Docs - What Documents Are Commonly Required?

Documents Required for the South Africa to USA In-Country Refugee Program, Including Current South African Government Document Costs (2026)

One of the most important stages of the South Africa to USA in-country refugee process is document verification.

During refugee processing, U.S. authorities carefully review identity records, civil documentation, criminal history information, family relationships, and supporting evidence to confirm that the information provided throughout the refugee case is accurate and consistent.

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) involves extensive screening procedures carried out by multiple U.S. government agencies.

Because of this, applicants are commonly asked to provide official South African documents that establish identity, nationality, family structure, admissibility, and credibility.

Some documents are mandatory for nearly every case, while others may only be requested depending on the applicant’s background, military history, legal history, or family situation.

Commonly Required Documents

Identity & Civil Documents

Valid South African passport
South African ID document
Long-form or unabridged birth certificates
Marriage certificate (if married)
Divorce decree or divorce certificate (if applicable)
Security & Background Documents
Police clearance certificates
Military or army records (if applicable)
Court records (if applicable)
Supporting Documentation
Proof of persecution, threats, or intimidation
Medical records (if applicable)
Employment history records
Educational records
Family relationship proof
Administrative Documents
Passport-sized photographs
Certified English translations for non-English documents

Why These Documents Are Required

Valid South African Passport

A valid passport is one of the most important identity documents in refugee processing. U.S. authorities use passports to confirm:

Nationality
Identity
Travel history
Biographical information consistency
Passports are also required later during international travel processing if refugee approval is granted.

Current DHA Passport Costs (2026)

Adult Tourist Passport (32 pages) R600
Maxi Tourist Passport (48 pages) R1,200
Child Passport R600

Passport applied for overseas via embassy/consulate R1,200+
Replacement for lost/stolen passport

Usually standard fee applies again

The Department of Home Affairs does not technically “renew” passports. Applicants must apply for a completely new passport once expired or lost.

Official DHA fee adjustments remain based on the 2022 Government Gazette currently still in effect. (Government of South Africa)

South African ID Document

South African IDs help verify citizenship and identity records. Officers compare ID information with passports, birth certificates, and refugee interview information.

Current DHA ID Costs (2026)

First Smart ID Card - Free
Replacement Smart ID Card - Approximately R140
Temporary ID Certificate - Approximately R70

Fees may vary slightly depending on DHA updates and branch systems.

Long-Form or Unabridged Birth Certificates

Long-form or unabridged birth certificates are extremely important because they contain full parental information and detailed identity records.

These certificates help establish:

Parent-child relationships
Family structure
Dependency eligibility
Nationality verification
Consistency between family records
For refugee families applying together, unabridged birth certificates are often essential.

Current DHA Birth Certificate Costs (2026)
Birth Certificate Type
First birth certificate - Free
Additional abridged birth certificate - Approximately R75
Unabridged / long-form birth certificate - Approximately R75

Marriage Certificates

Marriage certificates establish legal spousal relationships and help confirm family composition for refugee processing.

Current DHA Marriage Certificate Costs (2026)
Marriage Certificate Type
First marriage certificate - Free

Re-issued marriage certificate - Approximately R75
Unabridged marriage certificate - Approximately R75

Divorce Certificates or Divorce Decrees

Applicants previously married may need divorce documentation to confirm legal marital status and avoid inconsistencies during refugee processing.

Court-issued divorce decree copies - Varies by court
Attorney-certified copies - R100 – R500+

Police Clearance Certificates

Police clearance certificates are used for criminal and security screening. U.S. authorities review whether applicants have criminal records or legal issues affecting admissibility.

Current SAPS Police Clearance Costs (2026)
Service
Estimated Cost
SAPS Police Clearance Certificate - R150
Fingerprinting at police station (varies) - R0 – R100
Courier fees (if applicable) -R280 – R1,200

There are currently conflicting public sources regarding police clearance fees because some SAPS pages still display older amounts while newer processing systems and service providers reflect updated fees. Most recent 2025–2026 immigration service providers report the current operational fee as approximately R150. (sacg.hk)

Military or Army Records

Applicants with previous military, police, or security-force involvement may be asked to provide military records.

These records help officials assess:

Service history
Unit assignments
Rank and responsibilities
Security-related admissibility concerns
Military service itself does not automatically disqualify refugee applicants.

Proof of Persecution or Threats

Applicants may be asked to provide supporting evidence relating to threats, intimidation, harassment, violence, or persecution.

Examples include:

Police reports
Threat messages
Affidavits
News reports
Social media evidence
Medical reports
Witness statements
Not every applicant will have extensive evidence available, but truthful and consistent interviews remain critical.

Court Records or Legal Documents

If applicants have previous arrests, court matters, legal disputes, or criminal charges, officials may request court documentation to determine admissibility and clarify outcomes.

Medical Records

Medical records may be requested where applicants have:

Chronic illnesses
Disabilities
Ongoing treatment needs
Previous surgeries
Significant medical conditions
Approved refugee applicants later undergo official immigration medical examinations before travel approval.

Estimated Medical Costs - You are not charged for your Medicals for this refugee programme

Employment History Documents

Employment records help establish timeline consistency and background history.

Examples include:

Payslips
Employment letters
Tax records
Pension documents
Business registration records

Educational Records

Educational documents help verify identity history and background consistency.

Examples include:

Diplomas
School certificates
Degrees
Academic transcripts
Replacement matric certificate - Approximately R200 – R300

SAQA verification (if needed) - Additional fees may apply

English Translations

Documents not written in English may require certified English translations before submission to U.S. authorities.

Certified translation - Approximately R250 – R1,500+ per document
Costs vary depending on language, document length, and translator accreditation.

Other Documents That May Be Requested

Depending on the complexity of the refugee case, additional documents may include:

Previous visa records
Immigration history documents
Refugee records from other countries
Property ownership records
Financial documentation
Travel history records
Adoption paperwork
Custody documents
Death certificates
Affidavits from witnesses or community leaders
Each refugee case is individually reviewed, and additional documentation may be requested at any stage of processing.