Do you have a relative in South Africa and you are considering migrating there? This article will discuss how you can get the permit to live and work in South Africa if you already have a relative living in the country. It is also explained in this post the documents needed and who qualifies and the visa cost. Below is how you can Get And Apply For South African Sponsorship Family Visa.

South African Sponsorship Family Visa

What’s South African Sponsorship Family Visa

The South African Sponsorship Family Visa or relatives visa is a permit issued to foreign citizens whose relatives are South African citizen or permanent resident of South Africa to migrate to the country. The relative permit has a minimum validity of 2 years which can be extended. Relative of individuals with temporary residence visa of South Africa can apply for this visa but might not be opportune to work with it.

Types of South African Sponsorship Family Visa

The types of South African Relatives Visa are basically three. They are:

1. Spousal Visa: This is a visa issued to a foreigner married to a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident for at least two years. The visa is a temporary type, valid for two years but can be extended. It is available for both heterosexual and homosexual couples. The beneficiary of this visa can work or own their business in the country.

2. Life Partner Visa: This type of family visa issued to a foreigner who has been in a relationship with a Citizen of South Africa or Permanent Resident for two or more years but is not married. The visa valid for two years and can be extended. The applicant should provide evidence that both of them have been together for two years and can apply for work and business visa along with the visa.

3. Relatives Visa: The relatives’ visa is issued to a foreigner who is a first or second level kinship family member of a South African citizen or Permanent Resident. Examples of first and second level kingship family members are children (adopted inclusive), parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents etc. First-time applicants must do so in the country where they currently reside. Holders of this visa are not eligible for work, business, or study whilst in South Africa.

Also Read: France Work Permit: Easy Guidelines for French Work Sponsorship Visa

What are the Basic Requirements for South African Sponsorship Family Visa Application?

There are some requirements that qualify an applicant for a South African family visa. These are:

• Applicant must have a relative in South Africa who must be a citizen or permanent resident.
• Applicant must provide proof of relationships with the sponsor.
• The sponsor of the foreign applicant must have income or assets of at least R8, 500 per month.

What are the Documents Required for Application of South African Sponsorship Family Visa

Below are the documents which must be in place to apply for South African family visa:

• International passport (with 90 days validity) and travel documents
• Passport size photographs (at least 2).
• A duly completed application form DHA-1738 signed by the applicant
• Relationship proof (for lifelong partners)
• Marriage Certificate (for married couples)
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if the applicant travelled or intends to travel from or transiting through yellow fever endemic zones)
• Birth Certificates (for children)
• Adoption papers (for adopted child)
• Copies of family member’s work visa or student visa.
• Medical records or reports
• Proof of behaviour (to be obtained from police)
• Payment receipt of your Relative’s Visa application.

How to Apply for South African Sponsorship Family Visa

The application process for South African family visa is similar to applications of other visa types in South Africa. The steps below will guide you through:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

It is assumed that you know the types of family visa you are applying for. That been said, you are required to get all the document ready and ensure all are complete.

Step 2: Fill Application Form

Now, you need to duly fill the application form which is available online. DHA -947 form is required for applicants whose family member in South Africa has a permanent residence/citizen status in South Africa, while DHA -1738 form is to be filled if the family member in South Africa has a temporary residence status in South Africa with a work visa or a student Visa. After filling the form you are to print out the application form.

Step 3: Book Appointment with Embassy

After filling the form, you need to book an appointment with the consulate or embassy nearest to you. Every embassy or consulate has different working hours and schedule. It is very pertinent you book an appointment before going there.

Step 4: Visit Embassy for Interview

On the day you are slated to attend the interview, walk into the embassy, with all the required documents and the application form. An officer will engage you on the reasons why you are requesting the visa to ascertain if you are a serious applicant or not.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee

The application for a spousal and life partner visa is free but the relative visa cost R 1350. Thus, you will only make an application fee, if you are applying for a relative visa.

Step 6: Wait for Visa

Once you have applied, you will receive a notification from immigration services, the embassy, or Consulate. You will be required to wait for some days or more to get your visa.

What’s the South African Sponsorship Family Visa Application Processing Duration

The family visa in South Africa averagely take 6-10 weeks. In some cases, it might take more than that. You will be notified when the visa is ready or otherwise.

Conclusion: South African Family Visa allows individuals who have relatives in South Africa to join them. In order to get the visa, the individual must directly be related to the South African citizen or Permanent Resident as in you must be the person’s partner, child, parent, uncle, aunt, grandparent or sibling etc. The visa is free but the relative subclass cost R350 and the processing can be within sixty days.