Can I work in South Africa with my spouse?
If you are in South Africa with your spouse or life partner and have found a job, you can add working rights to your Spousal or Life Partner Visa. It’s important to remember that these rights do not come automatically and must be applied for. This is considered a work endorsement addition to the visa.
What is a South African spousal visa?
This is a temporary South African spousal permit offered to both same-sex married couples and heterosexual married couples. You cannot study, work, or set up a business on a spousal visa in South Africa. However, you can apply for an endorsement to the visa to allow you to do so.
How does one add working rights to a life partner/spousal visa in South Africa?
HOW DOES ONE ADD WORKING RIGHTS TO A LIFE PARTNER/SPOUSAL VISA IN SOUTH AFRICA? If you are in South Africa with your spouse or life partner and have found a job, you can add working rights to your Spousal or Life Partner Visa. It’s important to remember that these rights do not come automatically and must be applied for.
Can I work in South Africa as a permanent resident?
As a permanent resident, with a permanent permit, you are free to work, start a business or even study in South Africa. You don’t need any special permits to do so. While you’re still in South Africa on a temporary visa, however, you would need an endorsement in order to work, start a business or study.
How long is a spousal visa valid for in South Africa?
A South African spouse visa is typically one year; this can be extended or renewed. It can be up to three years if work or a prescribed activity is appiled for. You must meet the spousal visa requirements for South Africa to qualify.
Can you get a job on a spousal visa?
F-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are not eligible for employment. An F-2 dependent who would desire to pursue any employment, paid or non-paid, in the U.S. would need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor them for an employment visa.
What is a spouse permit in South Africa?
What is the spouse permit for South Africa. A South African spousal permit may be issued to a foreign spouse of a South African citizen for permanent resident subject to that relationship being in good faith i.e. not of convenience.
Can a foreigner married to a South African work in South Africa?
As a foreigner married to a South African, it negates the need for work permits or business permits to be applied for. A simple endorsement to the spousal visa can be made once the correct documentation is provided. Spousal Permit – For those who obtain a spousal permit, they now hold permanent residency.
Which country give spouse visa easily?
The countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, and New Zealand allow spouses and partners to work, whereas the countries such as Hong Kong and the USA allow only married spouses to work.
How long does a spousal visa take?
Spouse Visa Processing Time Visa processing usually takes around 3-5 months. If you are a permanent resident, you must wait for a visa to become available for your spouse, based on their priority date. This can vary depending on the spouse's home country, but the typical time is around 24 months.
What are the conditions for spouse visa?
Documents Required Spouse/partner documentation including marriage certificate. Other proof of relationship. Income proof of sponsor to show adequate finances. Completed application & consulate fees.
What are the requirements for a spousal visa?
RequirementsThe sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.The couple must be lawfully married and provide a valid marriage certificate.The authenticity of the marriage must be proven with evidence, for example with photographs, flight itineraries and so on.More items...
What evidence do you need for a spouse visa?
your current passport or other valid travel ID. copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports. a copy of your biometric residence permit, if you have one. details of any previous immigration applications you've made.
What happens when a South African marries a foreigner?
Documents required to enter into a marriage Identity documents(for each person getting married) If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)
How long does it take to get citizenship after marriage in South Africa?
Citizenship by naturalization If have a South African spouse, you must have two years of permanent residence. You also must have been married for two years immediately before your application but after you received permanent residence status. If you are a minor, then you can apply for permanent residence immediately.
How long does it take for a foreigner to become a South African citizen?
Applications for naturalisation may only be received by the office if the applicant has been on a Permanent Residence Permit for a period of five (5) years from the date of obtaining Permanent Residence (PR) in the Republic of South Africa.
Can my foreign wife work in the US?
If you are a U.S. citizen, once you file Form I-130, your spouse is eligible to apply for a nonimmigrant K-3 visa. This will entitle him or her to come to the United States to live and work while the visa petition is pending. To petition for this benefit, file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).
Can I work while waiting for green card through marriage?
Can I work while waiting to get my green card? You can request work authorization when you apply for permanent residence. If you marry a permanent resident and are not eligible to apply for the green card yet, you can only work if you have a nonimmigrant status that allows work authorization.
Can I work in the US if I am married to a U.S. citizen?
How getting a green card through marriage works. To come and live in the United States permanently, you will need to apply for a marriage-based green card. A marriage green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work anywhere in the United States.
How long after marrying a U.S. citizen can I work?
Depending on your case, if you have applied as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you may need to wait for 10-12 months. As a lawful permanent resident spouse, however, the waiting time could be upwards of 30 months.
How long does a spouse visa last in South Africa?
A South African spouse visa is typically one year ; this can be extended or renewed. It can be up to three years if work or a prescribed activity is appiled for. You must meet the spousal visa requirements for South Africa to qualify. This includes showing your marriage or civil partnership certificate and possibly attending an interview.
Where to apply for spousal permit in South Africa?
Applying for relatives, life-partner or South African spousal permits. You must apply at the South African consulate or embassy in your country of residence or citizenship. Alternatively, you may apply in the closest country if not available in your own.
How to prove a relative visa in South Africa?
In both cases, you have to prove the relationship by showing birth certificates or adoption documentation; see a list of documents required for temporary and permanent residence. The related South African citizen or permanent resident acts as your sponsor and must prove they can support you financially; this amounts to at least ZAR 8,500 per month. Relative visas in South Africa are one or two years. You cannot study or work in South Africa on a relative visa but you can apply for a change of status.
How long does it take to get a South African visa?
There is no financial requirement. The South African spouse visa processing time is a minimum of 8–10 months, and you can track your application online. The general DHA application fee is free for spouses and minor children; brothers, sisters ,and older children pay ZAR 425.
How long do you have to be married to live in South Africa?
If you have been married to a South African citizen or a foreign national who holds permanent residence in South Africa for at least five years or more, you can apply for a spousal permit in South Africa, which allows permanent residence in South Africa. You must enter the country every three years to maintain the permit but you don’t have to live in South Africa permanently. Also, you’re free to study, work, or set up a business as you wish, unlike with a temporary spousal permit.
How long does it take to get a relatives permit in South Africa?
Costs include the DHA service fees (ZAR 1,520) and VHS service fees (ZAR 1,350). There is an estimated processing time of 8–10 months to make a decision ( track your application ).
Can a South African citizen get a visa?
If you are the child, parent, or step-parent of a South African citizen or permanent resident, you can qualify for either a temporary South African relatives visa or permanent relatives permit in South Africa. If you are the sibling, grandparent or grandchild of a South African citizen or permanent resident – ‘second kin’ – you may apply for a temporary relatives visa in South Africa.
Can a spouse of a South African citizen work in South Africa?
One of the most common questions we get asked is whether a spouse or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident can work in South Africa. After all, many foreigners coming to South Africa would like to earn an income to help support their families. As a permanent resident, with a permanent permit, you are free to work, ...
Can a spouse get an endorsement in South Africa?
Spouses or life partners of South Africans must obtain temporary residence and an endorsement in order to work in the country: Foreigners can only apply for an endorsement once they have a job offer. An endorsement is specific to that employer. A change of employer would mean applying for a new endorsement.
Do you have to prove that a South African could not be found to fill the position?
With an endorsement there is no need for the employer to prove that a South African could not be found to fill the position. This makes it much easier on the prospective employer and it gives the foreign immigrant a greater chance of securing a job.
Can a South African spousal visa buy into a business?
Owning and running a business as a spouse or life partner. Immigrants in possession of a temporary South African spousal or life partner visa can start or buy into a business. Again, this is subject to the person having an endorsement.
What is spousal visa in South Africa?
A South African spousal visa is a means for foreign spouses to stay with their South African partners on the basis of their relationship. It has been designed to offer a solution for a long-term stay in South Africa.
How do I apply for a South African spousal visa?
Foreign immigrants must submit proof of their relationship as well as all other necessary documentation, as determined by the South African Department of Home Affairs.
Who can apply for a spousal visa?
The husband or wife of a South African citizen or permanent resident can apply for a South African spousal visa. Life partners would apply for a life partner visa. You can learn more about this option on the life partner visa page.
Can I work or study on a spousal visa?
While a foreign spouse with permanent residency is free to work, study or start a business in South Africa, a spouse with a temporary South African spousal visa must obtain an endorsement before taking up any of those activities.
How long is a spousal visa valid for?
A temporary spousal visas is normally valid for 2 to 3 years after which it can be renewed. The success of the renewal would be dependent on the applicant meeting the criteria for the visa again.
What is the phone number for immigration in South Africa?
To speak to someone in our Cape Town office, please call +27 (0) 21 424 2460. Alternatively, call our Johannesburg office on +27 (0)11 234 4275.
What is the main criteria for a spousal visa?
The main criteria for a spousal visa is the legitimacy of the relationship held by the applicant. To prove the relationship, foreign immigrants and their partners must be able to prove that a genuine marriage exists.
What is spousal visa endorsement?
A spousal visa with work endorsement helps in finding a job as it does not have this same underlying requirement. Employers need in almost all cases to take responsibility for a foreign employee and be very involved in the application process for work visa applicants.
How long does it take to get a full response from spousal visa?
If you would like to learn more about a work endorsement on Spousal Visa and finding a job why not call one of our immigration consultants – your consultation will carry no costs nor any obligations and you can expect a full reply within 24 hours.
How long do you have to be married to get a permanent residence?
If you have been married for 5 years you may apply for permanent residence via a Spousal Permit and no endorsement will be required once permanent residence is granted.
Can a recruitment company help foreign workers?
Often recruitment companies will not entertain the idea of assisting foreign workers to find employment due to the long process and requirements involved in them securing a work visa. If they are aware of the facts surrounding how a spousal visa with work endorsement helps in this process, they are far more open to such recruitment.