Visa Applications
For international fellows, accepting a postdoctoral position at Rhodes University requires successful navigation of the South African Department of Home Affairs. This can often be a confusing and frustrating undertaking. Here we hope to make things a little easier for you by providing some basic information on the process.
As a postdoc you will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit - With Respect to Research (not a work permit, because your postdoctoral earnings are not taxable). In order to this you must supply Home Affairs with the following:
• Completed BI - 1738: HA Application for Temp. Res
• Completed BI - 806: HA Radiological Certificate *
• Completed BI - 811: HA Medical Certificate
• Proof of Medical Cover/Medical Aid (either South African or International)
• Copy of Postdoctoral Contract (i.e. University letter stating the terms of your contract)
• Bank Statement
• Police Clearance (from every country where you have lived for longer than 1 year)
• A repatriation deposit**
• The application fee (2012 rates: R425.00)
Notes
If you are changing from a student visa to a temporary residence with respect to research permit, or need to change your visa conditions for any reason you will need the : BI-1740 Application for Change in Conditions 2012
Orla Quinlan at the Rhodes International Office has been making it her mission to help with the facilitation of Visas for International Rhodes staff & students. She recommends the following:
Any Postdoctoral candidate applying for a Visa from the South African Dept. of Home Affairs should ensure that "Rhodes University- Large Account Unit" is marked clearly on the front of the visa application. This Unit deals with International staff, their families and researchers. Once the application has this marked clearly on the front, the form will get sent straight from Port Elizabeth to the LAU in Home Affairs in Pretoria and processing will be fast-tracked.
Visas can be issued for up to 3 years, assuming you have proof of a 3 year contract. If your contract is on a year by year basis your visa will need to be renewed each year. Visa renewals must be submitted to Home Affairs at LEAST 30 days before your current visa expiry. The form for RENEWAL is the BI - 1739 (not the BI-1740).
Other requirements vary, but usually you will only require proof of medical aid, a bank statement and proof of contract. We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to contact Orla and the International Office for current visa requirements (as they are often changing) and to answer any questions, concerns or comments.
* Completing this form will require chest x-rays
** If you can provide proof of an ongoing flight ticket or get a letter from Rhodes University stipulating that they will assume responsibility for any incurred repatriation costs, than a repatriation guarantee may not be required. If however you end up being required to provide a repatriation guarantee, it is fully refundable once you arrive home - provided you abide by your visa requirements.
IN ALL CASES HOME AFFAIRS SHOULD SEND YOU A TEXT MESSAGE WHEN THE APPLICATION FORM IS ACCEPTED AND AGAIN WHEN THE VISA IS READY FOR COLLECTION.
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
Physical Address:
Dept. of Home Affairs
Corner Maggs & Petroleum Street, Waltloo, Pretoria
Mailing Address:
Dept. of Home Affairs
Private Bag X114, Pretoria. 0001
0800 601 190 (within RSA)
+27 (11) 461 9252 (Abroad)
Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 - 15h00
http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/
Department of Home Affairs (Port Elizabeth Branch) - closest branch to Grahamstown
Physical Address:
Nasua Building
cnr. Stone Street & Lavinia Street
North End
Mailing Address
Private Bag X6030
Port Elizabeth
6000
Tel: +27 (41) 487 1026 or + 27 (41) 487 1034/5
Fax: + 27 (41) 487 3354
Port Elizabeth Visa Enquiries: +27 (0)41 404 8300/01
Please phone PE Visa Enquiries before journeying to PE to find out the requirements for a visa.
Hours: Monday to Friday 08h00 - 15h00
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If you are struggling to change your visa status, renew your visa or have any other immigration needs there are companies you can hire that specialise in navigating South African Home Affairs. Fees usually start anywhere from R5000.00 and up, but can often be well worth the money.
Immigration & Consulting South Africa
