Expert: Stuart James - 10/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi There,

I'll be soon moving to SA on Quota Work permit with my wife. I have 5+ years of Exp in IT so it is easy for me to get work permit and then get a job, but my to be wife is having just 2 years of exp. So she cannot get work permit.

My question is, will she be able to work on dependent visa there ?
Or is there any problem if she runs small boutique from home for family friends?

Cheers
A



ANSWER: HI Anurag

In terms of the quota permit please be aware that the methodology of handling these has changed somewhat in the last few months and IT professionals must now ensure they have registered with the appropriate councils.

As you allude to this is the only type of work permit where a job offer is not required prior to getting the permit.

For your wife she would come as an accompanying spouse and this does not allow her to work or run a business. In short she must obtain her own work or business visa.

An alternative is if she wished to continue her studies, if she does enroll on an appropriate course then she would be able to work for up to 20 hours per week in an employed position.

Hope this helps.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What does employed position means? What are requirement's to get Student VISA?

Answer
Hi Anurag

When i say an employed position i mean a salaried employee - basically taking a job with an employer.

A student visa is a fairly simply visa, the main requirements are to have been accepted by an appropriate learning institution, have access to sufficient funds and also South African Medical Insurance in place.

The visa is normally issued for the length of the course and in turn allows the holder to work for the 20 hours per week.

Hope this helps.

If you need some professional help with this i suggest contacting Bjorn on bjorn@intergate-immigration.com