Last Updated: 16 September 2026
An immigration visa lets you live abroad rather than visit. For South Africans the usual routes are a job offer, study, a partner or family member, or a skilled points-based application that leads to permanent residence.
This page covers visas for South Africans moving abroad. South Africa's own visas for foreign nationals coming to South Africa are handled by the Department of Home Affairs and are not covered here.
Immigration advice is regulated in several destination countries. The UK regulates immigration advisers, Canada requires licensed immigration consultants or lawyers for paid representation, and Australia requires registered migration agents. Ask any provider whether they are authorised for the destination country before paying for advice.
Tell us the country, your route and who is moving with you.
Get Immigration Visa QuotesMain Immigration Routes
| Route | Who it suits | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Work visa | You have a job offer from an employer who can sponsor you | Work visas |
| Critical skills routes | Your occupation is on a shortage list | Critical skills visas |
| Study visa | You have an offer from an approved institution | Study visas |
| Family or spousal visa | Your partner or parent lives in the destination country | Family visas |
| Permanent residence | You qualify through points, nomination or long residence | Permanent residence |
Popular Destinations for South Africans
| Country | Common routes |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Student, Family, settlement after qualifying years |
| Canada | Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, work and study permits, spousal sponsorship |
| Australia | Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), employer sponsored, student, partner |
| New Zealand | Accredited Employer Work Visa, Green List, Skilled Migrant Category |
| Ireland | Critical Skills and General Employment Permits, study |
| United States | Employer-sponsored and family-based routes, student visas |
Typical Immigration Costs
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| UK Skilled Worker visa (up to 3 years) | £819 (approx. R17,850) | Official government fee |
| UK Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 (approx. R22,560) per year | Official government fee |
| Canada Express Entry PR (incl. right of PR fee) | CAD 1,590 (approx. R18,760) | Official government fee |
| Australia Skilled Independent (189) | AUD 6,135 (approx. R65,640) | Official government fee |
| Police clearance, apostilles and translations | R1,500 - R6,000 per person | Third-party and optional |
| Skills or credential assessment | R3,000 - R12,000 | Third-party |
| English test (IELTS or similar) | R4,000 - R5,500 | Third-party |
| Visa preparation assistance | R5,000 - R25,000 depending on route | 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.
Get quotes that separate official fees, document costs and assistance fees.
Compare Immigration QuotesDocuments South Africans Usually Need
- Passport valid for the whole process.
- SAPS police clearance, often apostilled.
- Unabridged birth and marriage certificates from Home Affairs.
- Degree certificates and transcripts, sometimes verified or assessed.
- English test results.
- Medical examination by a panel doctor where required.
- Bank statements and proof of funds.
How Long It Takes
Plan in months, not weeks. Document preparation alone often takes two to four months. Processing times are estimates and can change.
Coming to South Africa From Abroad
Helping a foreign partner or relative move to South Africa? The official South African visa requirements explain the temporary residence categories, and some applications can be lodged on the Department of Home Affairs ePermit portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest country for South Africans to immigrate to?
It depends on your occupation, age, qualifications, English results, family and funds. No route is easy or guaranteed.
Do I need an immigration consultant?
Not always, but paid advice must come from someone authorised for the destination country.
Can I immigrate without a job offer?
Some points-based routes, such as Canada Express Entry and Australia subclass 189, do not require a job offer.
Will I lose my South African citizenship?
Taking another citizenship can affect South African citizenship rules. Check the current position with Home Affairs before applying.
Use Visa Application to get more than one quote before you pay anyone to help with a immigration visa application.
Related Pages
Visa approval is solely at the discretion of the relevant immigration authority. Visa Application is not a government department, embassy, consulate or visa application centre, and no provider can guarantee approval, appointment availability or processing time.
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