Quick Answer: Financial Support Requirements for Relative Visa
The relative visa route requires the South African citizen or permanent resident to give an undertaking to support the applicant financially, and to evidence that they can. This is a formal commitment rather than a statement of intent.
The relative should understand what they are undertaking before signing, since the obligation can continue for the period of the visa and is relied on by the authorities in granting it. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website. It is not a government department, immigration practitioner or legal adviser, and nothing here is immigration or legal advice.
Who This Requirement Applies To
This guide is for relative visa applicants and, importantly, for the South African relative providing the assurance.
For the route, see Relative Visa Requirements South Africa.
Eligibility Requirements
The assessment looks at the relative capacity as well as their willingness.
Applicant type
- Prescribed amount. A minimum level of financial assurance is normally specified. Confirm the current figure rather than relying on a published amount.
- Form of the undertaking. Normally a formal document, which may require notarisation or a bank guarantee depending on the current requirement.
- Evidence of capacity. The relative bank statements, income evidence and sometimes assets.
- Duration. The period the undertaking covers, aligned to the visa period.
- Renewal. The assurance is normally reassessed when the visa is renewed.
Documents You May Need
The relative documents are scrutinised in the same way an applicant own financial evidence would be.
Required proof
- The signed undertaking in the required form.
- Relative bank statements covering the period specified.
- Relative income evidence, such as payslips or financial statements.
- Relative identity document or permanent residence permit.
- Bank guarantee or equivalent where the current requirement calls for one.
Steps to Apply or Prepare
Confirm the current prescribed amount and the form the undertaking must take before anything is signed.
Have the relative gather their financial evidence covering the required period.
Complete the undertaking in the required form, and keep copies, since it may be relied on at renewal.
Costs, Processing Times and Validity
Notarisation or a bank guarantee, where required, carries a cost, and a guarantee may tie up funds. The prescribed amount is set officially and changes, so confirm it rather than relying on a published figure.
Common Mistakes and Delays
Common mistake
- The relative signing without understanding the ongoing nature of the obligation.
- An undertaking without supporting financial evidence.
- Relying on a prescribed amount published in an earlier year.
- Evidence covering a shorter period than required.
- Assuming the undertaking is a formality that will not be assessed.
Where to Confirm Official Requirements
Confirm the current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs or its appointed visa application centre. The Official Requirements Sources South Africa page links to the responsible bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much financial assurance is required?
A prescribed amount normally applies. Confirm the current figure with the Department of Home Affairs rather than relying on a published amount.
What form must the undertaking take?
It is normally a formal document, and notarisation or a bank guarantee may be required. Confirm the current requirement before signing.
What evidence must the relative provide?
Bank statements and income evidence covering the specified period, showing capacity to meet the undertaking.
Does the obligation continue?
It normally covers the visa period and is reassessed at renewal. The relative should understand this before signing.
Where can I confirm the requirement?
Confirm with the Department of Home Affairs.