On 1 February 2023, the Department of Home Affairs implemented changes for Spousal and Life Partner visa and permanent residence applications.
These changes are as follows:
- The South African spouse or life partner must accompany the applicant to VFS on the day of submission, i.e. both the South African spouse or life partner and the applicant must attend the VFS appointment in person.
- The South African spouse or life partner must sign the letter of support in the presence of the VFS officials. The spouse or life partner cannot sign the letter ahead of time.
- Both the South African spouse or life partner and the applicant must provide two original passport photographs as part of the application.
All other requirements remain the same.
How this affects your staff
Many South African companies employ foreign nationals with Spousal and Life Partner Visas. These visa holders can work in South Africa with endorsements on their visas.
It is thus imperative to inform any employees with Spousal and Life Partner visas about the new requirements to ensure they can submit their visa renewals when the time comes.
VFS won’t accept visa submissions from applicants who are not accompanied by their South African spouse or partner on the day of submission.
Contact us if you need assistance
Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about the new requirements for spousal and life partner visa applicants.
We’ll also supply the necessary letter of support, and we’ll accompany visa applicants who submit in Cape Town or Johannesburg to VFS.
Please speak directly with your client manager or feel free to contact us at 021 424 2460.