If you have a long-term relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident but you are still not married, you can apply for a life partner visa, which allows you to stay in South Africa temporarily. In this article, we will show you a complete guide on how to apply for a South Africa Life Partner visa.
What is life partner visa
In South Africa, a life partner visa is a temporary visa that allows a foreign national to reside in the country with their South African citizen or permanent resident. If you are in a serious relationship with SA citizen or permanent resident and want to stay in South Africa for a long period, you can apply for this visa. Heterosexual couples and same-sex couples can apply for this visa as well.
This visa allows the holders to work, study or develop a business in South Africa. When you apply for this visa, it does not require formally signed documents governing the relationship. However, you are required to show the proof of genuine relationship and the common bank account. In addition, if the relationship has been maintained for more than five years and in good faith, you are eligible for permanent residence.
Difference between life partner and spousal visa
Under the South African Immigration Act, the life partner visa and spousal visa fall under the “relative visa” category and allow for work, study, and business rights in the South Africa. However, there are some differences between a spouse and a life partner visa.
Spousal relationships include marriage and permanent homosexual or heterosexual life-partnerships. When applying for a spousal visa, you must present proof of marriage or the existence of the life partnership at least two years.
However, the life partner visa is for people who are in serious relationships for at least 2 years and want to live together in South Africa. They must show the proof of evidence of a long-term, committed relationship, such as cohabitation agreements or joint financial record
Who can apply for life partner visa
Not everyone can apply for a life partner visa in South Africa. If you wish to apply for a life partner visa in South Africa, you must meet some certain requirements.
The applicant must cohabit with a South African citizen or permanent resident at the time of the application for two or more years but is not married.
You must show evidence of cohabitation and a long-standing relationship for more than two years, such as bank statements, utility bills, financial responsibilities, and letters from friends and family.
Life partner visa requirements
Before applying for a life partner visa, you must prepare some supporting documents. Otherwise, the application may be rejected for insufficient documentation. Make sure you have prepared the following life partner visa requirements shared ongoing commitment and support both emotionally and financially.
- Evidence of your permanent relationship
- Original identity documents of the South African citizen or permanent resident.
- A letter of support with bank statements or payments for financial proof from the South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Applicant’s Police Clearance, Medical Certificate and Radiological Report
- Background and supporting evidence on the Life Partnership.
- Proof of the same address to state current and future cohabitation.
- A notarial contract and Affidavit of Life Partnership.
- Shared expenses such as bills.
- Interviews of the life partner and South African.
How to apply for South Africa life partner visa
Once you have prepared the required documents, you can apply for a life partner visa in your country of origin. Or you can get it in South Africa if you have already applied for a temporary visa that entitles you to stay in South Africa. However, you are not allowed to apply for a life partner permit if you are on a tourist (90 day) visa.
If you are applying for a life partner visa to South Africa, you must follow the basic steps to get your South Africa life partner visa.
- You need to visit the Home Affairs website.
- You can complete the life partner visa application form
- You are required to fill in all the information with correct information.
- When you apply for the visa via VFS, you need to pay the application fee.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to attend the interview. On the interview, the applicant and the South African citizen and permanent resident will be required to answer a few questions from the officers about your relationship.
- After the interview, you can wait for the visa process. It will take a few months.
- Once the application is approved and documents are confirmed, you will receive a life partner visa.
What do they ask at the interview
When you attend the interview, there are no specific questions that the official will ask you. You don’t need to worry about it, because the officials just want to confirm that the relationship is real. All you need to do is answer their questions honestly and truly. If there are any discrepancies in your application, the interviewer may focus on them. Here are some questions that the interviewer may ask:
- How and where did you met
- Where do you live together
- Have you met each other’s families and friends
- What is your future plans as a couple
- How do you spend your free time together
Describe your first date, other specific details about your partner’s personal life like their occupation, family members, and past relationships.
Can I work, study or do business with life partner visa
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the Life Partner Permit will allow the applicant to work, study and run a business in South Africa without further authorizations. It means that you can obtain a life partner visa and endorsement at the same time.
- for work: If you find a job through a contract of employment, Intergate Immigration can apply for approval of the life partner visa. This may negate the need to apply for a work permit.
- for business: You can provide documentary proof that a suitable corporate structure has been established, such as a (Pty) Ltd., to prove the business. Then you can apply for endorsement with the Life Partner Permit.
- for study: If you are admitted to a recognised study institution, you can apply for the endorsement that allows you to study in South Africa.
How long does it take to process life partner visa
After you have completed the life partner visa application, it may take you about a few months to a year to get your life partner visa. The processing time might change depending on the Department of Home Affairs workload, the complexity of your case and supporting documentation. However, the average processing time is around a few months. You must make sure that the submitted documents are correct to avoid application rejection, which can reduce the stress of having to resubmit your application.
How much does life partner visa cost
When you apply for the life partner visa, it will cost you about R1,550 through VFS Global, which includes the service fee. They don’t charge a separate fee for the life partner visa application itself when you apply for in South Africa or abroad.
FAQ
How can my foreign partner get South African residency?
A foreign partner can get South African residency through a spousal visa, life partner visa. If they are married to a South African national or permanent resident, or keep in a life partnership with a South African citizen or permanent resident for 5 years, they have a chance to get South Africa residency.
Can you apply for a partner visa while still married?
No, you are not allowed to apply for a partner visa in South Africa while still legally married to another person. Before you apply for a partner visa, you must be divorced or legally separated to be eligible for a partner visa with someone else. The documentation includingthe divorce paper is necessary to show your marital status, if you were previously married.
What happens if I break up with my partner on a partner visa?
If you break up with your partner on a partner visa, you are legally required to notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible. The partner visa is based on a “genuine and continuing relationship,” soa breakdown means that you no longer meet the eligibility criteria. The visa will be cancelled and you need to leave South Africa, unless you can apply for a different visa.
Conclusion
To conclude, you must show proof of a genuine relationship with a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident and other required documents when you apply for your life partner visa. If you want to work, study and business, you must add the proper endorsement to the visas for permission. Don’t forget to get visa extension South Africa, if you need a longer stay.
Erin Lo