Immigration Forms South Africa

Please note that the Department of Home Affairs is constantly changing regulations and updates to its forms. Migrate With Q and its staff hold no responsibility if the forms listed below are outdated and no longer in use. Please do check with your South African embassy or consulate what forms are in use as most forms differ from embassy to embassy.

Please note that all forms are filled in online through VFS’s website.

We advise that all applicants make use of our free assessment option to find out if you qualify for a particular visa that you are interested in applying for.

If you visa has been rejected then you need to follow the visa appeal process South Africa to overturn the decision.

Form BI 1738 – Application for Temporary Residence Visa:

Temporary-Residence-Form-DHA-1738-Form – Right click to save.

The temporary residence form BI-1738 is used for the following visas:

• Student visa
• Treaty Visa
• Relatives Visa
• Life Partner Visa
• Spousal Visa
• Medical Visa
• Retirement visa
• Exchange visa
• Business Visa South Africa
• Critical Skills Visa
• General Work Visa South Africa
• Intra Company Visa

Remember that it is particularly important to complete this form correctly as one error could lead to a refusal of your visa. In most cases, you are required to fill out the form in black pen and ensure that your handwriting is legible.

Applying for a work permit? Our detailed blog post “How much does a work permit cost in South Africa” will give you all the details about costing you need to know.

Form BI 84 – Visit Visa form:

The Visitor-Visa-Application-Form-DHA-84-Form is used to apply for the following visas:

• Visa visa
• Short-term business visa
• Accompanying dependent (minor child or child)
• Medical permit not exceeding three months
• Student permit not exceeding three months
• Short term work to be undertaken in the Republic

South African Medical Report Template – BI – 811 Form:

Medical-certificate-BI-811– Right Click to save

All foreign applicants applying for a temporary residence permit must undergo a medical check. The medical check would check for any disease, condition or defect that you or any other family member has suffered from and which might recur.

They will also check for the following:

(A) Not mentally disordered or physically defective in any way;

(B) Not suffering from leprosy, venereal disease, trachoma, or any other infections or contagious condition

(C) That you are generally in a good state of health

The medical practitioner would need to state any details of a disorder, disease or disability, the seriousness thereof and the treatment if any prescribed/recommended. This medical certificate should be included in your application.

South African Radiological Report – BI-806 Form:

Radiological-report-BI-806 – Right Click to save

All applicants applying for a temporary residence in South Africa must complete a chest x-ray. Children under the age of 12 and pregnant ladies are not required to undergo the x-ray.

Remember the medical practitioner must cross out unused spaces on the forms.

The purpose of the x-ray is to check that you and any other family members have no signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis. A separate report is required in respect of every applicant suffering or

suspected to be suffering from tuberculosis.

Affidavit by Life Partners – Annexure B & C

Affidavit by life partners– Right click to save

This form is completed by life partners to prove that they are in a permanent relationship. Check with the South African Embassy if this form is needed or if they have their forms.

We created a detailed guide on how the process for a life partner visa extension for South Africa works.

Form BI-1712A Form 12 – Spousal Affidavit

DHA1712A – Spousal Affidavit – Right Click to save

Affidavit in respect of parties to the permanent spousal relationship.

Application for Marriage Certificate – BI 130

DHA130 – Marriage certifcate – Right Click to Save

This application is used to apply for a marriage certificate and remember in South Africa you are requested to attend an immigration interview for marriage in South Africa.

Permanent Residency Application form South Africa -BI-947 Form South Africa

Permanent Residency Application Form South Africa – BI 947 – right to save

This is the application form that should be used to apply for permanent residency for you and your family.

The application must be completed in English and you can either type or use a black ink pen.

Your application for permanent residency must be accompanied by the list of supporting documents needed for the specific category you qualify for.

It is important to note that applicants will be interviewed at your nearest South African mission or regional Department of Home Affairs before applying.

Both the main applicant and spouse must attend the interview and both parties need to sign the application form.

How to get permanent residence in South Africa and permanent residence by investment in South Africa are popular posts you can read if you would like to qualify for permanent residency.

Application for Proof of Permanent Residence – DHA-1620E

APPLICATION FOR PROOF OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE – 1620E  – Right click to save

This form is used to obtain proof of permanent residency.

What you need to remember when applying for a visa

The information including the documents listed must always be checked against the South African embassy or regional Department of Home Affairs as forms are always changing. Ensure that your documents are certified and you always need to keep a copy of your application as a backup.

When travelling to South Africa with a visit visa, please check how many days were granted so that you do not overstay your visa if you have overstayed your visa then you might be thinking what is the penalty for overstaying on an expired visa and how to write an overstay appeal letter.

When submitting a visa application, remember that the South African embassy will hold onto your passport until the outcome of your visa or permit has been reached. Keep your travel documents in a safe place so that it’s easily accessible when needed in South Africa.

Certain documents are time-sensitive and should not be older than 6-months at the time of submission. The medical certificate and the radiology report should not be older than 6 months. So always apply for these just before submission so that your reports are not dated six months or older.

Filling out forms by pen, you need to ensure that your handwriting is legible and remember to insert your address where applicable.

Certain applications require birth certificates, so you should have them handy for when you do need them.

Using an Immigration Consultant

If you are not comfortable submitting your application, then making use of an immigration consultant’s service will be to your advantage. Our immigration service for South Africa would answer all your pressing concerns and questions so that you are comfortable before you come on board as a client.

You can read our blog post on how much does an immigration lawyer cost in South Africa and think whether a lawyer or a consultant is the right fit for you.

You can email or contact us and we’ll get in touch with you to complete a free assessment with you.