The South African Accompanying Spouse/Dependant Visa

The Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa, referred to as a”11(1)(b)(iv) Visitors Visa” under South Africa’s Immigration Act of 2002, is designed to allow family members, dependants, minors or partners to join someone that is applying for a valid temporary residence visa in South Africa. This visa exists to maintain family unity, ensuring that dependants such as spouses, partners, minor children, or other family members can stay with the primary visa holder for the duration of their stay in South Africa. However, this visa has specific limitations and eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to qualify.

This must not be confused with the South African Relatives Visa, which exists to allow family/relatives/partners to join a South African Permanent residence holder, or citizen.

To apply for the Accompanying Visa, the dependant must do so in conjunction with a person who is already applying for a form of temporary residence in South Africa. It is important to note that this visa cannot be applied for independently. The primary visa applicant must be present and must be applying for one of the following types of temporary residence visas in South Africa:

• Retirement Visa
• Critical Skills Work Visa
• General Work Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa
• Study Visa
• Digital Nomad Visa
• Business Visa
• A long Term Visitors Visa i.e. Artist Visa/Volunteer Visa

Eligibility and Key Conditions

Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the primary visa holder, whether through a marriage certificate, proof of partnership, or evidence of family ties. If the applicant is not married to the visa holder, the relationship must have been in existence for at least two years prior to the application. Evidence such as shared bank accounts, lease agreements, or a will and testament will be required to prove this.

Financial stability is another important requirement. The accompanying applicant must show they have sufficient funds, with a minimum of ZAR 8,500.00 per month in their bank account, to support themselves during their stay in South Africa. Additionally, police clearance certificates must be provided for any country where the applicant has resided for more than 12 months over the last five years, ensuring compliance with South Africa’s immigration security checks.

Limitations of the Accompanying Visa

The Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa carries specific restrictions. Importantly, it does not grant the holder the right to work (Work Authorisation) or study in South Africa. This means that dependants who wish to pursue employment or education must either apply for a different visa from another country, or in the case of dependants of Critical Skills Visa holders, apply for a “change of condition” to convert their accompanying visa into a work or study visa in South Africa.

For other temporary residence visas, the accompanying visa is valid for up to three years but can be renewed within South Africa as needed.

Once the primary visa holder obtains permanent residence in South Africa, their dependants may also be eligible to apply for permanent residence, offering a pathway to longer-term stability for the family. In the case of the spouse, this is only if the spouse has been connected with the permanent residence holder for minimum 5 years.

This visa is an excellent option for family members seeking to accompany someone moving to South Africa temporarily, but it is essential to understand its limitations and plan accordingly for work, study, or long-term residency needs.

Last Updated: 15/10/2024

When applying for or renewing an Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa in South Africa, it is vital that the applicant provides the correct forms and documentation to ensure a smooth and successful process. The South African Department of Home Affairs has specific requirements to verify the applicant’s relationship with the primary visa holder, financial stability, and general health. All documentation must be complete, accurate, and in the correct format to avoid delays or rejections. It must be noted that any document that is in a different language to english, must be translated by an official translator.
Below is a list of the required documents and forms for the application or renewal process:

• DHA-1738 Form 8 filled in digitally in black font (handwritten application forms are not accepted by the Department of Home Affairs).
• Proof of payment of application fees.
• Original passport with at least 30 days validity after the expiry of your visa.
• Certified copy of the primary visa applicant’s passport.
• 2x valid passport photos: Ensure that the photo is 35mm wide by 45mm high, taken against a plain white background, and without shadows or reflections. The face should take up 70-80% of the photo, with a neutral expression, mouth closed, and both eyes open. No headwear is allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and glasses should not have tinted lenses. The photo must be recent (within the last six months) and in high resolution without any retouching or filters.
• Police clearance certificates from any country you have been in for longer than 12 months over the last 5 years.
• Signed letter from the primary temporary residence applicant that you are accompanying, confirming financial support and accommodation, along with proof of both.
• 3 months bank statements of the primary visa applicant, showing a minimum of ZAR 8,500.00 per month.
• Medical report.
• Yellow fever certificate (only if you are coming from or having travelled through a Yellow Fever Country).
• Proof of parental responsibility, including birth certificates, parental rights documents, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates.
• Marriage certificate or other proof of relationship with the primary visa applicant.
• Documentation detailing the purpose and duration of your stay.

Note: All birth and marriage certificates must be authenticated with an apostille from the issuing authority. Certified copies by a solicitor are not acceptable.

The processing time for an Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa is generally aligned with the processing time of the primary visa application, as both are submitted and processed together. On average, the process takes between 6 to 8 weeks. However, factors such as the completeness of the application and the gathering of required documents can influence this timeline. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is important to submit a complete and accurate application that adheres to the Department of Home Affairs’ guidelines. IBN Immigration Solutions will always recommned that an “application pack” is prepared before application/submission. This allows the applicant to quality check this application for best chances of approval.

While the visa processing time is typically the same as the primary visa, certain required documents may have their own processing timelines, which can vary. For example, obtaining police clearance certificates can take up to 2 months if you have lived in multiple countries for over 12 months in the past five years. Medical reports may take 1 to 2 weeks, and any necessary financial or family documentation could also require additional time for preparation and legalisation. It is important to account for these lead times and plan the full application process well ahead of your intended travel date.

By preparing early and ensuring that all documentation is gathered and submitted in compliance with visa requirements, you can minimise potential delays and streamline the application process.

It is useful to plan for all costs before proceeding with your application, as the expenses associated with an Accompanying Spouse/Minor (Dependant) Visa can vary and often include unexpected costs. While there is no direct government fee for the accompanying visa itself, it is linked to the primary visa applicant, who will need to pay the standard government application fee of ZAR 1,520.00 (approximately $80 USD or £65 GBP, depending on exchange rates). However, the applicant for the accompanying visa must still pay additional service fees based on the processing method used.

If you are applying through VFS (Visa Facilitation Services), there is a mandatory service fee of ZAR 1,550 (around $82 USD or £67 GBP). Additionally, for those seeking a more comfortable and expedited service experience, the VFS premium lounge is available for an extra ZAR 500.00 (approximately $26 USD or £22 GBP).

Beyond these fixed fees, there are varying costs involved in gathering and authenticating the required documents, such as police clearance certificates, medical reports, and certified copies of relationship documentation. These costs can differ based on your location and the specific requirements for each document.

Note: Exchange rates fluctuate, so it is advisable to check the current conversion rates when budgeting for these costs. Consulting an immigration expert can also provide more accurate estimates for your specific situation.

By factoring in both the standard fees and the varying costs of preparing your documentation, you can better plan and budget for the accompanying visa application process.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before proceeding with your application, it is important to confirm your eligibility for an accompanying visa. The primary visa applicant must first ensure they meet the qualifications for their temporary residence visa in South Africa. Only once this is confirmed should the accompanying visa application process begin.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents and forms, ensuring they are compliant and valid for visa application processing. Each document should contain corresponding and consistent information to avoid delays or visa denial. It is recommended to carefully review the “application pack” to ensure completeness and accuracy before submission.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Set an appointment at your nearest VFS centre or, if a VFS centre is unavailable in your country, with the local South African mission. This appointment will allow you to submit your accompanying visa application along with the primary visa application.

Step 4: Submit the Application

The accompanying visa application should generally be submitted alongside the primary visa application, as they are linked. In rare cases, the primary visa application may need to be processed first. However, it is always advisable to submit both applications at the same time. The primary visa applicant must be present during the submission.

Step 5: Await the Visa Outcome

Once the application is submitted, you will need to await the outcome from the adjudicating authority. This is when you will find out if your visa has been approved or denied. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa endorsed inside. If rejected, you may appeal this outcome. We frequently recommend reapplying for this Visa instead, identifying and correcting any issues noted in the rejection.

Step 6: Entering South Africa

When entering South Africa, ensure that you have all the necessary documents from your application, including your valid passports with the visa endorsements. These will be required for entry at the border.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/