Visa options for South Africans moving abroad: A guide for the most popular destinations
For South Africans moving abroad, understanding the visa requirements for your destination is essential. Different countries have varied visa categories, eligibility criteria, and processes that can seem overwhelming at first glance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key visa options and requirements for some of the most popular destinations for South African expatriates: Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Australia
Australia is a popular destination for South Africans due to its high quality of life, sunny climate, and job opportunities. The Australian government offers several visa options, each tailored to different needs and goals.

Skilled Migration Visas
Visa Types: Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491).
Eligibility: Applicants must be under 45, have an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List, and pass a points-based assessment that factors in age, qualifications, and work experience.
Application Tips: Ensure you have your qualifications assessed by a relevant Australian authority and practice for the English language test (e.g., IELTS or PTE).
Family Visas
Visa Types: Partner Visa (subclass 820 and 801), Parent Visa (subclass 103), and Contributory Parent Visa (subclass 143).
Eligibility: Partner Visas are for individuals married to or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident, while Parent Visas are for parents of Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Application Tips: Family visas can have long wait times; it’s advisable to apply well in advance or consider the contributory route, which is faster but more expensive.
Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
Eligibility: Available to South Africans between the ages of 18 and 30, this visa allows young people to work and travel in Australia for up to a year.
Application Tips: Be prepared to demonstrate adequate funds for your stay and check requirements for health insurance.
United Kingdom
The UK offers a range of visa options for South Africans, from skilled work visas to family visas and study opportunities.

Skilled Worker Visa
Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a UK-based employer that holds a sponsorship licence. The job must meet skill and salary requirements.
Application Tips: Make sure your employer is registered with the Home Office as a licensed sponsor. Ensure that your job offer meets the salary threshold, which may vary based on your role.
Ancestry Visa
Eligibility: This visa is for South Africans who have a UK-born grandparent. Applicants must be over 17 and intend to work in the UK.
Application Tips: Keep proof of your grandparent’s birth and documentation linking them to you. This visa is valid for five years and can lead to indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Student Visa (Tier 4)
Eligibility: Requires an offer from a recognised UK institution. Applicants must show proof of funds and may need to meet English language requirements.
Application Tips: Be sure to apply for the visa well in advance of your course start date. Check if your course requires additional checks like a tuberculosis (TB) test.
Canada
Canada is known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and its visa pathways offer flexibility for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and families.

Express Entry System
Visa Types: Includes the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programme.
Eligibility: This is a points-based system, factoring in age, work experience, education, and language proficiency (in English or French).
Application Tips: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the online system. Higher points improve chances, so if needed, consider further language training to increase your score.
Family Sponsorship Visa
Eligibility: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children, or parents.
Application Tips: Sponsors must demonstrate their ability to support the family member financially. Check for any regional requirements, as some provinces have unique rules.
Work Permits
Visa Types: Employer-specific work permits or the International Mobility Programme (IMP).
Eligibility: Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer. In some cases, applicants may also need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that hiring a foreign worker won’t affect Canadian workers.
Application Tips: The IMP offers some exemptions from LMIA requirements, so research whether your occupation qualifies for these exceptions.
United States
The United States offers a range of visa categories, but application processes are often competitive, especially for employment-based visas.

H-1B Visa
Eligibility: Requires a job offer in a speciality occupation that requires a higher education degree. The employer must sponsor the applicant.
Application Tips: This visa has an annual cap and is subject to a lottery due to high demand. To increase your chances, apply early and ensure all documents are complete.
Family-Based Immigrant Visas
Eligibility: Immediate family members of U.S. citizens (spouses, children, parents) or certain family members of U.S. lawful permanent residents.
Application Tips: Immediate family members typically have shorter wait times, but other family members may face long waits due to annual quotas. Patience is essential, as processing can take several years.
Diversity Visa (Green Card Lottery)
Eligibility: South Africans can enter the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery, which randomly selects applicants from eligible countries.
Application Tips: The lottery opens annually, and entry is free. Be cautious of scams; only use the official U.S. government website to apply.
Assistance for South Africans moving abroad
For South Africans moving abroad, the process can be an exciting yet complex process, and understanding the visa options available in each country is crucial for a successful relocation. Whether you’re pursuing work, study, or family reunification, knowing the requirements in advance and preparing your documents thoroughly can make the journey smoother. Apostil.co.za offers bespoke visa assistance services for South Africans moving abroad. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our wide range of services.