South African Visa Extension Eligibility:

To extend a South Africa Visa you must adhere to the following:

• Your current visa must be valid at the time of submitting your visa application.
• Submit your visa applications 60 days before it expires or seven days before your visa expires, if you received a 30-day visitor visa.

When Will You Not Be Eligible To Extend Your Visa:

• Your South African visa has expired.
• Restricted visa category.
• Incomplete Documentation to submit.

How Long Can I Stay In South Africa After My Visa Expires?

It is important to note that overstaying your visa in South Africa is a violation of immigration regulations.

To avoid any complications, it is recommended to abide by the visa regulations and ensure that you have a valid visa or have applied for an extension before your current visa expires.

If you have overstayed on a temporary residence visa, then you must submit a good cause application to Home Affairs DHA before submitting a renewal visa application. Visitor visa holders cannot submit a letter of good cause.

Once the Department of Home Affairs gives you the approval, then only may you submit your visa application at VFS South Africa.

What Are The Required Documents To Extend South Africa Visas?

• The extension application form for South Africa is completed online and no handwritten forms are accepted. The DHA-1739 form is completed online on VFS South Africa’s website.
• A valid passport is valid for 30 days after your intended departure from South Africa and must have two blank pages.
• Confirmation of purpose and duration of the visit.
• Proof of valid return or onward ticket.
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means (3-month bank statements)
• Yellow fever certificate

Additional Documents For Different Visa Application Extensions

Short-Term Stay

Visitors Visa Section 11(1) South Africa AKA Tourist Visa

• Proof of Address from a South African host, permanent resident or temporary residence visa holder.
• Letter from host confirming your stay
• Certified ID copy or permit of your host

Short-Term Business Permit

• A letter from the organization confirming your attendance

Section 11(2) Short-Term Work Permit

• Medical Report
• Letter from the company detailing the purpose and duration

Long Term Stay

Business Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. A certificate from a registered chartered accountant confirming that the initial investment made is still invested.
4. A letter from the Department of Labour confirms that 60% of the staff count is South African citizens or permanent residents who are permanently employed in various positions.
5. Tax Clearance certificate from the South African Revenue Service
6. Proof of Unemployment Insurance Fund
7. Proof of Compensation Fund for Occupational Injuries and Diseases
8. Proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC)
9. Feasibility and Contribution letter from the Department of Trade & Industry.
10. Financial statement of the preceding financial year

Critical Skills Work Visas

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Letter of undertaking from your employer stating they will be liable for costs related to you and your family for deportation.
4. Letter of undertaking from your employer stating that they will ensure that your passport is always kept up to date.
5. Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category – The applicant needs to highlight occupation on the critical skills list for South Africa.
6. SAQA Assessed Qualifications
7. Certificate of registration from a professional body, council or board.
8. Confirmation letter from a professional body, council or board confirming the skills and qualifications of the application which includes their experience.

Genenral Work Visas

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Letter of undertaking from your employer stating they will be liable for costs related to you and your family for deportation.
4. Letter of undertaking from your employer stating that they will ensure that your passport is always kept up to date.
5. A Department of Labour certificate
6. Letter of undertaking from the employer to notify the Director-General of Home Affairs if the applicant is not complying with the immigration act and is no longer employed by the company or employed in a different capacity within the company.

Life Partner Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Life partner affidavit
4. Life partner cohabitation agreement contract (Notarial Agreement)
5. Financial assurance of R 8500.00 per month per person
6. Document to prove financial support to each other
7. Support letter and copy of SA partner ID

Relatives Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Shared financial responsibilities documents
4. Financial assurance of R 8500.00 per month per person
5. Birth certificates or paternity tests to prove kinship.

Research Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Letter of confirmation of purpose and duration.
4. Letter from the organization confirming attendance etc.

Retired Person’s Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Chartered accountant certificate confirming R37,000.00 per month.

Spousal Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs for the spouse’s temporary residence permit in South Africa:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Marriage certificate
4. Spousal affidavit
5. Financial assurance – R 8500 per month per person
6. Support letter and copy of SA spouse ID

Section 11(6) Visa Renewal

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Marriage certificate
4. Spousal affidavit
5. Offer of employment or proof of registration of business including SARS registration or acceptance from an educational institution.
6. Support letter and copy of SA spouse ID

Student Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Undertaking a letter from the registrar or principal confirming that the applicant is required to extend his or her studies and duration of their studies.
4. Undertaking a letter from parents or legal guardians that the student will have medical cover for the full duration of the period of study.
5. In the case of a minor – proof of physical address and consent for the intended stay from both parents.

Volunteers Visa

To extend you must include the following for the Department of Home Affairs:

1. Medical report for immigration purposes.
2. Police clearance report from each country that you have lived in for 12 months or more since the age of 18.
3. Letter from the organization confirming attendance and whether or not they will be renumerated.

When Should I Apply For An Extension of A South African Visa

It is advisable to apply for an extension of your South African visa well in advance, ideally before your current visa expires or at least 60 days before the expiration date, to allow sufficient time for processing and avoid any potential overstays.

How To Apply for A Visa Extension In South Africa

Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your visa extension application. This typically includes a valid passport, completed application form, proof of sufficient funds, and any supporting documents specific to your visa category.

Visit the VFS Global Website: Go to the VFS Global website for South Africa and navigate to the visa extension section. Familiarize yourself with the requirements, guidelines, and procedures outlined on their website.

Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa extension application form accurately and provide all the requested information. Double-check for any errors or omissions before submission.

Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with VFS Global for the submission of your visa extension application. Select a convenient date and time-based on the availability provided on their website.

Pay the Fees: Pay the applicable visa extension fees as specified by VFS Global. Ensure that you have the necessary payment options available and follow the instructions for payment provided on their website.

Attend the Appointment: On the scheduled date, visit the VFS Global visa application centre as per the appointment time. Bring all the required documents, the completed application form, and proof of fee payment.

Submit the Application: Submit your visa extension application and supporting documents to the VFS Global staff during your appointment. Make sure that all documents are arranged in the specified order and comply with the requirements.

Biometrics and Photograph: Provide your biometrics (fingerprint scans) and have your photograph taken at the VFS Global Centre as part of the application process.

Receive Acknowledgment and Tracking Number: After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a unique tracking number. Keep this receipt safe as you may need it to track the progress of your application.

Track Application Status: Monitor the status of your visa extension application through the VFS Global website using the tracking number provided. It will indicate when your application is processed and approved, or if any additional information is required.

Collect Your Extended Visa: Once your visa extension application is approved, follow the instructions provided by VFS Global to collect your extended visa from the visa application centre.

How Long Does It Take To Extend Your Visa

The processing time for visa extensions in South Africa can vary. Generally, it takes around 8 to 12 weeks for the Department of Home Affairs to process and make a decision on visa renewal applications. 

However, please note that processing times are subject to change and can be influenced by various factors such as the volume of applications, the complexity of the case, and other administrative considerations. 

It is advisable to submit your visa renewal application well in advance of your current visa’s expiration date to allow sufficient time for processing.