Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in South Africa

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Rustenburg, South Africa

Founded in 2018
English
Tshepo Masilela Attorneys, established on July 2, 2018, is a Rustenburg-based law firm dedicated to delivering professional legal services at competitive rates. The firm upholds the principles of truth, justice, accountability, and equal access, aiming to empower both private and business clients...
Schrueder Incorporated
Cape Town, South Africa

14 people in their team
English
Schrueder Incorporated Attorneys is a Cape Town based law firm known for a dynamic and disciplined approach to delivering legal services. The firm operates a full civil litigation department, staffed by four litigation attorneys, with support staff to handle larger matters efficiently and cost...
Kapungu Attorneys
Midrand, South Africa

English
Kapungu Attorneys, based in Midrand, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services tailored to meet diverse client needs. The firm specializes in areas such as family law, immigration, contracts, litigation, labor law, tax law, insurance law, bail applications, wills, estates and...
Goodway & Buck Attorneys
Durban, South Africa

English
Goodway & Buck Attorneys, based in Durban, South Africa, offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including Road Accident Fund (RAF) claims, personal injury cases, commercial law, and family law matters. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in assisting refugees and South African...
Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys
Richards Bay, South Africa

English
Established in 1892, Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys is a distinguished South African law firm renowned for its integrity and excellence. With a team of over 60 lawyers, the firm operates from offices in Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, and Richards Bay, offering comprehensive legal...
CDC LAW INC ATTORNEYS

CDC LAW INC ATTORNEYS

1 hour Free Consultation
Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 1997
1 person in their team
English
Afrikaans
Dutch
CDC LAW INC ATTORNEYS - Led by Charl Coetzee, a seasoned attorney with global legal experience. We provide expert litigation, business law, and strategic legal counsel across multiple industries. Contact us for trusted legal solutions.CDC LAW INC ATTORNEYS | Expert Legal Strategy & LitigationAt...
Immigration Consultant SA

Immigration Consultant SA

1 hour Free Consultation
Cape Town, South Africa

Founded in 2019
2 people in their team
English
Immigration Consultant SA is a trusted immigration service provider, specializing in South African visa applications, residency solutions, and corporate immigration assistance. We help individuals, couples, and businesses navigate the complex immigration process with expert advice and step-by-step...
Snaid & Morris inc
Johannesburg, South Africa

Founded in 2021
4 people in their team
English
We are a specialist legal firm based in Morningside Sandton. Our areas of expertise cover UK emigration and investment law, Insolvency Law, Litigation, Family Law, Mergers and acquisitions, contract law and debt collection. We also has a specialized labor law department which handles all matters...
Pretoria, South Africa

English
Van den Berg Attorneys, established in 2021, is a dynamic law firm based in Pretoria, South Africa, specializing in administrative law and litigation against government institutions. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including assistance with applications to the Department of...
Ndungu Attorneys Inc
Johannesburg, South Africa

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Afrikaans
English
Ndungu Attorneys Inc is a boutique law firm situated in Johannesburg, close to the South Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg High Court) and various Magistrates’ Courts such as Jeppe, Hillbrow and Westgate.We have a rich and diverse history with our founder Kimani Ndung’u having worked or...
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About Dependent Visa Law in South Africa

In South Africa, a Dependent Visa, also known as a Relative Visa or Accompanying Spouse/Children Visa, allows the dependents (spouse or minor children) of a primary visa holder to reside in South Africa temporarily. This visa is typically linked to the visa conditions of the primary visa holder-often a work or study visa. The goal is to keep families unified by allowing dependents to join their family members who are residing in the country for work or study purposes.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While applying for a Dependent Visa in South Africa might seem straightforward, various situations might require legal assistance. These include:

  • Complex family situations, such as joint custody of minors or dependents with specific needs.
  • Uncertainty or confusion about documentation requirements and application processes.
  • Navigating issues related to visa denial, refusal, or delays and appealing against these decisions.
  • Legal assistance in understanding and complying with immigration laws and fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
  • Updating dependent status if the primary visa holder's status changes, such as renewing a work visa or switching to permanent residency.

Local Laws Overview

The immigration laws regarding Dependent Visas in South Africa are governed by the Immigration Act of 2002, as amended, and its accompanying regulations. Key aspects include:

  • Requirement for dependents to hold dependent visas corresponding to the primary visa holder's status.
  • Need for dependents to prove their relationship with the primary visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
  • Restrictions on the activities of dependents, such as work limitations, depending on the type of dependent visa granted.
  • Specific documentation required, including medical and radiological reports, as part of the visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Dependent Visa in South Africa?

A Dependent Visa allows the spouse or minor children of a primary visa holder to live in South Africa temporarily, aligning with the duration and conditions of the primary visa holder's stay.

Who qualifies as a dependent?

Generally, dependents are considered to be the spouse or minor children of the primary visa holder.

Can dependents work or study in South Africa on this visa?

The primary purpose of a Dependent Visa is for staying purposes only. To work or study, dependents may need to obtain separate work or study visas.

How long does the Dependent Visa process take?

Processing times can vary widely depending on the complexity of the application and any additional requests made by the Department of Home Affairs.

What documents are needed for a Dependent Visa application?

Documents typically include proof of relationship, valid passports, medical and radiological reports, and proof of financial support.

Do Dependent Visas need to be renewed?

Yes, they need to be renewed in line with the duration and status of the primary visa holder's visa.

What happens if the primary visa holder's visa status changes?

If the primary visa holder’s status changes, dependents must update their visa statuses accordingly, ensuring compliance with immigration laws.

Can the Dependent Visa lead to permanent residency?

No, the Dependent Visa itself does not lead to permanent residency, but there might be pathways to apply for residency based on other criteria.

What if the application for a Dependent Visa is denied?

If denied, applicants can seek detailed reasons for the denial and potentially appeal the decision with the assistance of an immigration lawyer.

Can dependents switch from a Dependent Visa to another type of visa while in South Africa?

It may be possible to change visa types, but it would depend on the conditions and applicable laws, often requiring submission of a new application.

Additional Resources

Several resources can provide guidance or further support related to Dependent Visas in South Africa:

  • The Department of Home Affairs - For official information and application processes.
  • Legal aid services - For assistance with legal queries and understanding rights.
  • Immigration consultants - Professionals specializing in visa applications.
  • Expats forums and communities - For personal experiences and tips.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with a Dependent Visa in South Africa, consider the following actions:

  • Contact a qualified immigration lawyer who is well-versed in South African visa laws to assess your case and provide guidance.
  • Prepare and organize all necessary documentation relevant to your situation and status.
  • Reach out to the Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date information or any specific queries related to the visa application process.
  • Consider consulting with a registered immigration consultant for personalized advice or assistance in processing your application.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in South Africa through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Dependent Visa, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.