LIFE PARTNER/SPOUSES WORK VISA (SECTION 11.6)

As a spouse of a South African, you will not have to meet the stringent criteria that apply to work visas. Apart from the proof of the life partnership (proof of cohabitation and mutual financial commitment) you will mainly have to provide an offer or contract of employment. If within 4-6 weeks of entering the country you have not secured a work offer, we would apply for a relative’s visa (valid for 2-3 years) first. Obtaining a relative’s visa will secure your status as the life partner/spouse of a South African and may, in some instances, make finding employment easier.

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 This is because potential employers are sometimes more likely to offer a position to someone who has already proven their status as the life partner/spouse of a South African to the Department of Home Affairs (many employers advise that only candidates with work visa apply for advertised positions, but this is not always possible as a work visa generally depends upon an offer of employment having been provided and the potential employer supporting the application). Once the job offer is secured, the relative’s visa can be changed to a “life partner/spousal work visa”, which will involve a new application process.