What Is Needed To Apply For Waiver Permit In South Africa

A waiver is a request to the Department of Home Affairs to leave aside specific requirements for any type of visa. The waiver will allow you to apply for a visa without providing all the required documents. However, you have to keep in mind that waivers are issued in specific cases and for specific visas only.

In this article, Satacts.co.za tries to answer this question by publishing the requirements needed to apply for A Waiver Permit in South Africa

The required documents vary depending on whether you are applying for your waiver from outside of the country or from within South Africa.

Applying From a Foreign Embassy/Consulate

If you are applying for a South Africa temporary residence visa and you also need to apply for a waiver, you must submit the following documents:

A DHA Form 48 application form. You can access the application form online; ensure you answer all the questions truthfully.
A valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 30 days after your visa expires.
A valid visa. While in South Africa, you must be in possession of a valid temporary residence visa or valid status to submit the application.
A letter of waiver. The letter must include all the reasons for your waiver.
Original bank payment/electronic fund transfer receipt.
Original and copy of bank receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation/bank guarantee paid in the Department of Home Affairs Account.

Applying From South Africa

If you are in South Africa and you need to apply for permanent residence but you also need to apply for a waiver, you must have these documents:

Duly completed online DHA Form 48. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.
A valid passport. You must also include copies of your previous passports and visas.
Passport copy. Please also include a copy of your passport and all temporary residence permits affixed.
Appointment Letter. A letter signed by the employer citing the requirements to be waived and a comprehensive motivation for each requirement.
Bank receipt. Make sure to include an original copy of the bank receipt per applicant in case of Repatriation/bank guarantee paid in the Department of Home Affairs Account.
A copy of your CV. Don’t forget to include a copy of your CV with all of your professional qualifications.
Work contract. You must also submit a copy of the employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee (if applicable).
Background on the company/institution for record purposes.
Business plan (if applicable).
Bank or financial statements (if applicable).
Recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry (if applicable).

Note: Any incorrect or misleading information or false documents provided in support of the application may result in the application being rejected, or if discovered after the waiver has been issued, the applicant will be denied entry into South Africa.

How to Write a Letter of Waiver?

You can type out the letter yourself and then print it. When you write a letter of waiver, make sure:

You use formal language.
You choose your words wisely.
Clearly lay out the reasons for your waiver.
Your reasons for the waiver are valid.
Acknowledge the reader and thank them for their time.
Proofread your letter before submitting it.
You stick only to the facts.
You stay away from any complaints.

You can also use an immigration agent that generates immigration services in South Africa to write a letter of waiver. Having experience with assisting many different families and individuals through the process, they are highly specialized in this area. If you are applying to the Department of Home Affairs, they’ll know exactly how to draft your letter so that it has the best chance of success.

How Long Does a Waiver Take to Process in South Africa?

It usually takes between 6 to 8 weeks to process a waiver request. However, processing time can vary depending on several factors such as what is the reason you’re requesting a waiver, or whether are you applying for a waiver from South Africa or outside the country.

All of this can be a determining factor in how long a waiver takes to get approved, and it affects your visa application.

This is why you’re highly recommended to contact an embassy or consulate prior to applying for a visa if you think you need a waiver first.