SU International
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Moving to South Africa- Immigration and Health Cover

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The information provided by Stellenbosch University International (SU) herein, is strictly for information purposes and is subject to change as determined by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regulation changes. The application process for visa remains the Applicant's own responsibility and the Applicant must at all times consult directly with the DHA or SA representative overseas with regard to the status of any visa application. SU disclaims all representations, warranties or conditions whether express or implied, in respect of the information contained herein, including but not limited to the accuracy or completeness of the information. SU does not accept liability whatsoever arising from the use of or reliance of the information contained herein. Please contact your nearest South African Embassy or visit the Department of Home Affairs​​ if you have any questions.



Permits and Visa's

All international staff must have a valid visa to work at Stellenbosch University (SU). The visa needs to be obtained before you travel to South Africa. Once your move to South Africa is confirmed, contact your nearest South African High Commission for information on the application process and supporting documents required. This process can be a lengthy one, especially if one has to apply for visas for an entire family. It is our recommendation that you start early with this process, even if it is only for enquiring about the documents needed. Sometimes documents needed, also have an application process that can take several weeks. 


DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

  •  Duly completed the online form. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
  • A valid passport which expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic
  • The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days prior to the expiry date of the applicant's visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
  •  A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such area).
  • Original Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority in each country where the relevant applicant resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years except for South Africa, in respect of criminal records or the character of that applicant, which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required from a foreign country in the case of renewal or extension of a visa).
  • Biometric enrolment fee applicable: Yes
  •  A medical report.
  • A radiological report. Provided that a radiological report shall not be required in respect of children under the age of 12 years or pregnant women.
  • Marriage certificate or in the case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition thereof issued by the authorities of the foreign country of the applicant (where applicable).
  • The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable, as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
  • Divorce decree, where applicable.
  • Court order granting full or specific parental responsibilities and rights, where applicable.
  •  Death certificate, in respect of late spouse, where applicable.
  •  Written consent from both parents and full parental responsibilities, where applicable.
  •   Proof of adoption where applicable.
  •  Legal separation order, where applicable.
  •  A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary.
  •     A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment.
  •  A certificate by the Department of Labour confirming that-
    •  despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant;
    •   the applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer;
    •  the salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or employees occupying similar positions in the Republic;
    • a contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant in line with the labour standards in the Republic and is made conditional upon the general work visa being approved;

  • Proof of qualifications evaluated by SAQA (see South African Qualifications Authority website for details of online verification process​​) and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic (e.g English) ; and​
  • Full particulars of the employer, including, where applicable, proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC).
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act, or conditions of the visa.
  • An undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer or when he or she is employed in a different capacity or role.
  • Proof of payment of the applicable fee.

 Kindly ensure that all copies of the original documents are certified accordingly.


VISA FEES

  • All fees are inclusive of VAT and to be paid in South African Rand. The above-listed fees are non-refundable once the application is received by VFS Global and Department of Home Affairs.
  • Once all supporting documentation is available as per the documentary checklist kindly proceed to complete the online application form. ​


HOW CAN SU INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT?

  • Let us know when you have submitted your application (please send a copy of receipt).
  • Please contact us after the prescribed processing time has lapsed and we will follow up with Home Affairs on the status of your application. (immigration@sun.ac.za) will assist you with this.
  • We can provide general support and advice during your application process. ​
  • Lidia du Plessis (lidia@sun.ac.za) will be your first contact in assisting you with pre-arrival queries and general support in settling in. ​

If you have any visa related questions you can contact SU International after you have spoken to your nearest South African High Commission or Embassy: immigration@sun.ac.za.


Medical Cover

​It's usually mandatory to provide proof of medical insurance if you apply for any visa to South Africa. You will be required you to produce proof of medical insurance cover from a provider registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, 1998. 

  • Staff are on Discovery medical aid and your HR Practitioner will provide more details and plan options for your perusal.​

  • SU staff members can use the Campus Health Services for cheaper but reliable medical consultation and assistance. They can see the nurse on duty for free and it's conveniently situated on the Stellenbosch Campus.​






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