Your Guide to the UK Visa Application Process: Emigrating from South Africa

The UK Visa process

If you are looking to move from South Africa to the UK as a South African national, you will typically be required to apply for a UK visa, unless you are entitled to British citizenship.

The UK’s immigration system can be complex to navigate, with migrants frequently facing rejections from the UK Home Office when submitting their visa applications. For this reason, it is important to make sure that you are eligible for the visa you wish to apply for and it is highly advisable that you seek the expertise of an accredited immigration lawyer who can guide you through this process.

Since the UK officially left the European Union on 1st January 2021, sweeping changes have been made to the UK’s visa system. A key change is that the UK no longer has tier-based immigration system but instead has a points-based system. This means that visa applicants must meet a specific amount of ‘points’ in order to qualify for the respective visa; points are obtained by meeting certain requirements which vary depending on the visa itself.

Our expert immigration lawyers offer a wide range of supportive legal services for UK visa applicants, including providing tailored immigration advice, practical support with applications, document checking services, assistance with appeals, asylum support, and more.

To find out how we can help you, call us today on 0333 305 9375.

Which UK Visas are open to South Africans?

Any foreign national can apply for a UK visa, including South African citizens. Since Brexit, both EU citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens are required to hold a valid UK visa to live, work or study in the country (unless the EU citizen already has pre-settled or settled status in the UK). The UK visa system can be split into the following key categories:

• Family Visas
• Work Visas
• Student Visas
• Business Visas
• Visitor Visas

Within each category is a range of different UK visas, with some of the most popular visa routes including:

• Spouse Visa: This is for those who wish to join their spouse/civil partner (who is either a British citizen or person with UK settled status) in the UK
• Visitor Visa: This is a temporary visa for those who are visiting the UK for no longer than 6 months
• Skilled Worker Visa: This UK visa replaced the former Tier 2 General Work Visa and is for skilled individuals who are qualified and experienced to take up specialised work in the UK
• Student Visa: This allows non-British nationals to study at an authorised UK academic institution

This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are a vast range of other UK visas, including visas for those looking to set up and run an innovative business in the UK, visas for dependents, visas for the unmarried partner or fiancé of a British citizen/settled person in the UK, temporary work visas, and many more.

How do I apply for a UK visa from South Africa?

The UK visa application process varies depending on which visa you are applying for, due to each one having unique requirements. However, you can apply for most UK visas from outside of the UK – including from South Africa – online.

Whilst you can complete the UK visa application yourself, is highly advisable that you work with a qualified immigration lawyer who has experience in preparing and submitting UK visa applications. You will have to provide a number of supporting documents for certain visas in order to prove that you are eligible for this specific type of immigration permission.

When applying for a UK visa, you will typically be required to provide your personal details along with evidence to support your application – such as proof of your qualifications and skills (for those applying for a Skilled Worker visa) or evidence that your relationship is genuine (for those applying for one of the UK partner visas).

To find out which supporting documents you should provide within your UK visa application, you should look at the requirements for the specific visa you are applying for. Some visas require the applicant to meet a specific income criteria, for example, or may request evidence to show that you will not overstay your time in the UK.

How long does it take for a UK visa to be approved?

Each visa has its own processing times, making it impossible to provide one answer for all UK visas.

However, UKVI frequently updates its processing times, meaning you are able to check how long your UK visa application should take. In typical circumstances, you can expect to receive a decision on your UK visa within 6 months of applying.

One way to avoid delays is to ensure that your application provides the relevant supporting documents – this prevents the Home Office from having to request further evidence, which can add significant time to the process.

You should also apply in advance (within reason) to make sure that you allow yourself the necessary time to secure your desired UK visa before you are due to travel to the UK. You will not be able to enter or remain in the UK without the relevant visa.

If you are applying to extend your visa or switch to a different UK visa, the processing times will again vary. However, the Home Office should be able to give an estimated timeframe.

If your UK visa application is rejected, you may be entitled to appeal this decision. This will, however, increase the overall time it takes to acquire the respective visa.

Do you need help with your UK visa application?

If you would like expert guidance and practical assistance with any UK visa application, our committed team of immigration lawyers are here to help you.

Our immigration experts can assess your personal circumstances, making sure that you qualify for the visa you wish to apply for. From here, we can both complete and submit your visa application to the Home Office on your behalf.

To enquire or book a consultation, contact us today on 0333 305 9375.