Our Service EXPERTISE – Comprehensive Legal Services for Your Needs
At C Watson Attorneys, we offer a broad range of legal services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our practice areas encompass Divorce Law, Family Law, Immigration Law, High Court Litigation, and basic Wills. Our experienced and dedicated team is committed to providing tailored legal solutions with the highest level of professionalism and care.
South African Immigration Law and Services
Applications for visas and permits can be submitted both within South Africa and at South African embassies abroad.
Temporary Residence Visas
Visitors visas
Section 11(1) Visa
- Extend your current stay in South Africa by up to an additional 90 days.
Section 11(2) Business Visa
- For business-related visits.
Volunteer Visa
- For those participating in volunteer work.
Dependent Visa
- For spouses or children accompanying a spouse or parent who holds a valid visa in South Africa.
Section 11(6) Visa
- Allows foreigners married to or in a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident to work or run a business in South Africa.
- NEW! As of 4 December 2023, parents of South African citizens or permanent resident minor children can also apply for a Section 11(6) visa to work or conduct business in South Africa.
Work visas
GENERAL WORK VISAS
Under the Immigration Regulations of 2014, applying for a general work visa requires a certificate from the Department of Labour confirming:
- Despite a diligent search, the employer could not find a suitable South African citizen or permanent resident with equivalent qualifications or skills.
- The applicant possesses qualifications or proven skills and experience relevant to the job offer.
- The applicant's salary and benefits are not less than the average for similar positions held by citizens or permanent residents.
- The employment contract, signed by both the employer and the applicant, meets South African labour standards and is contingent on visa approval.
The Department of Home Affairs will decide on the application based on the Department of Labour's recommendation.
CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISAS
The Critical Skills Work Visa is granted based on alignment with the Critical Skills List. It permits the holder to work in South Africa in a designated occupation within a specific sector as listed on the Critical Skills List.
INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER VISAS
Multi-national companies may transfer employees from a foreign branch to a South African branch. These employees must apply for an intra-company transfer visa, which cannot be applied for or extended within South Africa.
REMOTE WORK VISAS
The Remote Work Visa allows foreign nationals to live in South Africa while continuing to work for a foreign employer. It is initially issued for 6 months and can be renewed in South Africa for up to 36 months.
Business visas
Foreigners intending to invest in South Africa by establishing a new business or investing at least R5 million in an existing business must apply for a business visa.
Study visas
Foreign nationals who wish to pursue education in South Africa, including at schools or universities, must apply for a study visa.
Relative visas
Spouse/Life Partner
- For relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident who are spouses or life partners. (Refer to the Visitors Visa under Section 11(6) for work endorsement options.)
Child
- For relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident who are children.
Parent
- For relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident who are parents.
Sibling
- For relatives of a South African citizen or permanent resident who are siblings.
ZEP / LEP Extension Applications
We handle applications for extending the validity of Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) or Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP).
Other
- Medical Treatment Visa
- Retired Person Visa
Permanent Residence Permits
Permanent Residence Permits
Spouse of a South African Citizen or PR Holder
- For those married to or in a partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Parent of a South African Citizen or PR Holder
- For parents of South African citizens or permanent residents.
Child of a South African Citizen or PR Holder
- For children of South African citizens or permanent residents.
Critical Skills
- For individuals with skills listed as critical in South Africa.
Retirement
- For retirees who wish to make South Africa their permanent home.
Financial Independence
- For individuals with a net worth of R12 million or more, demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
Refugee Status
- For individuals granted refugee status in South Africa.
Proof of Permanent Residence
- Documentation required to confirm permanent residence status.
Appeals
Appeals
We assist with challenging visa or permit decisions through formal appeal processes.
Waivers
Waivers
We help you apply for waivers to overcome visa or immigration requirements that may not be met.
Upliftment of Prohibition
Upliftment of Prohibition
- Foreign nationals may be declared prohibited and placed on the visa entry and exit stop list (V-list) for various reasons, often including possession of fraudulent visas, permits, South African IDs, or passports.
- To have the prohibition lifted, an application must be submitted to the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs, who will review the case and consider removing the restrictions if sufficient justification is provided.
Overstay Appeals
Overstay Appeals
Foreign nationals who overstay their visa validity may be declared undesirable and banned from South Africa for a period of 1 to 5 years.
Good Cause Applications
Good Cause Applications
Applications for "good cause" seek authorization for foreign nationals who are unlawfully in the country to remain while their status application is being processed.
- OTHER PRACTICE AREAS -
Divorce Law
We handle unopposed (uncontested) divorces and cases involving substituted service when your spouse's whereabouts are unknown.
Divorce Law
Unopposed Divorce
- Unopposed (uncontested) divorces occur when both parties agree on the terms of the divorce.
Divorce by Substituted Service
- Proceed with divorce when your spouse's whereabouts are unknown using substituted service or edictal citation applications.
Family Law
Our services include changing your matrimonial property system by applying to the High Court and signing a Notarial Contract.
Family Law
Change of Matrimonial Property System
- Apply to the High Court and sign a Notarial Contract to change your marital regime in South Africa, creating a postnuptial agreement to govern your new matrimonial property system.
Immigration Law
We offer extensive immigration services including temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits, waivers and appeals.
Immigration Law
South African Immigration Services
- We provide expert assistance with immigration matters for South Africa, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations. Our services include visa applications, residency permits, and work permits. We guide you through the process, making it as smooth as possible.
Namibian Immigration Services
- We offer specialized support with immigration matters for Namibia, ensuring full compliance with the country's regulations. Our services include visa applications, residency permits, and work permits. We're here to help you navigate the process with ease and confidence.
UK, and USA Visitor Visas
- Our services include applying for visitor visas to the UK, and the USA, facilitating your travel needs with precision and efficiency.
Litigation
Specializing in High Court applications, we assist with compelling the Department of Home Affairs.
Litigation
High Court Applications (South Africa)
- Assistance with court applications to compel the Department of Home Affairs to finalize pending applications or matters within a specified time period.
Wills
We provide services for drafting and managing basic wills to ensure your wishes are respected.
Wills
Drafting Basic Wills
- Create clear and binding wills for asset distribution and guardianship.
Review and Update
- Adjust your will to reflect life changes such as marriage, divorce, or new children.
Executor Guidance
- Support and advise executors in administering your will according to the law.