Understanding Critical Skills, Spousal, Life Partner, Accompanying Spouse and Relative's Visas Under the New Home Affairs Turnaround Times
Immigration Circular No. 08 of 2026 introduces official processing targets for various applications submitted within South Africa. However, the publication of turnaround times does not change the legal requirements for obtaining a visa.
The recent publication of Department of Home Affairs Immigration Circular No. 08 of 2026 has generated significant interest among foreign nationals living in South Africa. The Circular introduces official processing turnaround times for a wide range of immigration applications submitted within South Africa during the 2026/2027 reporting cycle.
While many applicants have welcomed the publication of these service standards, there is one important point that every applicant should understand.
The Department has announced how long it aims to take to process certain applications. It has not relaxed the eligibility requirements contained in the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, the Immigration Regulations, 2014, as amended, or the applicable Departmental Directives.
This article explains four of the most commonly applied-for temporary residence visa categories, their official processing times, and an important procedural change regarding the Medical Report requirement.
2026 Turnaround Times at a Glance
| Visa category | Legal basis | Published turnaround time | General purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Skills Work Visa | Section 19(4) | 4 weeks | For qualifying foreign nationals working in occupations appearing on the applicable Critical Skills List. |
| Spousal or Life Partner Visa | Section 11(6) | 120 days | For qualifying spouses or life partners of South African citizens or permanent residents. |
| Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa | Section 11(2) | 60 days | For qualifying family members accompanying a foreign national holding a temporary residence visa. |
| Relative's Visa | Section 18 | 120 days | For qualifying relatives of South African citizens or permanent residents. |
Why the New Turnaround Times Matter
For many years, applicants have experienced uncertainty regarding the length of time immigration applications would take to be finalized. Immigration Circular No. 08 of 2026 seeks to improve transparency by publishing service delivery targets for various visa and permit categories.
These turnaround times apply to applications submitted within South Africa and are calculated using the methodology explained in the Circular.
Although these targets provide applicants with greater certainty, they should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every application will be finalized within the published period.
Processing may still be affected by verification processes, requests for additional information, security checks or other administrative requirements.
Application preparation remains important
The best way to reduce the risk of unnecessary delays remains submitting a complete, accurate and legally compliant application from the outset.
Critical Skills Work Visa
Legal basis: Section 19(4)
One of the most sought-after immigration pathways remains the Critical Skills Work Visa.
This visa is designed for foreign nationals whose occupations appear on South Africa's Critical Skills List and who meet the legal requirements prescribed by the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations.
According to Immigration Circular No. 08 of 2026, the Department has published an official turnaround time of four weeks.
This represents one of the fastest published processing times for temporary residence visas. However, applicants should avoid assuming that holding a university degree automatically qualifies them for a Critical Skills Work Visa.
Qualification may depend on several legal factors, including:
- Whether the applicant's occupation appears on the applicable Critical Skills List.
- Whether the applicant possesses the required qualifications and professional experience.
- SAQA evaluation where applicable.
- Registration with the relevant professional body or council where required.
- Compliance with the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations.
- Employment-related requirements where applicable.
- Submission of all prescribed supporting documentation.
Every Critical Skills Work Visa application should therefore be assessed individually before submission.
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Discuss Your Critical Skills VisaSpousal Visa and Life Partnership Visa
Legal basis: Section 11(6)
One of the most common misconceptions in South African immigration law is that every spouse applies under the same visa category.
This is not correct.
Where a foreign national is married to, or is the life partner of, a South African citizen or permanent resident, they may qualify for a Visitor's Visa issued under Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, depending on their circumstances.
The Department has published an official turnaround time of 120 days.
Applicants should remember that the existence of a marriage certificate alone does not automatically result in visa approval.
The Department must still be satisfied that the applicant meets all legal requirements prescribed by the Immigration Act and Immigration Regulations.
Married couples
For married couples, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate the existence and validity of the marriage, as well as compliance with the other applicable legal and documentary requirements.
Life partners
Life partners must generally establish the existence of a genuine and permanent relationship using the evidence prescribed by the Immigration Regulations.
Each application is assessed on its own facts and supporting evidence.
Accompanying Spouse and Dependant Visa
Legal basis: Section 11(2)
This visa category is frequently confused with the Section 11(6) Spousal Visa. The two categories are not the same.
An Accompanying Spouse or Dependant Visa generally applies where the principal applicant is another foreign national who holds a qualifying temporary residence visa, such as a:
- Critical Skills Work Visa.
- General Work Visa.
- Business Visa.
- Study Visa.
- Another qualifying temporary residence visa.
The spouse or dependant is not applying because they are married or related to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Instead, the applicant is seeking permission to accompany the foreign national who holds the principal temporary residence visa.
These applications are generally processed as Visitor's Visas under Section 11(2).
According to Immigration Circular No. 08 of 2026, the official turnaround time is 60 days.
Applicants must still satisfy all prescribed legal requirements, including establishing the qualifying relationship with the principal visa holder and complying with the documentary requirements applicable to the visa.
Relative's Visa
Legal basis: Section 18
The Relative's Visa remains one of the most important family-based immigration categories.
It enables qualifying relatives of South African citizens or permanent residents to reside in South Africa where they satisfy the legal requirements prescribed by the Immigration Act.
The official turnaround time published by the Department is 120 days.
It is important to understand that not every family member automatically qualifies for a Relative's Visa.
Applicants must demonstrate that:
- The qualifying family relationship exists.
- The relationship falls within the categories recognized by the Immigration Act.
- The financial support requirements are met where applicable.
- All documentary requirements prescribed by the Immigration Regulations have been satisfied.
A proper assessment before submission can often prevent avoidable refusals and help applicants understand whether this is the correct immigration pathway for their circumstances.
The Medical Report Requirement Has Changed
One of the most significant procedural changes introduced during 2026 is the removal of the requirement to submit the prescribed Medical Report for temporary residence visa applications.
This change has simplified the application process for many applicants and reduced the number of documents that must accompany an application.
However, applicants should be careful not to misunderstand the effect of this change.
The removal of the Medical Report does not mean that the remaining legal requirements have been abolished.
Applicants must still comply with the Immigration Act, the Immigration Regulations and all applicable Departmental Directives.
Depending on the visa category and the applicant's circumstances, supporting documentation may still include:
- A valid passport.
- Prescribed application forms.
- Police clearance certificates where applicable.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of employment where applicable.
- SAQA evaluations where required.
- Professional registration where applicable.
- Relationship documentation.
- Qualifications and employment records.
- Birth or marriage certificates where relevant.
- Any other supporting documentation prescribed by law.
The removal of one document should not be interpreted as a general relaxation of South Africa's immigration requirements.
Understanding the Published Turnaround Times
The newly published turnaround times are intended to improve transparency and accountability within the immigration system.
They provide applicants with a clearer expectation of how long the Department aims to take when processing various categories of applications submitted within South Africa.
However, these turnaround times should be viewed as service standards rather than guaranteed completion dates.
Applications that are incomplete, legally deficient, subject to verification or affected by requests for additional information may take longer to finalize.
Submitting a properly prepared application remains one of the most important factors within an applicant's control.
Knowledge Before Application
Every immigration matter is different.
Two people applying under the same visa category may receive different professional advice because their personal and legal circumstances are not identical.
Relevant differences may include:
- The applicant's immigration history.
- The applicant's current immigration status.
- Family and relationship circumstances.
- Employment arrangements.
- Previous visa refusals.
- The quality of the available supporting evidence.
- Long-term immigration objectives.
Applicants should therefore ensure that they understand the legal framework governing their chosen visa category before lodging an application.
Making informed decisions at the beginning of the process can reduce unnecessary delays, prevent avoidable refusals and improve the overall quality of an application.
About Virtual Migration Services
At Virtual Migration Services, we believe that informed applicants make better decisions.
Our mission is to educate foreign nationals on South African immigration law by providing accurate, practical and legally grounded information.
By understanding the law before applying, applicants are better equipped to navigate the immigration process with confidence and to prepare applications that comply with the Immigration Act, the Immigration Regulations and applicable Departmental Directives.
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