ukguy

I have booked my flight return date for 88 days after I arrived in SA.

In the mean time I have been to a Lawyer and am applying for a residence permit.

Do any of you know if my permanent residence permit is successful am I allowed to stay in SA without the need to return to the UK before my 90 days are up?

MartynK

You can apply to extend your visitor's permit (visa) for a further 3 months, but you'll have to motivate this.

I'm afraid I haven't a clue how long it will take to get permanent residence, or if your application is likely to succeed, but I don't imagine you'll have to go back to the UK, and return, if it's granted while you are still in the country.

I think you should discuss all of this with your attorney. He/she is in a far better position to advise you than we are!

JasmineJones85

Hi ukguy,

I haven't though about getting a lawyer- are there specialist immigration lawyer in SA or uk?

Thanks,

JJ

Pablo

If you are granted Permanent Residence, then you will be able to remain. Last reports I heard were that it can take many, many months for PR to be processed and granted/refused. In the meantime, you would need to keep on renewing your Temporary Residence Permit (aka Tourist permit) at the Dept of Home Affairs.

Extension of the Temp Residence Permit is not automatic. It can be refused or granted.

And granting of Perm Residence is certainly not something that can be taken for granted.

MartynK

Just Google "South Africa immigration attorneys". That brings up quite a few, but I don't know anything about their reputations or fees; or even if there's any point in going down this route. You could also get in touch with the Law Society of South Africa http://www.lssa.org.za/.