United States of America visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting United States of America

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a American Visa.

  • An application form (DS 160 for non-immigrant visas or DS 260 for immigrant visas) completed and signed by you

  • A passport expiring at least six months after your planned stay in the US. Your passport must also have at least one blank page.

  • Two photographs that must have been taken in the last 6 months. The photo size must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with a plain white background.

  • Paid visa fee to be able to schedule an interview. Fees vary per visa type. See table of Visa Fees below.

  • If you have travelled to the United States before then you would be required to present your former visas.

  • Your travel itinerary showing your planned date of entry and exit in the US.

  • Proof of accommodation either at a hotel, rented house, friend’s house or relative’s house e.t.c.

  • You must also provide proof of strong ties to your home country such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return once your visa has expired.

  • Sponsorship documents are required if you are planning to go to the US sponsored by another person who is a resident in the country.

  • Fingerprints are mandatory for anyone applying for a US visa, except they belong to one of the following categories; children under 14, elders over 79, or fall within & NATO applicants. People who physically are not able of giving their fingerprints are also exempt from giving their fingerprints.

United States Of America Visa for South Africans

Facts about United States Of America

The United States of America is one of the main tourist destinations in the world. You cannot truly see all the country has to offer in one trip. If you have exhausted the things to see in a particular location, the next location brings up a fresh array of things to see. The country has beautiful scenery, entertainment options, magnificent architecture, great tourist sites and so much more. No matter what you are interested in doing, you are sure to get it in the United States of America. National Parks, casinos, beaches, historical sites, movie theatres, trade fairs, shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife are just some of the things you can do in the country. Make sure you enjoy the rollercoaster of fun during your time here.
 
Tourism in the USA is a large industry that contributes greatly to the American economy. The United States of America is the country that attracts the third-largest number of tourists behind France and Spain and this may be attributed to the fact that tourists stay longer in the United States more than they do in France and Spain. The country plays host to about 78 million tourists yearly. Since Donald Trump got elected, the number of tourist visits in the United States has dropped by 4% and has led to the loss of about 40,000 jobs.
 
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caymans, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, etc can gain entry to the United States of America visa-free for a certain period of time.


Drug use is illegal in the country and carries lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Foreign nationals from Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia and Yemen are not eligible to travel to the United States.

Types of United States Of America Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 5 - 15 days 90 days
Student visa 5 - 15 days 90 days
Work visa 5 - 15 days 90 days
Transit visa 5 - 15 days 24 hours
Official visa 5 - 15 days 90 days

General Requirements for United States Of America Visa

  • An application form (DS 160 for non-immigrant visas or DS 260 for immigrant visas) completed and signed by you

  • A passport expiring at least six months after your planned stay in the US. Your passport must also have at least one blank page.

  • Two photographs that must have been taken in the last 6 months. The photo size must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with a plain white background.

  • Paid visa fee to be able to schedule an interview. Fees vary per visa type. See table of Visa Fees below.

  • If you have travelled to the United States before then you would be required to present your former visas.

  • Your travel itinerary showing your planned date of entry and exit in the US.

  • Proof of accommodation either at a hotel, rented house, friend’s house or relative’s house e.t.c.

  • You must also provide proof of strong ties to your home country such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return once your visa has expired.

  • Sponsorship documents are required if you are planning to go to the US sponsored by another person who is a resident in the country.

  • Fingerprints are mandatory for anyone applying for a US visa, except they belong to one of the following categories; children under 14, elders over 79, or fall within & NATO applicants. People who physically are not able of giving their fingerprints are also exempt from giving their fingerprints.

United States Of America Tourist visa United States Of America Student visa United States Of America Work visa United States Of America Transit visa United States Of America Official visa

United States Of America Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The tourist visa is for South Africans who want to visit United States for tourism purposes.
  • For tourism purposes, you need to obtain a B-2 visa. For business purposes, you need to obtain the B-1 visa.
  • Foreigners can also use B-2 tourist visa for business purposes. This practically means that, if you have an old B-1/B-2 visa originally issued for a tourist trip, it may be valid for a planned business trip.
  • People who seek medical attention in the United States can also obtain the B-2 visa.
  • Other documents that must be provided includes:
    • Proof that shows you are a legitimate citizen of South Africa. For example; birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver’s license etc.
    • Proof of criminal history. This will be in form of police records.
    • Financial affordability must be provided. This is in form of your bank statements from the last three  months.
    • Evidence of employment and family ties which shows you have the intention of returning to South Africa after the duration of your trip.
  • Applicants who are less than 18 should make sure they have the original copy of their birth certificate.
  • If you intend to extend your stay, you must file a request with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Here are some rules guiding your trip to the US:
    • Smoking cigarette is greatly frowned on in the US. Although, people don't mind marijuana.
    • You are not allowed to buy alcohol unless you're 21 years old and above.
    • Credit cards and bank cards are usually the preferred mode of payment. 
    • 911 is the emergency number in the US.

United States Of America B-2 (Visitor & Medical Purposes) Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The US B-2 visa allows South Africans do the following:
    •  Go for holidays in the US.
    •  Visit friends and family.
    • Enroll in short study courses. For example, cooking classes
    • Visit the US for medical treatment.
    • Participate in social events hosted by various organizations.
  •   Amateur athletes, musicians, or other performers who are traveling to compete or perform in their field are also eligible for this visa.
  • The US B-2 visa is also used for tourism purposes.
  • The difference the B-2 visa and other types of visa is that it has no cap. As long as you meet the requirements and you are qualified, it would be easy for you to get the B-2 visa.
  • Visa interviews are required for only those within the age of 14 -79 years.
  • Applicants cannot apply for residence permit with this visa.
  • Medical diagnosis from your local doctor explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you need the treatment in the United States.
  • Letter from the medical facility that is willing to treat your ailment in the United States. The length and cost of treatment should be included in detail in the letter.
  • The maximum duration of stay on a B-2 visa is six months
  • If you want to stay longer, you can get a B-2 visa extension for an additional 6 months.

United States Of America B-1 (Business Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • Different from the B-2 visa, the B-1 visa allows you to enter the US with the purpose of business, contract negotiation, or attending conferences and other business-related events.
  • With the B-1 visa allows foreigners do the following:
    •  Consult any of the business associates if necessary.
    • You can solicit services, and also negotiate and finalize contracts.
    • You can transit through the US with this visa.
  • If you come across any courses or training in the US that is of help to your business, you can attend that too. Ensure your training must get over before your visa expires.
  •  You can build business relationship with Americans and other nationals during your stay in the US.
  • You are required to provide the following documents:
    • An original passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended.
    • Details of your social media accounts.
    • A letter that describes the purpose of your trip.
    • Ties to your home country such as family, job contract, lease, or property deed, which prove you will return.
    • Criminal records or letter from authorities stating that you do not have prior convictions.
    • If you have visited the US before, bring documents relevant to your prior visits.

United States Of America Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • For you to study in the United States, you need a student visa.
  • The school you intend to attend and the course of study determine what category of student visa you will be applying for.
  • The J-1 visa is meant for research scholars, exchange visitors and professors.
  • M-1 visa is for those attending a vocational or technical course or other non-academic institution.
  • If you want to attend a college, university, elementary school, high school, seminary or language training course, the appropriate visa type is the F-1 visa.
  • You should have applied to study in the institution of choice and must have been accepted before you can apply for any of the categories of the student visa.
  • The admission letter from the institution you have been admitted to is mandatory.
  • It is also necessary to provide proof of accommodation.
  • Those with an M-1 visa may not work until their have completed their study.
  • F-1 allows you to do on-campus work with restrictions.
  • Minors should ensure their parents sign the application form.

United States Of America J-1 (Research Scholars Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • Exchange visitor categories include: Camp Counselor, Intern, Au Pair and EduCare, Physician, Specialist, Short-term Scholar, Professor and Research, Teacher and Trainee.
  • These categories of people are not allowed to travel on a visitor visa or the visa waiver program.
  • Interviews are not required for children 13 years or younger and older than 80 years.
  • In addition to the DS-160 application form, applicants are required to fill the DS-7002 form.
  • You may be able to apply for a change of immigrant status if you are offered employment or marry a U.S citizen.
  • Do not buy flight tickets until you have received your visa. There is no guarantee that you will be issued the visa you applied for.
  • Your child or spouse may accompany or join you at a later date with a J-2 visa.
  • Your minors will be allowed to attend school in the United States on a J-2 visa.

United States Of America M-1 (Vocational And Non-academic Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to attend a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution other than a language training program.
  • You are not allowed to study after entering with a visitor B visa.
  • Only foreigners between the ages of 14 – 79 years require interviews.  
  • New students visa can be issued up to 120 days before the commencement of study but you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of the study.
  • If you are a continuing student you visa may be issued at any time and you may enter the United States before your classes start.
  • You will need to present the transcripts or certificates from schools you attended.
  • Your spouse (married or unmarried) as well as your minor children who intend to stay with you during the duration of your study may apply for M-2 visa.
  • Your minor children can attend school in the United States while with you.

United States Of America F-1 (Academic Institution And Language Training Courses Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners to visit a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory or an institution language training program.
  • If you enter the United States with a visitor B visa, you are not allowed to study.
  • Transcripts and certificates from the schools you attended is required.
  • Your spouse and minor children who intend to accompany you to the United States can do so with by applying for the F-2 visa.
  • Interviews are not required for children under the age of 14 and above the 79 years of age.
  • Certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status is required.
  • Proof of intention to exit the United States at the conclusion of course of study.
  • Do not buy tickets or make travel plans until you have gotten your visa.

United States Of America Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows a South African to take up paid employment in the United States.
  • It comes in three categories; H-1B, H-2B and L1 visas.
  • An H-1B visa is the visa type for South Africans who have been hired by companies in the United States.
  • Companies that hire people under this visa category are requested to present a document showing that the employee has special skills.
  • Also, they have to present a document showing that the salary been paid to the employee is fair.
  • Wife and child/children of a H-1B visa holder can gain entry into the country under an H-4 visa.
  • H-2B visa holders are workers who gain entry into the U.S on temporary basis.
  • This people work in non-agricultural sectors and are typically low-income earners.
  • L-1 visas allow employees of companies with a branch in the US as well as internationally to work in the US division of the company.

United States Of America H-1B (Foreign Workers Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • H1-B visa is meant for South Africans who want to work in the United States.
  • This visa is only issued to South Africans when there is no citizen of the United States available to take up the job.
  • The visa is issued for a period of 3 – 6 years.
  • At the expiry of the visa, an extension of 1 – 3 years may be granted.
  • Minor children and spouse of a holder of H-1B visa can accompany the H-1B visa holder with the H-4 visa.
  • Your minor children are allowed to study with the H-4 visa.
  • H1-B visa holders wanting a green card need to wait for an average of 6 years before getting it.

United States Of America H-2B (Temporary Foreign Workers Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows foreigners work in the United States on a temporary basis.
  • These workers usually work in the non-agricultural sectors.
  • Foreigners who do this temporary work are usually on a low salary.
  • You are expected to return to South Africa at the conclusion of the work in the United States.
  • A letter from your local physician showing that you have a perfect health condition.
  • Traveling with a minor requires you to have the minor’s original birth certificate.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of stay in the country.

United States Of America L-1 (Intracompany Transfers Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa allows employees of a company with offices both in South Africa and the United States of America to work in the branch in U.S.
  • It is valid for a period between 3 months to 5 years.
  • Your spouse and minor children can accompany you by applying for an L-2 visa.
  • Spouse of L-1 visa holders may work with a L-2 visa.
  • Applicants of this visa must have worked for the company for at least 12 months over the past 3 years.
  • Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • The original copy of your minor’s birth certificate should be presented during the visa application process.
  • Certificate of employment in the company is required.
  • A letter from the United States of America division of the company requesting for your presence.
  • Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.

United States Of America O (Extraordinary Ability Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • If you have extraordinary abilities in your field, you will be issued this visa.
  • Foreigners with special abilities in athletics, business, education or sciences, you will be issued an O-1 visa.
  • If your special ability is in arts, television or motion picture fields, you will be issued the O-2 visa.
  • Children and partners of the O-1 and O-2 visa types may accompany or join you at a later time by applying for the O-3 visa.
  • If you will be accompanied by an assistant, the person is to apply for an O-2 visa.
  • The O visa allows you to stay for a period of 3 years. After that time, the duration of extension will be decided by the USCIS.
  • Original copy of minor’s birth certificate is required during the visa application process.
  • Receipt of payment of visa application fee is required.
  • Proof of extraordinary ability.

United States Of America Transit Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for those traveling to another country from the US.
  • Applicants of this visa type intend to board a connecting flight from the US to their destination country.
  • Applicants may be passengers on a ship coming from South African port and is proceeding to another country.
  • Holders of this visa are not allowed to visit friends or go sightseeing,
  • Under this visa, you are not allowed to work.
  • You need to present the visa of your destination country. Also, the flight ticket to your destination is required.
  • Minors should apply for their visa separately from their parents and their application forms should be signed by their parents.
  • The visa ceases to be valid after you exit the country.

United States Of America Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants of this visa type diplomats and other South African government officials traveling to the United States for official duties on behalf of South Africa.
  • The category of diplomatic visa that will be issued to you depends on your rank within the government.
  • The A-1 visa is for diplomats and other government officials while the A-2 visa is for the immediate family members of the A-1 visa holder.
  • Local government officials representing their states cannot apply for the diplomatic visa.
  • As a diplomat, if the purpose of your visit to the country is non-official, you may not apply for this visa type.
  • A letter confirming your status in the government and the purpose of your visit.
  • The official’s name, position and title, place of visit, purpose of travel and duration of stay should be included in the letter.
  • If you are traveling with someone less than 18 years of age, a separate visa should be gotten for such person.
  • Diplomats are not charged a fee for their visa.

United States Of America A-1 (Diplomats And Foreign Government Official Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for officials of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official duties.
  • These officials engage in activities for their national government.
  • Diplomats requiring A-1 visas include; Head of State or Government, official entering the United State to serve at the embassy or consulate, government minister and AU delegation representatives.
  • This visa will not be issued to local government officials representing their state. They require a visitor visa.
  • Government officials visiting for non-official purposes must apply for the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of their visit.
  • A diplomatic note from the South African government is needed. The note should include your status in the government, purpose, and duration of the visit.
  • Your relative either by blood, marriage or adoption, spouse or domestic partner is entitled to this visa.
  • This visa is free for diplomats. 

United States Of America A-2 (Employees Assigned By The Government Visa) Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is for officials of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official duties.
  • These officials engage in activities for their national government.
  • Full-time employee assigned by the South African government coming to work at a foreign embassy to perform duties at the embassy are entitled to this visa.
  • If you are a government official representing the South African government going to the United State based on a request of South Africa to perform government related duties.
  • Foreign military members at a U.S military base or assigned to the South African embassy in the U.S are required.
  • Staff of African Union (AU) delegation representatives.
  • This visa will not be issued to local government officials representing their state. They require a visitor visa.
  • Government officials visiting for non-official purposes must apply for the appropriate visa type based on the purpose of their visit.
  • A diplomatic note from the South African government is needed. The note should include your status in the government, purpose and duration of visit.
  • Your relative either by blood, marriage or adoption, spouse or domestic partner is entitled to this visa.

United States Of America Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

B-2 (Visitor & Medical Purposes) Visa

B-1 (Business visa)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Student visa

J-1 (Research Scholars Visa)

M-1 (Vocational and Non-academic Visa)

F-1 (Academic Institution and Language Training Courses Visa)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Work visa

H-1B (Foreign Workers Visa)

H-2B (Temporary Foreign Workers Visa)

L-1 (Intracompany Transfers Visa)

O (Extraordinary Ability Visa)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

160.00 (USD)

Transit visa

160.00 (USD)

Official visa

A-1 (Diplomats and Foreign Government Official Visa)

A-2 (Employees assigned by the Government Visa)

(USD)

(USD)

United States Of America Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, 0083 Pretoria.

https://www.za.usembassy.gov

+27 12 431 4000

Cape Town

2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake, 7945, Cape Town.

https://www.za.usembassy.gov

consularcapetown@state.gov

+27 21 702 7300

Johannesburg

1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst, 2196, Johannesburg.

https://www.za.usembassy.gov

consularjohannesburg@state.gov

+27 11 290 3000

Durban

303 Dr Pixley Kaseme Street, Durban Central, 4001

https://www.za.usembassy.gov

consulardurban@state.gov

+27 31 305 7600

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to work in the USA?

A work permit will be needed. It is commonly called EAD (Employment Authorization Document).

How do I get a B-2 visa?

You can get a B-2 visa by visiting visa application centers near you.

Is it difficult to get a US visa?

It is not difficult to get a US visa. It depends on the applicant’s presentation before consulate officers during visa interview.

How long does it take to get US visa after interview?

Visas are usually issued within 2 - 3 working days after interview.

How many days will it take to get US visa?

The visa will be processed between 3 – 15 days.

I am working in South Africa but am a citizen of Zimbabwe. I have managed to secure a job in America. Can I process my visa from South Africa. What is required. The job needs urgency.?