Spousal Visa South Africa: What You Need to Know about Processing Time, Requirements and Application Fees
Applying for a Spousal Visa in South Africa is not as complex as it may at first seem, and is certainly not as complicated as many countries, such as the United Kingdom. the requirements, at their core, are that you can prove a marriage or permanent life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident, at that is about it.
What we want you to know is the following, as these are the questions we receive on a daily basis:
1 THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPOUSAL VISA AND A RELATIVE'S VISA
A spousal visa is issued for 3 years and allows you to work, study or conduct your own business.
A relative's visa is issued for 2 years and does not allow you to do any of the above.
2. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO APPLY FOR THIS VISA ABROAD
While this used to be the case, you are now able to enter on a tourist visa and apply for a change of conditions from your tourist visa to a spousal or relative visa.
3. POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES
If you are changing any condition of your visa - whether that is from a tourist visa to a spousal visa, or if that is changing the employer named on your visa, you will require your foreign police clearance certificate. Please make sure you plan ahead!
4. PROCESSING TIME OF SPOUSAL VISAS
The usual processing time is 10 - 12 weeks (do not believe the 8 weeks that VFS Global tells you), and as a result of Covid19 lockdown, this is even longer than usual. Make sure that you apply well in advance, especially if your prospective employer is waiting for your visa before you are allowed to start working.
5. APPLICATION FEES FOR SPOUSAL VISA
To submit a change to a spousal visa at VFS Global South Africa, you will pay a fee of R1 550.00 and can elect to use the Premium Lounge and SMS fee for additional costs. Payment is made online via EFT or card payment.
While this application is not very complex, we see many people making mistakes and ending up having to appeal a rejected visa application which causes stress, costs money and can result in an overstay ban. We encourage you to let our offices assist you.