Expert Info

Posted by
on 10 Aug 2014

Hi My partner is a South African citizen however he is currently on a work contract in the UK and will be returning back to SA next year. We have been in a relationship for more than 3 years however for most part it has been long-distance as I am working in India. We want to settle in SA now for which I had been considering either life partner visa or critical skills work permit as I am a professional architect and working in the environment sector. Firstly, I'd like to know the situation with job possibilities in the country and which type of visa should I prefer? Also, how difficult is it to immigrate being an Indian female to South Africa? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks Shabari

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Aug 2014 - 21:11
Dear Shantalie Thank you for your response. I had a few reservations about the whole process which I'd like to share with you since I believe it may just give me a bit of confidence. I have never really done the immigration or work permit process before so I am being a bit skeptical. I am sure it is not going to be an easy ride. I was in the UK for my postgraduate studies and I know it is not that easy to convince the employer to sponsor your permit. From what I have heard, SA is not as difficult. What do you think? With the critical skills, I read the official documents and it seems that one needs to register with the professional bodies before you can be granted the permit. I am not entirely clear on this part as for my profession I can only be registered as an architect once I have completed a few projects in SA. I am not sure if you'd know about this but any suggestion would help. Also, while applying for the jobs, do you think that mentioning my personal status with the relationship would be appropriate? I felt that this would indicate that I am not making just another speculative application rather planning to move to SA for good. Sorry if you find these queries a bit naive but I have no other option but to go to ground zero. :) Thanks again. Shabari
Anonymous (not verified) on 11 Aug 2014 - 07:44
Hi Shabari,

The visa rules in South Africa changed quite drastically in April 2014. Unfortunatley, the major thing that has changed for the life partner visa is that you need to prove that you have been living together for at least two years. I am not specifically sure how you need to prove this (it could be a signed affadavit or a letter from a landlord/proof of joint homeownership, etc) but like in the case of lots of visa types for South Africa at the moment, it still hasn't been made clear what the requirements are exactly.

Archtecture is one of the fields that is eligable for a critical skills visa, so this maybe your best route.

While unemployement remains quite high overall, expats with skills, experience and expertise in sought-after fields can find work.

Please read the information on the Visas for South Africa page for more detailed information.  

Good luck,

Shantalie