Call us now:
Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Immigration Attorneys – Visas, Permits and Appeals That Land
South African immigration is unforgiving of paperwork errors — one defective submission can cost a year and a rejection that haunts every future application. Our immigration attorneys prepare work, spousal, business and study visa applications that anticipate Home Affairs scrutiny, and we fight rejections, overstay bans and delayed outcomes through appeals, ministerial reviews and — where necessary — court.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need immigration attorneys South Africa
Work visas: general, critical skills and intra-company transfers
Spousal and life-partner visas with work endorsements
Permanent residence applications
Business visas for investors and entrepreneurs
Study visas and accompanying family
Visa rejections — appeals and reviews (Sections 8(4)/8(6))
Overstay bans (undesirability declarations) and waivers
Citizenship, retention and late birth registration issues
How we handle your matter
Eligibility mapping
We match your facts to the correct visa category and its exact regulatory requirements — the step DIY applicants and agents skip at their cost.
Evidence pack
Every requirement documented and cross-referenced: contracts, qualifications with SAQA, financials, medicals, radiology, police clearances — VFS-ready.
Submission & tracking
We submit via VFS or missions abroad and actively track — silence from Home Affairs is not a status, it’s a prompt.
Rejection response
Rejections are appealed within the 10-working-day window with legal argument, not just resubmitted hope.
Escalation
Unlawful delays and irrational refusals go to ministerial review and the High Court — mandamus applications compel decisions Home Affairs won’t make.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
Visa applications are fixed-fee by category, appeals quoted per stage. We tell you your realistic prospects before you pay — an application that shouldn’t be made is a fee we don’t want.
Key legislation:
- Immigration Act 13 of 2002
- Citizenship Act 88 of 1995
- Immigration Regulations 2014
Frequently asked questions
How long does a South African work visa take?
Officially weeks; realistically 3–8+ months depending on category and mission. Critical skills and ICT visas move faster with complete packs. Delays beyond reason can be legally compelled.
Can I work on a spousal visa?
A spousal/life-partner visa can carry a work, business or study endorsement under Section 11(6)/18 — but it must be applied for explicitly. Without the endorsement, working is unlawful.
What happens if I overstay my visa?
You are declared ‘undesirable’ on exit — banned for 12 months to 5 years. Overstay bans can be appealed with good cause within 10 days; we succeed regularly where the overstay had genuine causes.
My visa was rejected — should I reapply or appeal?
Appeal, usually — a rejection on record prejudices future applications, and appeals correct the decision itself. The Section 8(4) appeal deadline is 10 working days, so act immediately.
When can I apply for permanent residence?
Common routes: 5 years on a work visa (26(a)), spouse of a citizen/PR holder for 5 years (26(b)), critical skills, business, retirement and financially independent categories — each with distinct proof burdens.
Can Home Affairs’ delays be challenged?
Yes. Unreasonable delay is reviewable, and the High Court grants mandamus orders compelling decisions within set periods — often the only language that produces an outcome.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about immigration attorneys South Africa from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
Call 011 042 8039 Request a Callback