What is the spousal visa for South Africa?
The spousal visa for South Africa allows foreign spouse applicants who are married to South African citizens or permanent residents to stay alongside their partner.
How long does it take to get a spousal visa?
The average processing time of all temporary residence visa applications including spousal visa applications is 8-10 weeks or longer to be processed and finalised on part by Department of Home Affairs. Can I work on a spousal visa?
How do I get a South African spouse permit?
Your spouse needs to be either a South African citizen or permanent resident. To obtain Permanent residency you will need to apply for a South African Spousal Permit and this requires you to have been married for a period of 5 years or more to qualify.
How long does a life partner visa last in South Africa?
A temporary life partner visa in South Africa last for up to three years; however, you cannot study, work, or set up a business but can apply for an endorsement. With a permanent South African life partner permit, you are free to study or work without restriction.
How long does it take to get a spousal visa approved?
Average time -- Around 10.5 months to get the fiancé visa petition (Form I-129F) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; then another several months to get the K-1 visa from a U.S. consulate; then another two years or longer to get the U.S. green card, depending on which USCIS office is handling it.
How do you get a spousal permit in South Africa?
Proof required within a South African spousal visa application includes:A marriage certificate.Proof of your South African spouses citizenship or residence.A letter of support from your South African spouse.Proof of good health and standing.A completed temporary residency application form.
How much is a spousal permit in South Africa?
A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. Payment of the application fee of R1350.
When can a spouse apply for permanent residence in South Africa?
5 yearsForeigners who have been married for in excess of 5 years can apply for permanent residency as a spouse. It should be noted that in many cases a temporary spouse visa will still need to be applied for, simply as the processing time for permanent residency can take 24 months and longer.
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)
What documents do you need for spouse visa?
You'll need to provide:all your names.your date of birth.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.More items...
Can I stay in South Africa if I marry a South African?
A foreign national, who is married to a South African national, or a person holding South African permanent residence status, can apply for Permanent Residence. You will also be able to apply for Permanent Residence if you are in a life partnership with a SA national or permanent residence holder.
How much is a spousal visa cost?
Estimated marriage-based visa cost: $1,200 The U.S. citizen spouse submits the marriage relationship form (I-130 petition) and other required materials to USCIS, along with the $535 filing fee.
How does spousal visa work in South Africa?
This visa is issued for a fixed two year period, extendable. It requires a South African spouse to demonstrate the availability of at least R8,500.00 per month; to support the foreign relative over the two year period. This visa does not enable the foreigner to take up any form of work in South Africa.
How much is a spousal visa cost?
Estimated marriage-based visa cost: $1,200 The U.S. citizen spouse submits the marriage relationship form (I-130 petition) and other required materials to USCIS, along with the $535 filing fee.
How long does it take to get a permanent residence permit in South Africa?
Depending on the type of submission, a Permanent Residence application takes on average 4 – 8 months to process from the date of submission. If your Permanent Resident Permit application has been delayed for a long period, you can request that it be finalised, and a conclusion granted.
How long does a spousal visa take in South Africa?
The average processing time of all temporary residence visa applications including spousal visa applications is 8-10 weeks or longer to be processed and finalised on part by Department of Home Affairs.
How long is a South African visa valid?
This visa is issued for a fixed two year period, extendable. It requires a South African spouse to demonstrate the availability of at least R8,500.00 per month; to support the foreign relative over the two year period.
Is a girlfriend or a fiancée a spouse?
A girlfriend or fiancée is considered a spouse only if the relationship with the South African citizen or permanent resident permit holder has exited for at least two (2) years and satisfies the criteria of exclusivity, cohabitation and mutual financial support. This must be demonstrated with the support of documentary proof.
What are the requirements of a spousal visa?
A spousal visa, may this be a relative visa or a spousal based visitor visa, requires proof of the existence of the spousal relationship.
Can I work on a spousal visa?
Only a spousal based visitor visa issued in terms of section 11 (6) (b) of the Immigration Act may allow its holder to work. The specific work endorsement is subject to the foreign spouse having secured an offer or contract of employment in South Africa.
Can I work on a relative visa?
The holder of a relative visa may not work or conduct any activity in South Africa. Spouses of South African citizens or permanent residents who intend to work or conduct own businesses must apply for a visitor visa with work or business authorization.
Can I apply for permanent residence on a spousal visa?
You are eligible to apply for permanent residence on the basis of your spousal relationship if you are the spouse of a South African citizen or permanent resident of at least 5 years.
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.
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 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 for a DHA to process a VHS?
The processing time is 8–10 months for the DHA to make a decision. The application charge is the VHS service fee of ZAR 1,350.
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 ).
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.
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.
How long does a spousal visa last in South Africa?
A spousal visa is application to join a South African Citizen or permanent residence holder in South Africa on a temporary visa, normally for 2 or 3 years.
What is required for a temporary spousal visa in South Africa?
Proof required within a South African spousal visa application includes: A marriage certificate. Proof of your South African spouses citizenship or residence.
Do you need to recruit South Africans to start a business?
If your intention is to set up a business there is no minimum investment amount requirements nor a need to recruit a certain amount of South Africans.