Immigration attorneys guide individuals and employers through the SA Immigration Act and Regulations - visas for work, study, business, or residence, and permanent residence permits. The Department of Home Affairs is notoriously bureaucratic; correct documentation, timing, and lodging at the right office are decisive. VFS Global handles most lodgements on Home Affairs' behalf.
When to hire a immigration law attorney
- You need a critical skills, general work, spousal, or business visa.
- You want to apply for permanent residence after holding a long-term visa.
- Your visa application has been rejected and you want to appeal.
- You are an employer bringing in foreign staff under a corporate visa.
- You need to regularise your status after overstaying.
What to expect
The attorney maps the correct visa category, compiles supporting documents (SAQA evaluation for qualifications, police clearance, medical, radiology, proof of funds), and lodges with VFS. Processing takes 8-15 weeks for most temporary visas, 6-24 months for permanent residence. Appeals go to the Minister's office and can take years. Judicial review in the High Court is available where administrative action is unreasonable.
Typical fees
Temporary visa application: R8,000-R25,000 (plus DHA application fee and VFS service fee). Permanent residence: R15,000-R40,000. Appeals and reviews: R25,000-R150,000+.
Verified attorneys
No attorneys match your filters.
No attorneys have self-selected this specialisation yet.
Browse all Immigration Law attorneys here →