Endorsing a life partner and spousal visa

One of the key attractions of a life partner or spousal visa is the ability to endorse the visa for the purposes of:

Work
Study
Business

But what do we mean by endorsing? What does it let you do, and when can you apply for such an endorsement?

What is an endorsement?

An endorsement is like an addition or extension to an existing spousal or life partner visa.

Why would you need an endorsement?

Endorsing a life partner or spousal visa is imperative for many foreigners accompanying their partner back to South Africa who wish to do more. Whilst the life partner and spousal visa allow you to enter and reside in South Africa, they afford the holder little more than an ‘accompanying status’. In basic terms it does not allow the holder to work, study or run a business and it is only by endorsing a life partner or spousal visa that you are able to legally undertake any of these activities.

The right to apply for endorsing a life partner and spousal visa

Importantly you can apply for an endorsement both at the original application stage or any stage after it is granted. This means those applicants unsure of “what they wish to do” in South Africa can enter and stay in South Africa on their life partner permit or spousal visa and apply for endorsing it when they have firm plans in place.

Endorsements are specific

It is important to note that an endorsement is specific to the employer, business or study institution. It is not a blanket endorsement, for example to work. In practical terms this means that a change of employer, business or study course would mean applying for a new endorsement. There is no limit to the amount of times an endorsement can be applied for.

Endorsing a life partner or spousal visa to work

Should you be wishing to endorse your life partner or spousal visa to work you must be able to present a valid contract of employment offer with your application. Unlike a general work visa, there is no need for the prospective employer to prove that they were unable to recruit a South African which is normally a major obstacle in gaining employment. Other formalities such as the need to apply for SAQA also fall away. Life partner and spousal visa holders or applicants can be assured that in real terms, their application for work is no different in the process or requirements than that of a South African applying for a job.

Endorsing a life partner or spousal visa for study

Those seeking an endorsement for study will need to be accepted and enrol on a study course with an appropriate learning institution. Acceptance of such a course will need to be provided when an application for endorsing a life partner visa is made.

Endorsing a life partner or spousal visa for owning and running a business

Foreigners wishing to own and run a business in South Africa normally have to meet a myriad of requirements that include minimum investment amounts, business plans and recruitment of local South Africans. All of these for endorsing a life partner or spousal visa to own and run a business fall away. Although certain items such as ensuring you have the required capital and a robust business plan are all good practise the only requirement you have to prove is that you have a suitable business structure, such as a Pty Ltd, in place and are tax registered.

Find out more about endorsing a life partner or spousal visa

Intergate has been at the forefront of assisting South Africans and their partners return to South Africa since 2006. We realise that the life partner visa is just part of the process and that endorsing a life partner or spousal visa is paramount to most of our clients plans.

If you are already in South Africa feel free to visit us to chat over a coffee.