South Africa is fortunate enough to have more than one visitor visa type - giving options to a variety of applicants. A long-term visitor's visa may be issued for up to three (3) years at a time and may be renewed.
The below list of categories gives fair insight on who is able to apply for a long-term visitor's visa:
a) Anyone who needs to conduct work for a foreign employer pursuant to a contract which partially requires activities to be conducted in South Africa and which relates to -
teaching at an international school;
films and advertisements produced in RSA including but not limited to an actor, cameraman, hairstylist, make-up artist, lightning and sound engineer;
a foreign journalist seconded to South Africa by a foreign news agency;
an artist who wishes to paint, sculpt or write. The applicant must submit a portfolio of his or her work;
a tour leader;
a visiting professor, lecturer or academic researcher;
a performer in the entertainment industry, who is travelling through South Africa to perform; or
a religious leader of a recognized denomination or religious organization
b) a person to accompany the holder of a visa as set out in the immigration law - provided that the applicant is the spouse or dependent child of the visa holder.
c) a person to testify as a state witness in a criminal court case. This application must be initiated by the relevant Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, stipulating the reasons for the foreigner's stay in South Africa.
d) Lastly, the spouse of a South African citizen or Permanent Residence holder can apply for this visa, providing they apply for authorization to work, study or conduct own business in South Africa. The Section 11 (6) visa is also issued as a long-term visitor's visa.
Should you have any questions or uncertainty about the long-term visitor's visa for South Africa, please contact us via our Contact Form on www.movingsouthimmigation.com. Alternatively, we can be reached on +2773 5357 534 or sue@movingsouthimmigration.com