12/10/2026
🇿🇦 OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED! A MAJOR WIN FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS IN SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦
**BREAKING NEWS**
Immigration Directive No. 13 of 2026 brings much-needed relief to visa applicants!**
At Lochner Immigration, we have been advocating for fairness, practical solutions and compassion for foreign nationals who are doing their best to comply with South Africa’s immigration laws.
The Minister of Home Affairs has issued **Immigration Directive No. 13 of 2026**, granting a blanket waiver in respect of the requirement to submit visa extension and change-of-status applications at least 60 days before the expiry of an existing visa.
This is a significant development for individuals, families and employers who have faced uncertainty and anxiety because of the strict 60-day submission requirement.
🙏 WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE MEAN?
The directive provides relief in three important areas:
✅ **Pending visa applications:** The waiver applies to visa extension and change-of-status applications that are still pending adjudication.
✅ **Pending appeals:** The waiver also covers pending appeal applications where the original visa extension application was not submitted at least 60 days before the existing visa expired.
✅ **Future applications:** The waiver extends to future applications submitted to the Department of Home Affairs for visa extensions or changes of status.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY
Although this is excellent news, the directive comes with an important condition.
**Your visa extension or change-of-status application must be submitted while your existing visa is still valid.**
The directive does not remove this requirement. Failure to submit while the existing visa remains valid may invoke the consequences contemplated under Section 32(1) of the Immigration Act, read with Regulation 30(1).
The directive specifically addresses the 60-day advance submission requirement. It should not be interpreted as a blanket amnesty for every immigration situation, nor does it automatically resolve every pending application or appeal.
❤️ WHY THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT
For months, applicants and employers have faced difficult circumstances trying to navigate the immigration system while meeting strict procedural deadlines.
We have seen the stress, the uncertainty and the real-life consequences that immigration delays can have on families, careers and businesses.
This directive represents a welcome and practical step towards recognising the unintended consequences of rigidly applying the 60-day rule.
**Sometimes, progress comes through persistence. Sometimes, the relief we have been praying for finally arrives.**
Today, we welcome this development and hope it will bring much-needed peace of mind to the many people affected by the previous requirements.
📢 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
If you have a pending visa extension, change-of-status application or appeal, keep your application receipts and supporting documentation safe.
If your visa is still valid and you need to submit an extension or change-of-status application, do not depart or apply for a good cause letter simply because the 60-day window has passed. Obtain appropriate guidance and ensure that your application is submitted before your current visa expires.
If your application or appeal is already pending, the directive may be relevant to your circumstances.
At Lochner Immigration, we will continue to monitor developments and assist our clients in navigating these changes responsibly.
**A step forward. A little more hope. And a welcome reminder that perseverance matters. 🇿🇦**
*Source: Immigration Directive No. 13 of 2026, issued by the Minister of Home Affairs in terms of Section 31(2)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2002.*
📩 For assistance with your South African visa, extension, change of status or pending appeal, contact Lochner Immigration.
