Integrity
Conduct yourself with integrity and dignity in all professional and business relationships.
FORUM FOR IMMIGRATION
PRACTITIONERS
Upholding Professional Standards in South African Immigration
The Forum for Immigration Practitioners South Africa (FIPSA) is the officially recognised professional body representing qualified immigration practitioners in South Africa. Established to uphold ethical standards, provide accredited training, and advocate for regulated immigration services, FIPSA works closely with the Department of Home Affairs, SAQA, and other government stakeholders. Through expert guidance and legal advocacy, we help individuals, families, and businesses navigate the South African immigration system with confidence and compliance.
Learn More About FIPSAWHO WE REPRESENT
Recognised professional designations ensuring ethical, qualified immigration assistance.
Professional Immigration Practitioner (SA) – IP(SA)
Immigration Practitioner Associate (SA) – IPA(SA)
Immigration Practice General Auxiliary (SA) – IPGA(SA)
Fellow of FIPSA
WHY JOIN FIPSA?
Professional Recognition
FIPSA is the only SAQA-recognised professional body for immigration practitioners in South Africa.
Credibility and Public Trust
Membership distinguishes you from unregistered 'agents' and affirms you operate under a regulated, ethical framework.
Networking and Collaboration
Engage with legal experts and peers; access the latest developments in South African immigration law and policy.
Code of Conduct
FIPSA members commit to ethical, competent, and lawful practice in all professional matters. Members must protect clients, respect the law, and uphold the reputation of the profession.
Fundamental Principles
Objectivity
Do not allow bias, conflicts, or undue influence to override your professional judgment.
Professional Competence & Due Care
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and act diligently and honestly in line with applicable standards.
Confidentiality
Protect client information and do not disclose it without authority or legal/professional duty.
Professional Behaviour
Comply with laws and avoid any conduct that discredits FIPSA or the profession.
Member Duties
FIPSA identifies skills (education), integrity and excellence as the pre-eminent professional attributes of members. FIPSA provides guidance to enhance these qualities.
Members must comply with the five fundamental principles listed above.
Members must comply with all laws and regulations and owe a contractual duty of skill and care to clients, ideally governed by a letter of engagement. Duties extend to the country, including honest presentation of clients' affairs.
Ensure submissions to immigration authorities are correct and complete.
Do not make or encourage statements you know or believe to be misleading, inaccurate or false.
If you become aware of irregularities in a client's immigration affairs, advise the client of the consequences and how to disclose appropriately.
Where a client refuses to follow advice on disclosure, consider whether you should continue the engagement.
Be honest about the prospects of success when assessing, preparing, or submitting cases.
Do not encourage lodging applications that will not succeed; ensure the client understands the situation.
When approached by another member/professional, obtain client authority before disclosing information.
Unless specifically limited, this Code applies equally to members in public practice, commerce, business, the public sector, and academia.
About FIPSA
The Forum for Immigration Practitioners South Africa (FIPSA) is the officially recognised professional body representing qualified immigration practitioners in South Africa. We uphold ethical standards, accreditation, and advocacy in partnership with government and industry.
Our Mission
Uphold professional and ethical standards in South African immigration practice, protecting the public and advancing the profession.
Our Vision
A regulated, transparent, and trusted immigration environment served by qualified, accredited practitioners.
Our Mandate
Represent, accredit, and support immigration practitioners; collaborate with DHA, SAQA and stakeholders on policy and standards.
History of FIPSA
The Forum of Immigration Practitioners South Africa (FIPSA) has played a key role in the professionalisation and regulation of immigration practitioners in South Africa. Its journey is closely linked to the Immigration Act (2002), the 2014 amendment removing statutory recognition, and a protracted legal battle culminating in formal recognition by the Minister and Department of Home Affairs.
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2002
Initial Recognition under Section 46 (Immigration Act, 2002)
- Immigration practitioners/agents were registered with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), including exams and requirements.
- FIPSA served as the leading professional association providing accreditation, oversight and ethics.
- Recognition enabled qualified practitioners to act for clients before DHA.
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2014
Immigration Amendment Act — Section 46 Removed
- Statutory recognition of immigration practitioners was removed.
- DHA stopped accepting applications from FIPSA-registered practitioners.
- Regulatory vacuum: rise of unqualified providers; public confusion and risk.
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2020
High Court Ruling — 26 Feb 2020
- Court found in favour of FIPSA, recognising it as the professional body for immigration practitioners.
- DHA compelled to allow FIPSA members to represent clients.
- Court acknowledged the regulatory vacuum created by the removal of Section 46.
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2020
Ministerial Recognition & SAQA Registration
- Minister of Home Affairs formally recognised FIPSA post-ruling.
- FIPSA registered with SAQA as a professional body.
- Introduction of formal designations (e.g., Immigration Practitioner), structured training, accreditation and lawful representation.
Management Committee (MANCO)
Elected leadership of the Forum for Immigration Practitioners South Africa (FIPSA). MANCO oversees governance, ethics, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Executive
Gershon Mosiane
Chairperson
Michelle Barker
Vice Chairperson
Henry Harper
Treasurer
Gerda Smith
Secretary
Co-Opted Member
Nadia Heinze
Deputy Vice Chairperson: Legal
Chapter Chairs
Rod Maxwell
Western Cape (WC)
Nasreen Bhat
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
Belinda De Nation-Hepers
Gauteng
For governance queries, contact info@fipsa.org.za.
NEW MEMBERS
Membership Application – Important Information
Applicants wishing to join the Forum for Immigration Practitioners of South Africa (FIPSA) are required to complete the online membership application form and submit all required supporting documentation for assessment.
Membership Application Process
- Complete the online New Member Application Form in full.
- Upload all required supporting documents as indicated in the application.
- Submit the application before the official closing date.
- Once assessed, qualifying applicants will be invited to sit for the FIPSA examination.
Required Supporting Documents
- Certified copy of South African Identity Document or Passport
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Reference letters
- SA Police Clearance Certificate
Application Deadline
All membership applications for the 2026 intake must be received by:
30 March 2026
FIPSA Examination Date
30 June 2026 – FIPSA Examination for New Membership
Fees Payable
The following fees apply to new membership applications:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Assessment Fee | R 875.00 |
| Examination Fee | R 3 000.00 |
| Registration Fee | R 2 500.00 |
| Annual Membership Fee | R 7 200.00 |
Banking Details for Payment of Assessment Fee
Bank: FNB
Account Name: FIPSA
Account Number: 625 7711 1661
Branch Code: 250655
Reference: Applicant Full Name
Support & Enquiries
For any questions or assistance regarding the membership application process, please contact:
newmembership@fipsa.org.za
New Member Form
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New Member Exam
To join FIPSA, there is various criteria which needs to be complied with, which starts inter alia with the provision of documentation and then a payment to a "Screening Fee" (SCF). The documents needed, are listed in the application form and the "SCF" is needed to do a record check on all potential members.
Once the completed form and all documents, with the proof of payment to the fees have been received, the application is considered for membership, based on the relevant criteria and internal Policies. The individuals are then informed of their success towards such application and then needs to make a payment towards the writing of an exam. Note that at this stage exams is done twice a year, but this may change, based on various reasons. It is essential to note that FIPSA do not enter into discussions on the outcome of the exam and the mark obtained, would be final.
Once the exam is passed, a once off "Joining fee" is paid and thereafter, monthly fees, as per designation, will become effective. Membership fees will then be levied and must be paid in the sequences, as defined in our relevant Policies. If however the exam was failed, a fee to a re-exam may be paid and such exam will then be written, on a date as decided by the Management of FIPSA.
More information can be obtained by sending an email to: info@fipsa.org.za
Upcoming Dates
30 June 2026
30 March 2026
Dates are subject to change. Please check back regularly.
MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING
Use our Member Search tool or scan a QR code to verify a practitioner's status with FIPSA.
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Scan Membership QR Code
Scan the QR on a FIPSA certificate to verify instantly.
How it works
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Contact Us
Reach out to the Forum for Immigration Practitioners South Africa (FIPSA).
📍 Physical Address
Brooklyn Bridge, 3rd Floor, Building 2, Brooklyn Office Park, 570 Fehrsen Str, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge, 3rd Floor, Building 2, Brooklyn Office Park, 570 Fehrsen Str, Brooklyn
✉️ Email Address
info@fipsa.org.za
info@fipsa.org.za
📞 Phone Number
068 905 5983
068 905 5983
MEMBERSHIP TYPES
FIPSA offers membership categories to match different experience levels in immigration practice.
Who it's for
Entry-level practitioners starting their professional foundation.
Key Requirements
- Basic understanding of SA immigration law
- FIPSA orientation
- Commitment to CPD
- Clean professional record
Keep the Designation
- 20 CPD hours/year
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Adhere to FIPSA Code of Conduct
- Annual practice report
Who it's for
Practitioners with experience handling more complex matters.
Key Requirements
- 2+ years practice experience
- Relevant qualification
- FIPSA assessment
- Two references
Keep the Designation
- 30 CPD hours/year
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Adhere to FIPSA Code of Conduct
- Quarterly practice reports
Who it's for
Experienced practitioners with comprehensive knowledge and a proven track record.
Key Requirements
- 5+ years practice experience
- Legal/immigration qualification
- FIPSA comprehensive exam
- Three senior references
Keep the Designation
- 40 CPD hours/year
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Adhere to FIPSA Code of Conduct
- Monthly reports & mentoring
Who it's for
Senior practitioners who have made significant contributions to the profession.
Key Requirements
- 10+ years practice experience
- Advanced qualification
- Contribution to FIPSA/profession
- Fellow nomination & Board approval
Keep the Designation
- 50 CPD hours/year
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Adhere to FIPSA Code of Conduct
- Governance & mentoring
Membership Comparison
| Feature | IPGA(SA) | IPA(SA) | IP(SA) | Fellow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | Entry | 2+ years | 5+ years | 10+ years |
| CPD Hours/Year | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Reporting Frequency | Annual | Quarterly | Monthly | As required |
| Mentoring Required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Updates & News
Official notices, circulars, training dates, and media statements from FIPSA.
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