Cape Town – South Africa has scrapped the requirement for foreign nationals to submit visa renewal and change-of-status applications at least 60 days before their existing visas expire, in a move expected to ease visa application backlogs and provide relief to affected families.
The decision was introduced through Immigration Directive 13 of 2026, signed by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber on October 2, 2026. It waives the advance-submission requirement for qualifying visa extensions and applications to change visa status or conditions.
According to Daily Investor, the change follows an increase in visa refusals involving applications submitted within the 60-day period, placing additional pressure on the Department of Home Affairs’ appeals process.
Previously, Regulations 9(5)(a) and 9(8)(c) of the Immigration Regulations required foreign nationals applying for visa renewals or changes to their visa conditions to submit applications at least two months before their existing visas expired.
Outstanding appeals
The revised directive also extends to qualifying applications that are still awaiting processing and appeals against refusals based on failure to meet the 60-day deadline.
This means that affected applicants whose appeals are still pending could have their cases reconsidered, while accompanying family members may also benefit from the resolution of related applications.
BusinessTech reported that the retrospective application of the waiver could help the department address thousands of outstanding appeals and reduce unnecessary administrative work.
Xpatweb head of immigration Jaco Brits welcomed the development, saying: “The retrospective application of the waiver is important given the scale of the impact experienced by applicants.”
He added: “While it may take several months for the affected cases to work through the system, we are encouraged by the feedback received from the Department and are confident that we are on track towards resolving these matters.”
Relief nationals
However, the relaxation does not mean foreign nationals can apply for visa renewals after their existing visas have expired.
In an immigration update published on October 16, law firm Webber Wentzel stressed that applicants must still submit their applications while their current visas remain valid and comply with all other applicable immigration requirements.
The directive also does not automatically guarantee approval of visa applications or reopen cases that have been finally rejected without a pending appeal.
The change is expected to offer some relief to foreign nationals, employers and families affected by delays and refusals arising solely from the previous 60-day filing requirement.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
