By Helena Molefe Love can cross borders, but marriage does not automatically resolve a foreign national’s immigration status in South Africa. When a South African citizen marries a foreign national, the marriage may create a basis for certain immigration applications. However, the foreign spouse must still follow the applicable immigration process and obtain the appropriate documentation to remain in South Africa lawfully. Understanding the relationship between marriage and immigration status...

Spring is often associated with new beginnings — new relationships, growing families and plans for a shared future. But when love crosses borders, building that future together can involve more than deciding where to live. It can also mean navigating South Africa’s immigration laws. For international couples and families, understanding the correct immigration pathway is an important part of keeping the family together. When Love Crosses Borders South African immigration law recognises certain...

When a foreign national receives a South African work visa, that visa does not automatically grant immigration status to their spouse or children. Each accompanying family member must submit a separate application under the visa category appropriate to their circumstances. The accompanying spouse A spouse who intends only to live with the work-visa holder will ordinarily apply for a long-term visitor’s visa as an accompanying spouse. The application is based on the principal holder’s valid...