I need to certify at the ministry of abuja. I'm a permanent resident in SA & I want my wife & child to join me soonest

Please note that the following are not for certification in Abuja. Just to add this in case you've missed it.
Your ID document (or PR letter) also needs to be certified. You can get this done at the SA High Commission in Lagos if you are no longer in SA. If you are still in SA, certify it from any police station and scan to them. Please let the stamp show very well if you are doing it in SA. Those VFS guys are something else and they may want to reject the application if the stamp is not showing VERY well.

In short, any document you are sending to them from SA should be certified, aside from your invitation letter to them of course.

PS. Thank you for helping others while also waiting to be helped. That's the spirit.

Ejiod:
Please guys.
Your inputs are well appreciated
I'm going to lekki vfs tomorrow for the 1st time. I have all Documents ready all from my employer and the invitation for the conference.
Abeg which one come be Colored copies of biodata page and 1 copy of all visas in the passport Please help. This my 1st time

Incandescent:
Make colored photocopy of your biodata page of your passport
Make a Copy of any existing visa on your passport

Incandescent is right. Just to add that if you don't have access to a coloured photocopier, there is one inside VFS Lagos, operated by an independent business owner. Of course, be ready to pay for this, and the cost will be higher than normal. I don't know how much they charge.

Cheers and all the best.

BOLDD:
please i need your help...my friend and i want to go for a week visa....my account is ok to sponsor both of us....what do i need to so to sponsor him....or can he use my statement of account.....pls help

You can use your account for both of you. However, make sure you write a letter to indicate that you will cover "all his expenses, including his travel, accommodation, feeding and all other incidental costs that may arise during the trip".

Finally, include a copy of your bank statement for him and a copy of your Passport Data page.

Cheers and all the best.

BOLDD:
Please all, how do I get the yellow fever vaccination done. Do I just walk into any hospital

Look at number 2 of this post.

https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/561#81216541

cucumbar:
Please, can anyone help me address the following concerns?
1. how much do I need to have in my account for a 10 days tourist visit?
I had 1.4m the other time and was not issued visa, because of insufficient funds.
It is difficult to say. 1.4m seems like a decent amount to have. This may be a flimsy excuse by the officer to reject the initial application. If you can get more, add it.

2.I want to apply in October again to travel in early January. Is it too early to apply?
Considering the delays at the embassy these days, it is not too early to apply in Oct.

3.For how long do I need to have bulk funds in my account before I apply? The second reason for rejecting my last application was ‘account transactions lack credibility ‘and someone here mentioned that it must have been because huge funds was deposited in my account shortly before I applied.
Again, difficult to say. I had speculated on possible reasons to you before. If there's a bulk move of funds into the account, you can include a proof of the source of the money and explain it in your letter of introduction. If the money has been there for over a month, the the VO should be able to give you the benefit of the doubt. But you can never say with these guys eh.

Thank you guys.

Please see my comments in bold in your question.

cheldas:
Thank you all for your contributions
Pls I'm here again to ask uncleared issues.
1. Our Pay Later option is designed for convenience. You may pay at the SAA Town Office within 72 hours or by direct deposit into one of our bank accounts by 22h00 on the day that your booking is made. This is applicable for all bookings when your reservation originates from Nigeria.
is on hold and will expire in 23 hours and 59 minutes...
Please remember to book your trip before you lose this great deal!
I just booked reservation but the above is what i got from two airlines which is scary because i believe it will be canceled within 72hrs of no payment. Can anyone help with the best flight reservation and hotel reservation advice.
2. Do i need to pay for the hotel
3. Names of Org or persons you will be contacting during your stay in the Republic? what should we put there? Should we mention that my relative details? Pls advice.
Thanks in anticipation

Check the link and see if it answers your questions.
https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/71#20190297

Ejiod:
Pls I got this form from their VFS webpage.
I'm applying for a short Visa unto conference scheduled October. Wanna know if this is the right form..
I really don't know where to start.
I have the following
Self introduction
Letter from my boss
Invitation from the conference
Statement of bank account..

You are right, that's the correct form.

Look at the checklist to know all the documents required and then start working on getting them one by one.

dre44k:
Good, am expecting some documents from SA too, how should my invitee send it? Is via email accepted then I will print all with colour printer.

Yes, email is accepted. You may or may not choose to print in colour.

Cheers and all the best.

Sircreeden:
Please I would like to ask for your advice on what to do. I did apply for relative visa Jan 2019, up till now no response. I have sent emails upon emails even submitted a letter personally at vfs Lagos. And the manager assured me she will deliver it to the embassy on my behalf. Still no update and I'm getting frustrated with the whole thing..
Kind regards

Difficult to advise my brother. I know a very close person also that applied for Relative Visa and still waiting. Sad thing is, there's little option than to wait. If anyone has personal contacts of the consular or anyone inside the SAHC, it would be good to contact them and just appeal to them. Otherwise, no choice than to wait, and it looks like a really long wait.

Cheers and all the best.

Damalex4luv:
Hello house. Pls I need help on the necessary steps to take in applying for a relative visa permit in south Africa. My dad has been residing there for the past 10years and already has a residents permit. He has sent all the necessary documents to me ranging from is ID card, residents permit documents and invitation letter. Also have gotten the relative visa form but I don't know how to go about it. Also pls how long will it take for them ti issue me a visa after applying. Thanks

While it will be easier to type out long posts here, I feel you need to read a bit on the official channels about what it is about so you are well informed. Then you can come back here and ask for clarifications on particular matters that you don't understand from there. Please read everything on this link and then let's see how we can assist you.

http://www.vfsglobal.com/southafrica/nigeria/relative.html
Click on all the sections i.e. visa fees, Documents Required, Photo Specifications, Processing time.

Also download the form and go through it. Then let's see which parts are not clear to you so that we can help you with clarifications on them.

Don't say this guy doesn't want to help me, he's sending me links. Rather, see it as this guy wants to help me by having info from the original source.

Cheers and all the best.

BOLDD:
I really appreciate. Is it that they no longer use letter of employment ?

Employment letter has never been a part of the required documents. But a letter from your employer is very important.

Cheers and all the best.

DoNazOla:
Yesterday I got a Notification Mail saying that my Application has been updated and I should log in to check Status and Message. I have not seen any change in my Status or message since then. Please, what could that mean?

There was a round of invitation yesterday. If your score is 466 or above, you probably received an ITA.

cheldas:
Hello House, pls i need your help
1. is it necessary to get invitation for vacation from my uncle or get any doc from him for accommodation or i should just book hotel and package my application. You don't necessarily need a letter of invitation. You can apply directly. You can also book hotel and pay for a few days.

2. pls where do i get yellow cards and does one 1 cover for me my daughter and wife? Each of you need to get your own Yellow Fever Cards. You can get this at the Port Health department of the International Airport (MMIA)

3. pls do i need tax clearance for my business ? Not necessarily. But you can include it if you have it. No harm in including it.

4. do i need insurance for me daughter and wife? Depends on your visa type. If you are visiting, none of you need it. If you are studying, you need it.

5. do i also submit my wife's statement or company details? Depends on who you say is paying. If your wife is paying, then use her bank statement. Also, let her write a letter that she will cover all the cost for the trip. She should also include her Passport details for this purpose and state this in her letter.

6. we plan to travel mid oct is it advisable to submit application late august? Surely. Seems it is now gold to apply for SA visa. Apply as early as you can. But make sure you won't need your passport for any purpose within that time cos you won't have access to it.

7. do i need to go to abuja to certify my daughter's birth certificate? I'm not sure. Others, please assist. Let your wife also write a letter that she approves of your daughter to embark on the trip.

8. Do i use one introductory letter to intro me my wife and daughter You can, it's fine. But I'll rather prepare a separate letter and keep (in case they are collecting their applications separately).

Thanks in anticipation. You're welcome.

Please see my comments in bold in your question above.

BOLDD:
Please can sumone help me with how to address my letters, and also the topic of the letter the Na sample of self introduction letter....would I also need letter of employment from my boss alongside the usual letter from employer. Please help me

Check this post and the advise of the person who replied. You should adjust the letter to suit yourself.

https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/44#15675386

The original post is here: https://www.nairaland.com/944102/general-south-africa-visa-enquiries/43#15666115
_{Sample Letter of Self Introduction}

A letter from your employer confirming you are employed with them and that you are allowed to take leave for the period will suffice. Don't include your official letter of employment.

Cheers and all the best

Viquetohr:
Having provided every required sponsorship document for my study visa, I got denied stating that "no evidence that the sponsor will continue to support".
Please help demystify that statement.

Restricted:
It should not but look at these 2 scenarios and tell me which you think is more logical and probably acceptable to a VO....
1. I said i am your sponsor and gave you my bank statement to show i have the money to sponsor you.
2. I said i am your sponsor and i trust you enough to send MY money into YOUR account to PROVE i am actually sponsoring you.
Like i said, i might be wrong.

Having the money transferred or not should not be a determinant. There may be other factors at play:

1. Checking the account history and not being convinced that there will be enough money to support the student throughout the study period
2. Trying to contact the sponsor and not being able to get through
3. The wordings on the sponsorship letter not articulating clearly full support for the learner
4. The VO waking on the wrong side of the bed
5. Just looking for any reason to deny
6. Any other reason imaginable

Look at the ones within your power to amend and do that (e.g. the sponsor's letter, the sponsor picking any calls {and not only stored numbers} when your application is still on). After that, leave the rest to God.

chibu234:
Good Day all, i tried to summit my documents for critical skills visa today at VFS Abj, and was told i needed employment letter from an employer in SA. I argued that it doesnt say so in the requirements online, but my application documents was returned back to me. I want to enquire if its a new regulation for issue of CSV?.
Thanks

Restricted:
Ordinarily you do not need an employment letter from an employer in SA to apply for CSV for a one year visa. Employment letter is only required for a 5 years CSV. As long as you have the necessary skills or qualifications required http://www.dha.gov.za/images/immigration_critical_skills.pdf

I really dont know why they didnt allow you submit your application. Atleast they will collect their own money and leave you with the Embassy to decide whether you qualify or not.

You have a right to submit any document you want to submit as it is. They simply need to give you a form and tick on that form whatever is missing, then you sign that form. I know VFS in South Africa outrightly refuses to accept submissions in some cases though.

Employment letter is not a prerequisite. You should have insisted you wanted to submit like that.

samtol4:
The attack was not carry out by Nigerians . Watch the video again you will see clearly the Somalians and Ethiopians in the video . Do not join the wagon accusing Nigerians for every bad thing that happen in SA . When a Tanzanian was caught in robbery he claimed to be a Nigerian when asked to speak any Nigerian language he became dumb .Now any migrant caught in crime quickly claimed to be a Nigerian to attract headlines and hel p

I already responded to the initial clarification bro (my initial response below).

TYPOP:
Amen o. And thank you for the clarification (moreso without hurling out insults ). I'll surely be seeking more info about the news also.
Thanks again.

I heard of it from Nigerians (at least 5 of them showing me the video) and telling me it was by Nigerians. I had no reason to disbelieve them since they are more present online on social media than I am. When I gave them the feedback yesterday that it might not have been Nigerians, they initially told me that ENCA keeps reporting foreign nationals in their news up until yesterday. Of course, they agree now it was most likely not Nigerians.

I try my best to give accurate info as I have it and also state when I'm not sure of the info. I'm not one to dish out info with triviality, by now you of all people should know that. I had accepted corrections immediately when corrected. Your reply would have been great without the

Do not join the wagon accusing Nigerians for every bad thing that happen in SA .

part.

Even now the info is unclear. You said Somalians/Ethiopians. Damimubo said they were South Africans. What we know for a fact was that raids were carried out in downtown Jozi over that weekend and foreign nationals without valid documents on them were rounded up (rightfully so).

Thanks for your correction though, I appreciate it.

klexycole:
Thanks for your prompt response, so I should leave it blank since there's no plan to overstay? I appreciate your answer.

The minimum period of overstay ban is 1 year. The maximum period of overstay is 5 years. I'm not sure which one you should state or whether you should leave it blank. All I can do is provide the info and you can decide. I'm sure others here can also advise.

Damimubo:
It wasnt Nigerians who attacked their police men, it was their own citizen who did that. I dont know why they like giving us false news.at first I read the news on punch news paper but later read on Twitter from their president Instagram handle telling the citizen how wrong it is to attack their police.may God help us

Amen o. And thank you for the clarification (moreso without hurling out insults ). I'll surely be seeking more info about the news also.

Thanks again.

osinawanta:
Ohk thanks,but i have done change of status and I have a sponsor in side SA,I have gotten school and a letter from the school my admission letter..I submitted the form on Friday at vfs

Oh great. All the best then.

klexycole:
My people, please what's going to be here? (Image attached)

It simply means that if you leave SA after your visa has expired, they will ban you from entering SA. How long someone overstays will determine for how long the person is banned.

Guys, if you are still waiting for your visa, I think you need to pray to whatever God you serve for favour. Trust me, you'll be needing it. The recent attacks by Nigerians on the South African Police (I was only just seeing the images today) will definitely have a response. I pray we applying for visas are not one of the casualties in this matter.

osinawanta:
How long does student permit takes to process inside SA

It generally takes less than 2 months, usually about a month. However, you won't be able to apply for study permit in SA if you enter SA with a different type of visa, e.g. visitor's permit.

Please be sure whatever you plan to do is permissible by law in SA before you leave Nigeria.