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Temporary residency permits in South Africa are applied for through a Department of Home Affairs service point. The obtaining of a temporary permit is the normal way that an immigrant will enter South Africa and obtain their first permit to allow them to reside in South Africa and carry out an activity or retire. This is due to the fact that permanent residency takes anywhere between 12 and 30 months to obtain (in some cases longer). Intergate Immigration Service, South Africa largest independent immigration practitioner; offers a complete advice, preparation and submission service for prospective immigrants wherever they may be based in the world. Learn more about Intergate Immigrations comprehensive immigration services here TYPES OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCY PERMITS – PERIODS ISSUED FOR: Temporary residency permits are issued for a period of time of between 12 and 48 months depending on what type of temporary permit is applied for. Temporary business permits – issued for time periods that range from a 12 month period to the expiry date of the applicant’s passport. Temporary work permits – typically issued for a two year period of time but this does depend upon the period the offer of employment is made for. Temporary retired persons permit – these permits are issued in accordance with the prospective immigrant’s financial situation but are for a maximum of 4 years. Temporary study permits – normally issued for the period of the study course. Temporary spousal permits – issued for a three year period of time. Temporary life partner permits – issued for a three year period of time. Temporary relative permits – typically issued for between 2 and 4 years. Temporary financially independent permits – applicants under this category are able to apply immediately for permanent residency, in the event that this process is not quick enough an application for temporary residency can be made under the retired persons permit. For more information about particular temporary permits please just click on the name of the permit above. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TEMPORARY PERMIT EXPIRES? Many prospective immigrants are concerned about immigrating to South Africa with a temporary permit and fear what happens at the expiry date. In the first instance, it is possible in most cases, for the individual to apply for permanent residency at the same time they apply for temporary residency. The Department of Home Affairs currently has a backlog of permanent residency applications and therefore the processing of these can take anywhere between 12 and 30 months. However, in many cases the permanent residency will be issued before the temporary residency expires, therefore negating the issue of an expired temporary permit. In the event that permanent residency cannot be applied for by the individual or it has not been issued by the Department of Home Affairs prior to the temporary permit expiring, then a renewal needs to be applied for. WHAT MUST I DO TO OBTAIN A RENEWAL OR EXTENSION TO MY TEMPORARY PERMIT? Renewing a temporary permit is in most cases a relatively simple exercise. Depending upon the type of temporary permit you hold different criteria will apply. For example: In the case of renewing or extending a temporary business permit the application to the Department Of Home Affairs will need to demonstrate the capital and number of employees, which were specified in the original business plan, has been adhered to and that the business is making, or on track to, make profit. The importance therefore of the original application and its accompanying business plan is of paramount importance. Extending/renewing a temporary retired persons permit is a financial consideration in the main. The holder of the existing temporary retired persons permit needs to demonstrate they have sufficient finances to support themselves (as per Home Affairs regulations) for the period they are applying to extend/renew by. Spousal and life partner permits are dependent on the relationship still being in place and satisfactorily proving that this is the case. For more information or advice on applying for, or renewing/extending a temporary permit you can visit our immigration knowledge base, complete our online enquiry form, e-mail us or telephone us on the numbers on our contact information. If you would prefer to talk directly to one of our immigration client managers about your specific circumstances you can request a call back here. |
