VFS Global is the private company used for visa and permit submissions, as well as collections. Once the application is submitted through them, they send the application to DHA head office in Pretoria for processing. Once DHA head office finalises an application, the send the results back to the VFS Global office where you submitted the application. There are currently 11 VFS Global offices in South Africa. See more here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/
The Department of Home Affairs handles all immigration matters. Their head office is located in Pretoria. They process applications. See more here: http://www.dha.gov.za/
We are experts in the field of immigration. We provide advice based on facts and continuous support in regards to your immigration needs. It is often difficult to obtain the correct information from Department of Home Affairs or VFS Global officials, and often they provide incorrect information. Immigration consultants provide you with reliable information and assist you with visa and permit applications.
- Establish client needs and discuss requirements via physical appointment, email or phone-call.
- Collating, quality control of documents received.
- Finalisation of documentation
- Invoice and Proof of Payments
- Confirmation of Application submission appointment details
- Accompany client at Application centre on appointment date if applicable
- Tracking and following up of application
- Collection of result of application on behalf of client
- Keeping hardcopy of valid/original documents on our files for future reference
- Staying in contact to keep your visa valid or when you can apply for permanent residence if applicable
We provide you with the exact requirements for the application applicable to you. We provide clarity on any items that are unclear to you and we may be able to assist you with obtaining certain items.
If you cannot obtain a certain document, this may risk you not being able to submit your application until you are able to obtain the document. There may be alternative options available to you that we will provide you with.
Unless you can provide a doctor’s letter stating that due to medical reasons you are unable to attend, it is absolutely compulsory that you can attend the application submission appointment in person.
Normally you need to bring your passport, and any other documents instructed by us for you to bring on the day.
The appointment can take anything from 15 minutes, up to 2 hours. This depends on how busy their office is, the management of their appointments, and whether they have any technical problems with their systems on that day. It is best to clear your schedule for that day so that you do not have to reschedule the appointment if it takes too long, which will result in forfeiting your application fees.
The queuing at the VFS Global office is based on a number system. Once you arrive there, you or our assistant will obtain a number and once this number is called, the submission of your application will take place. Once the application is submitted, any additional payments need to be made to VFS via debit/credit card (only). The final stage of the appointment is when the VFS staff take your biometric information (fingerprints and digital photos).
In South Africa, the VFS Global offices do not retain your passport whatsoever. They return it to you once your application is submitted. VFS Global South Africa and SA Embassy and SA High Commission offices outside of South Africa normally retain your passport for the processing of your application.
Temporary visa applications can take anything from 2-12 weeks, depending on the nature of your application. Permanent residence application can take anything from 6 months (in the Critical Skills field) up to an average of 3 years (Spousal, relatives, etc) Special applications such as Waivers, Exemptions and Transfers can take anything from 4 – 9 months.
There is currently no fast track option through DHA or VFS Global whatsoever.
By using your VFS Global AURN/ Reference number and your surname, you can track your application status here: http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/track-application.html
The status will either show that it is with DHA in processing, or that it is at VFS Global ready for collection.
If your temporary visa has expired and you are in South Africa, you are considered to be illegal in the country. You have two basic options: (1) apply for legalisation with good cause or (2) depart from South Africa and obtain an overstay ban. We can assist with both of these, please contact us for more information.
Depending on the reason why you need to cancel your appointment, VFS Global may still subtract an administration fee off of the fees you paid them – which can range from R250 – R850. We rather suggest rescheduling it to avoid the risk of losing any funds.
As our fees are only charged once our work has been done, and our work is of a service nature, we do not offer refunds unless it is an exceptional circumstance.
You need to notify us at least 2 working days in advance to avoid forfeiting any fees paid.
Based on the reasons provided by head office for the rejection, we will advise you on how to proceed and whether an appeal application is a viable option or not.
Depending on the nature of the mistake, we will advise you on how to proceed and whether a rectification application is a viable option or not.