{"id":229799,"date":"2026-10-19T15:18:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wereldwyd.co.za\/"},"modified":"2026-10-19T15:18:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T13:18:50","slug":"new-visa-exemption-gives-applicants-in-south-africa-more-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wereldwyd.co.za\/en\/new-visa-exemption-gives-applicants-in-south-africa-more-time\/","title":{"rendered":"New visa exemption gives applicants in South Africa more time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreign nationals living in South Africa who need to extend their visas, or who wish to make certain changes to their visa status, may henceforth have more time to submit their applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, signed an immigration directive on 2 October 2026 that relaxes the requirement for certain visa applications to be submitted at least 60 days before the expiry date of an existing visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The change offers relief to applicants who previously experienced difficulties in meeting this requirement on time. However, there is still an important condition: Applications must be submitted before the existing visa expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What changed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Previously, foreign nationals who wished to extend their visas in South Africa or make qualifying changes to their visa status or conditions, were required to submit their applications at least 60 days before the expiry date of their existing visa. This meant that someone whose visa was set to expire in less than 60 days could encounter difficulties in submitting an application on time in accordance with the prescribed requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new exemption means that qualifying applicants can now also apply within the last 60 days of their existing visa\u2019s validity. However, the change does not eliminate other immigration requirements, nor does it mean that a visa application will automatically be approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Who can benefit from the change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exemption applies to certain applications submitted within South Africa, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>applications to extend existing visas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>qualifying applications to change visa status or visa conditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>applications that have already been submitted and are still awaiting a decision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The change is particularly relevant to foreign nationals who legally reside in South Africa and whose existing visas are due to expire soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it is important to note that certain short-term visas may be subject to separate submission requirements. Applicants must therefore determine which rules apply to their specific visa category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your visa must still be valid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the new arrangement offers more flexibility, it does not mean that applicants can wait until their visas have already expired. The exemption applies only where the application in question is submitted while the existing visa is still valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Persons whose visas have already expired, must therefore not accept that the new arrangement automatically rectifies their immigration status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It remains advisable to prepare applications as early as possible, as obtaining documents, the availability of appointments and administrative processing can still take time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What does this mean for South Africans and their families?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the change primarily concerns foreign nationals in South Africa, it may also be relevant to South African families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, there are South Africans who are married to foreign nationals, or whose life partners and other family members reside in South Africa on valid visas. When these family members need to extend their visas or wish to make qualifying changes to their visa conditions, the new arrangement may provide more time to submit the necessary applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it is important to distinguish between South African immigration requirements and those of other countries. The change does not affect the visa requirements for countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. South Africans living in these countries must still comply with local immigration rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What should you do if your visa is about to expire?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or a family member is affected by the change, it is important to check the expiry date of the existing visa and determine in good time which documents are required for the application. Applicants must also ensure that their specific visa category falls under the new exemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the change provides more time, it remains prudent not to wait until the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AfriForum Worldwide encourages South Africans and their families to stay informed about immigration and administrative matters that may affect their circumstances. Where there is uncertainty over specific visa applications, it is advisable to verify the latest information with the Department of Home Affairs or to seek professional immigration advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Foreign nationals living in South Africa who need to extend their visas, or who wish to make certain changes to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":214,"featured_media":229791,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"New visa exemption gives applicants in South Africa more time","_seopress_titles_desc":"Foreign nationals living in South Africa who need to extend their visas, or who wish to make certain changes to their visa status, may henceforth have more time to submit their 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