Cape Town

In order to apply for an extension, you simply appear at the Department of Home Affairs – an appointment is not necessary. What is important is that you make your application 30 days or more prior to the expiration date listed on your current visa.

In the case of your visitor’s permit, you’ll just need your ID or passport, your previous permit and the requisite fee (a couple of hundred rand should cover most renewals).

In the case of Business or Work Permits, you’ll need some proof that your pursuit of your ventures are ongoing and in the same category as you originally applied for. In the case of a work permit, a letter from your employers would be sufficient, as would a letter from your institution if you’re a student. To determine what you’ll require for your specific case, contact the Department of Home Affairs call centre on 012 810 6323.

Note that, for the purposes of preventing identity fraud, the Department of Home Affairs will not accept mail or electronic applications.

• Visitor’s Permit: This visa has an option for one 90-day extension. For those from visa exempt countries, an extension equivalent to the period of exemption (30, 90 or 120 days) is allowed.
• Business Permit: This visa remains valid as long as the applicant persists with the business endeavor for which they were approved, though they are required to report to the Department of Home Affairs once a year.
• Work Seeker’s Permit: This visa, valid for 3 months, is only extended under very exceptional circumstances – the sudden bankrupting of the business at which you were about to be employed, for example. In the majority of cases, visa holders must return to their country of residence and re-apply.
• General Work Permit: This visa stays valid as long as the applicant remains employed in the same category and profession for which they were approved, with a once-a-year obligatory report to the Department of Home Affairs. A change of category will require the applicant to return to their country of residence and re-apply.
• Quota Work Permit: This visa stays valid as long as the applicant remains employed in the same category and profession they were approved for, with a once-a-year obligatory report to the Department of Home Affairs. A change of category will require the applicant to return to their country of residence and re-apply.
• Retired Permit: This visa, valid for 4 year periods, is indefinitely renewable, meaning that it’s all a person needs for a lifelong retirement to South Africa.
• Study Permit: This visa must be renewed once each year at the Department of Home Affairs. Renewal is routine just as long as the applicant remains in the course of study for which they were approved.

The regional office of the Department of Home Affairs is located in the Faircape Building, 56 Barrack Street, Cape Town. Call 021 468 4500/6 for enquiries.