South Africa: 60-Day Advance Filing Requirement Waived for Certain Visa Applications

The Minister of Home Affairs has waived the requirement to file certain in-country visa extensions and change applications at least 60 days before an existing visa expires. The requirement generally affected visas valid for more than 90 days. Applicants seeking to extend a visa or change their visa status or conditions may now file closer to expiry, but they must submit their applications while their current visa remains valid. The waiver does not remove the separate filing deadline for shorter visas, including the seven-day deadline for visas valid for 30 days. 

The waiver applies to future applications and to applications already awaiting a decision. Previously, the Department of Home Affairs received applications filed within the 60-day period but refused them when it reviewed them. The waiver also covers pending appeals against refusals based on that filing deadline. Applicants with pending applications or appeals do not need to take action to benefit from the waiver; they can await a decision. 

The change gives foreign nationals more flexibility, although they should continue to plan ahead and file before their visas expire. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.