Life Partner Permit (also known as a spousal visa) allows an individual who is in a long-term relationship with a South African citizen, permanent resident or a foreigner with a valid work permit to live and work in South Africa for up to 2 years. However, there may be situations where one needs to cancel their life partner permit. This article guides you on the steps to follow when you need to cancel your Life Partner Permit in South Africa.
Reasons for cancellation
Before cancelling your Life Partner Permit, you need to understand the reasons for cancellation. Some common reasons include:
- Divorce or separation from your South African partner
- Deciding to leave the country
- Entering into a new relationship with a non-South African citizen
Process for cancellation of Life Partner Permit
The process for cancelling a Life Partner Permit in South Africa includes the following steps:
Step 1: Notify the Department of Home Affairs
The first step in cancelling your Life Partner Permit is to notify the Department of Home Affairs. This can be done by submitting a written notice to the nearest Home Affairs office.
Note: It is important to notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible to avoid any legal or immigration issues in the future.
Step 2: Gather required documents
You will be required to submit certain documents to the Department of Home Affairs in order to cancel your Life Partner Permit. These include:
- Your passport
- A copy of your Life Partner Permit
- A copy of your South African partner's identity document or passport
- A copy of your South African partner's death certificate if applicable
Note: If you are cancelling your Life Partner Permit due to divorce or separation, you may be required to provide a court order granting you custody of any children.
Step 3: Submit documents
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you will need to submit them to the Department of Home Affairs at the nearest office. You will be required to fill out an cancellation application form and pay the required fee.
Step 4: Wait for approval
After submitting your cancellation application, you will need to wait for approval from the Department of Home Affairs. The processing time varies depending on the office and circumstances, but it usually takes 2-4 weeks for the permit to be cancelled.
Conclusion
Cancelling your Life Partner Permit in South Africa can be a complicated process, but following the steps outlined above can make it easier. It is important to ensure that you follow the correct procedure in order to avoid any legal or immigration issues in the future. Remember to notify the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible and gather all the required documents.
