South African Immigration Compliance and Consulting Services - Consultant

Description of Role

As a Consultant in Immigration Services, you’ll play a critical hands-on role in delivering immigration solutions to multinational and local clients. You’ll work closely with managers and senior leaders to prepare and manage visa applications, monitor compliance, and support clients navigating complex immigration frameworks across South Africa. This is a fast-paced, client-facing role that requires precision, strong communication, and a passion for making things work in a highly regulated environment. 

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit immigration applications – all types of visas and permits.
• Liaise with clients to collect required documentation, ensure accuracy, and manage expectations on timelines.  Develop relationships with clients as key point of contact.
• Monitor application status and follow up with government authorities as needed.
• Ensure all applications comply with South African immigration laws and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) guidelines.
• Maintain internal trackers, case files, and status reports to ensure accurate record-keeping and client visibility.
• Support in the preparation of advisory reports and compliance assessments.
• Liaise with internal teams (tax, mobility) to deliver coordinated client service.
• Act as the primary contact for operational updates, documentation follow-ups, and initial client queries.
• Keep up to date with immigration law developments and regulatory changes in South Africa.
• Conduct research and contribute to internal knowledge sharing on updates, policy shifts, and best practices.
• Identify and contribute to opportunities for process improvement including use of AI and other technology.
• Ensure all documentation and client interactions meet the firm’s quality standards and risk protocols.
• Identify potential red flags or delays in cases and escalate to Managers/Senior Managers when necessary.
• Proactively manage billings and collections.
• Provide coaching to junior team members on legislation and practical application.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in immigration services or global mobility, ideally within a professional services firm or multinational corporation.
• Solid understanding of visa categories, documentation requirements and practical casework.
• Experience in handling client relationships and leading junior team members.
• Excellent communication, and project management skills.

Skills and Behavioural Attributes

• Excellent organisational and project-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and client communications.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Technologically literate: a good working knowledge of Microsoft applications.
• Able to oversee a team, including development of individual team members
• Manage and oversee client deliverables deadlines.
• Presentation skills
• Motivated and driven
• Ability to work on your own, a team player.

Who we are:

Our immigration practice revolves around helping our clients effectively manage their immigration obligations proactively and responsibly. As part of a global team of 2,000+ tax professionals in over 160 countries, you will advise clients on planning, compliance and reporting on immigration matters  wherever the client has a need. Our unwavering commitment to quality service and our technical networks enable you to help clients mitigate risk and identify opportunities within their immigration programme.

Our immigration practice is housed within our People Advisory Services (PAS) function. As a PAS professional, you will have the opportunity to work with global clients to understand and address some of the largest and most complex challenges related to the movement of people, and ultimately improve and drive valuable and sustainable business results.

At EY we support you in achieving your unique potential both personally and professionally. We give you stretching and rewarding experiences that keep you motivated, working in an atmosphere of integrity and teaming with some of the world's most successful companies. And while we encourage you to take personal responsibility for your career, we support you in your professional development in every way we can. You enjoy the flexibility to devote time to what matters to you, in your business and personal lives. At EY you can be who you are and express your point of view, energy and enthusiasm, wherever you are in the world. It's how you make a difference.