11 Sep South African Visa Application Rejected: What Now?
In recent times, the Department of Home Affairs has been criticised for incorrectly rejecting a large number of visa applications in an effort to reduce the visa backlog. Rather than processing these applications correctly, they are often recategorised as appeals, inflating the numbers without actually resolving the underlying issues.
If your South African visa application has been rejected, it’s important to know that this isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision through a VFS appeal, a process provided for under the South African Immigration Act.
What Is A VFS Appeal?
Unfortunately, visa rejections are common, often for minor reasons. The South African Immigration Act allows dissatisfied applicants to appeal a rejection. Upon receiving a rejection letter, you have 10 working days (or 14 calendar days) to submit your appeal through VFS. Your appeal must include comprehensive written representations addressing the reasons for the rejection, along with all necessary supporting documentation.
Applicants are entitled to submit two appeals for any given application. The first appeal is directed to the Director-General under Section 8(4) of the Immigration Act, while the second appeal is addressed to the Minister under Section 8(6) of the Immigration Act.
It’s worth noting that appealing rejections received from outside South Africa might not be the best option, as all appeals are sent to South Africa for adjudication. In many cases, it may be quicker and more efficient to simply resubmit your application with additional documentation addressing the rejection rather than pursuing an appeal.
How Does the Appeal Process Work?
The first step is to book an appointment at your nearest VFS centre within 10 working days of receiving your rejection letter. We recommend scheduling your appointment as soon as possible to secure a date within the required timeframe. Ideally, aim to book the appointment for the 9th working day, giving you ample time to gather any necessary supporting documents.
During your appointment, you’ll need to submit your written representations and all required documentation. Once submitted, VFS forwards your appeal to the Department of Home Affairs Head Office in Pretoria for processing. If your appeal is successful, you’ll be notified to return to the VFS centre to collect the outcome and, if approved, your visa.
What is Required for the Appeal?
While the specific requirements for a VFS appeal can vary, all appeals should include the following:
- Your VFS Appointment Letter
- A copy of your passport’s bio page
- A copy of the rejection letter you received
- Comprehensive written representations addressing the reasons for rejection
- Any supporting documentation that addresses the rejection
We will also request a copy of the application that was rejected. If you don’t have a complete copy, provide as many documents as possible from your initial application.
How Long Does a VFS Appeal Take?
Currently, VFS appeals take roughly the same amount of time as visa applications. You should expect to wait 8 to 12 months, at a minimum, for a decision on your appeal. In extreme cases, the process can take longer than 12 months.
How Can June Luna Immigration Attorneys Assist with Your VFS Appeal?
At June Luna Immigration Attorneys, we can help you thoroughly address the reasons for your rejection. Additionally, we’ll guide you through the requirements to prevent any further rejections on other grounds.
If you’ve had a visa application rejected, contact June Luna Immigration Attorneys for expert assistance with your VFS appeal.