ACCOMPANYING MINOR VISA

Children accompanying a parent holding a temporary residence visa must obtain a Visitor Visa under Section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002)

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WHAT IS AN ACCOMPANYING MINOR VISA?

This visa permits the child to lawfully reside in South Africa with their parent during the parent’s work assignment, retirement, or other valid visa status. Typically, these visas are valid for 2 to 3 years or for the duration of the main applicant’s visa.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO QUALIFY FOR AN ACCOMPANYING MINOR VISA?

To qualify, you must be the biological or legally adopted child of the main applicant or temporary residence visa holder.

As the child of a South African temporary residence visa holder (such as a work visa or retired person visa), you are legally required to apply for a Visitor Visa under Section 11(1)(b)(iv) of the Immigration Act.

This visa allows you to lawfully reside in South Africa with your parent during their work assignment or retirement period. However, it does not permit you to work, study, or conduct business while in South Africa.

CAN I STUDY IN SOUTH AFRICA WHILE ON AN ACCOMPANYING MINOR VISA?

Children under the age of 7, who are not yet of school-going age, may attend kindergarten or preparatory schools using an Accompanying Minor Visa, as permitted by the Immigration Act.

Children aged 7 and above must apply for a Study Visa to legally attend school in South Africa. It is permitted for the accompanying children to apply for a Study Visa, in place of the Visitor’s VIsa in terms of section 11(1)(b)(iv), while accompanying their parent, being the main visa holder.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an Accompanying Minor Visa in South Africa?

An Accompanying Minor Visa allows a dependent child (under 18) of a foreign national living in South Africa on a valid temporary residence visa to reside legally in the country with their parent(s).

2. Who qualifies for an Accompanying Minor Visa?

Children under 18 may qualify if:

At least one parent or legal guardian holds a valid South African visa (e.g., work, study, business, or spouse visa)
The child is financially dependent on the parent
Parental consent is provided from both parents (if applicable)

3. Can a child on an Accompanying Minor Visa attend school in South Africa?

No, not automatically. If your child intends to attend school in South Africa, you must apply for a Study Visa unless the accompanying visa includes specific authorisation to study. Public and private schools require valid study permits.

4. What documents are required for an Accompanying Minor Visa application?

Typical requirements include:

Birth certificate of the child
Copies of parents’ valid visas and passports
Parental consent affidavits (if one parent is not traveling)
Proof of financial support
Custody or guardianship documentation (if applicable)
Completed DHA-1738 form and VFS submission
Medical & radiology reports
Police clearance (only for children over 18)

5. How long is the Accompanying Minor Visa valid for?

The visa is typically granted for the same duration as the parent’s visa, whether it’s a work, study, or business visa. It must be renewed or extended accordingly.

6. Can the minor apply from inside South Africa?

No, unless they are applying for an extension. First-time applications must generally be made from the child’s home country or country of legal residence. A change of visa status from inside South Africa is not usually permitted.

7. Can a minor work or study on this visa?

Study: Only with specific permission or a Study Visa
Work: No. Accompanying minors are not allowed to work under any circumstances.

8. Do both parents have to be in South Africa for the visa to be issued?

No, but if only one parent is in South Africa, the other must provide written consent for the child to live abroad. If one parent is deceased or not involved, legal documentation (e.g., death certificate, court order) may be required.

9. Does the Accompanying Spouse Visa lead to permanent residence?

Not on its own. However, if the parent(s) later qualify for permanent residence, the child may be included in the family PR application. Time on an accompanying visa does not count toward PR eligibility for the child independently.

10. What are common reasons for rejection of an Accompanying Minor Visa?

Missing or incomplete documentation
Lack of parental consent
No proof of the parent’s legal status in South Africa
Custody disputes or guardianship not legally verified
Submitting the application inside SA when it must be done from abroad

CONTACT US

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Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - In order to qualify for a General Work Visa, you must have an offer of employment from a South African employer. What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

Please specify other(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

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GWV - Total Points(Required)

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Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

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