The Department of Home Affairs has issued Immigration Directive No. 13 of 2026, introducing a blanket waiver relating to the 60-day advance-submission requirement for certain visa extension and change-of-status applications.
Under the usual immigration regulations, foreign nationals are required to submit applications to extend their visas or change their visa status at least 60 days before their existing visas expire. This directive provides relief for qualifying applications that do not meet this deadline.
The waiver applies to certain pending visa extension and change-of-status applications, pending appeals involving late submissions, and future applications covered by the directive.
Importantly, applications must still be submitted while the existing visa remains valid. The waiver does not automatically approve an application or remove other immigration requirements. Foreign nationals should ensure they understand how the directive applies to their individual circumstances.
At Black Pen Immigration, we encourage foreign nationals to stay informed about changes to South Africa’s immigration regulations and seek appropriate guidance when navigating the visa application process.
