Health professionals registering with a regulator abroad usually need a Certificate of Status, also called a certificate of good standing, from the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Nurses are registered with the South African Nursing Council and pharmacists with the South African Pharmacy Council, so their certificates come from those councils instead.
Not every visa applicant needs this document. Whether you need it depends on the destination, visa type and your circumstances - check the official checklist first.
Tell us your profession, the destination country and the regulator.
Get HPCSA Service QuotesCertificate of Status Requirements
- Active HPCSA registration, or voluntary erasure from the register.
- No pending complaint against your name.
- An affidavit that no criminal or unprofessional conduct proceedings are pending.
- Proof of payment of the prescribed fee.
How It Works
- Pay annual fees so your registration is up to date.
- Pay the Certificate of Status fee and optional courier fee.
- Submit the affidavit, proof of payment and delivery details to the HPCSA.
- The HPCSA checks your status with its legal department.
- The certificate is sent by post, courier or directly to some regulators electronically.
Where HPCSA Documents Are Needed
| Destination | Typical regulator |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GMC or HCPC |
| Australia | AHPRA |
| New Zealand | Medical Council of New Zealand |
| UAE | DHA, DOH or MOHAP, often with primary source verification |
| Saudi Arabia | Saudi Commission for Health Specialties |
| Canada | Provincial colleges |
HPCSA Service Costs
| Service | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Status | HPCSA gazetted fee - confirm current amount | Official fee |
| Courier within South Africa | About R150 | Official fee - confirm |
| Primary source verification (Gulf regulators) | Set by the verification provider | Third-party |
| Commissioner of oaths for affidavit | Usually free | Third-party |
| Document pack preparation and follow-up | R800 - R2,500 | Optional assistance fee |
Fees may change and should be confirmed with the relevant government, embassy, consulate or authorised visa application provider before applying. Rand amounts are approximate conversions and assistance fees are indicative market ranges, not quotations.
Timing
The HPCSA has said certificates are issued within about 10 working days once payment reflects. Many regulators only accept certificates issued within the last three months. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an HPCSA Certificate of Status?
An official certificate confirming your registration and good standing with the HPCSA.
How long is an HPCSA certificate valid?
Receiving regulators often accept certificates issued within the last three months. Check their rules.
Can the HPCSA send the certificate directly to the GMC?
The HPCSA sends certificates electronically to some authorities, including the GMC.
Do nurses get good standing certificates from the HPCSA?
No. Nurses apply to the South African Nursing Council.
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