Leaving In A Few Days, Don't Have Marriage Certificate Yet?

[kryan31 0]

Hello All,

I just got married to my husband who lives in and is a citizen of South Africa. We have dated over 2 years-I've made trips there, he has made trips here to California. We just got married and are expecting a baby in 4 months.

Due to insurance purposes, we plan to have baby in SA. I will be leaving for SA next week. I had originally planned to come back to US for a few weeks in November for a visit, then return to SA at 36 weeks pregnant, but I'm realizing how crazy that may be on me and the baby to travel so late. SO, I will most likely be staying past the 90 days in which I'm allowed.

My question is can I apply for a Visa extention once I get into SA? I don't want there to be any issues, such as me being sent back 8 months pregnant. I do have a return flight booked, but will most likely return to US AFTER baby is born at this time. Our goal is to live in SA for about a year to wrap up his business, then come back to US. (He has a visitors Visa for US)

We got married 2 weeks ago, he already went back to SA, but I wont have my marriage license for another 5 weeks! Can I apply for extension/spousal visa once in Johannesburg?

If anyone could give me some insight I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you!

K

[Ryan H 3,819]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Africa: Sub-Saharan regional forum; OP is asking about visa extension procedures for South Africa and not about the US spousal visa process.

[alevy02 0]

Hi there,

Congrats on your marriage and the baby! How exciting. I don't have any definitive answers for your questions, but maybe I can point you in the right direction. I have no clue about officially extending a tourist's visa past 90 days, however, I *think* I have known the odd American who has left South Africa and travelled to another country at Day 89 (i.e. Botswana, Zimbabwe, etc) for a couple of days and returned to South Africa. Essentially, you then have another 90 days. You will want to double check that though as I have never done it myself.

In addition, I'm not sure you will be able to apply for your spousal visa in South Africa. When I applied for my life-partner visa with my now husband (an SA citizen), I was required to file through the South African consulate in the states. You used to be able to apply for these visas while residing in South Africa on a tourist visa, however a new law states that these applications must go through the consulates in the states. Keep this in mind, as you might need to gather certain evidence and documentation while you are in South Africa next and are actually with your husband.

When I was going through this process, I visited this South African specific message board for information:

http://www.rainbownation.com/community/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=431&PN=5

While I did all the research and applied for the life-partner visa myself, I do know of other couples who used the services of an immigration consultant in South Africa. It can be expensive, but depending on your situation, it might be worth the peace of mind to have someone help you who already has all the answers!

I hope this helped.....Best of luck with everything!