South Africa Waives 60-Day Advance Filing Requirement for Visa Extensions and Status Changes

• South Africa has issued a blanket waiver removing the requirement that visa extension and change of status applications be filed at least 60 days before visa expiration, provided applications are submitted while the current visa remains valid. 

South Africa Issues Blanket Waiver for 60-Day Visa Filing Deadline 

On Oct. 2, 2026, the South African Department of Home Affairs issued Immigration Directive No. 13 of 2026, granting a blanket waiver of the 60-day advance filing requirement for certain immigration applications. 

What Has Changed? 

Previously, South African immigration regulations required foreign nationals to submit: 

• Visa extension applications at least 60 days before their visa expiration date 
• Change of status applications at least 60 days before their visa expiration date  

Under the new waiver, applicants are no longer required to meet the 60-day advance filing deadline.  

Who Benefits From the Waiver? 

The waiver applies to: 

• Pending visa extension applications 
• Pending change of status or visa condition applications 
• Pending appeals based on failure to meet the 60-day filing requirement 
• Future visa extension and status change applications submitted to the Department of Home Affairs  

Important Filing Condition Remains 

While the 60-day advance filing requirement has been waived, applicants must still submit their application before their current visa expires.  

The directive makes clear that individuals who allow their visa to expire before filing may still be subject to the provisions governing illegal foreign nationals under the Immigration Act, 2002 and related regulations. 

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