Required Documents

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Required Documents (For All Applicants)

Not every document listed below will apply to every person or family. Please prepare only the documents relevant to your personal situation.

1. Passport(s)

A valid passport is required for each person, including infants and children.
At the time of writing, there are no restrictions preventing South Africans from applying for or receiving a passport.
Important: For children of divorced or separated parents, both parents are usually required to be present when applying for a child’s passport at Home Affairs.

2. Unabridged Birth Certificates

Full birth certificates showing both parents’ details.
Children cannot travel out of the country without an unabridged birth certificate.
Required only later for adults to confirm identity, family links and legal relationships to apply for a Green Card a year after arriving in America.
If the certificate is unavailable or delayed, a police affidavit confirming birth details may assist as supporting evidence, although it is not guaranteed to be accepted.

3. Marriage Certificate

This may be requested to confirm:

The marriage relationship, particularly if applying as a couple.
Differences in surnames between spouses or between a parent and child.
Legal or financial matters in the host country, such as pensions, tax, or insurance.
Proof of connection if one spouse is listed as a dependent on the application.

4. Parental Consent Letter (if one parent is not travelling)

A signed and certified original (wet ink) affidavit from the non-travelling parent granting permission for the child to travel. (Download Affidavit Template HERE)
A certified copy of the non-travelling parent’s ID or passport.

5. Court Orders or Death Certificates

If one parent has full custody, a certified copy of the court order will be required to negate the need for the Affidavit above.
If a parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate will be required as supporting documentation.

6. Previously Married Women

Women who have been previously married, especially those who have remarried more than once, should be prepared to submit documentation for all prior marriages and divorces. Providing a clear history of name changes helps prevent delays during identity checks or application reviews.

This includes:

Copies of previous marriage and divorce certificates.
Any name changes, including alias names or former surnames, as they may appear in supporting documents such as passports, birth certificates or financial records.

Only if Asked (Persecution-Based Evidence)

These documents are not required for everyone. They are only useful if the U.S. government specifically asks for additional proof, or if you are personally comfortable sharing more information to support your account of persecution. Many applicants do not have these and can still qualify, but if you have documents, take these with you.

1. Police or Government Reports

If available, any documents relating to reported threats, harm, or persecution.
May include: case numbers, screenshots of online threats or social media posts, photographs, messages, or videos.

2. Witness Letters or Community Statements

If possible, letters from people who can confirm the applicant’s experience.
This is not always necessary, but may help support the case.

3. Proof of Membership (Political, Religious, or Ethnic Groups)

This could include membership to political parties or civil organisations such as Solidarity, AfriForum, or similar groups that are linked to cultural, social, or advocacy-based activities.