Permanent residency is a person’s legal resident status in a country or territory of which such person is not a citizen but where they have the right to reside on a permanent basis.
This is usually for a permanent period; a person with such legal status is known as a permanent resident.
Where To Apply For Permanent Residence In South Africa
An application for permanent residence must be submitted in person preferably within South Africa through VFS Global so that a proper tracking number is given.
It is important that the correct category is chosen, as an application for permanent residency should take between eight to twelve months but can vary depending on the category chosen. You can read more about that here.
How can I get permanent residence in South Africa?
Apply for permanent residency permit
are in possession of a permanent work offer in South Africa.
have exceptional skills and qualifications.
intend to establish a business in South Africa.
qualify as refugees in terms of Section 27(c) of the Refugees Act.
qualify as retired persons.
are financially independent or.
Where do I send my permanent resident application?
Mail your completed application to the Case Processing Center in Missisauga, Ontario.
How long does a permanent residence application take in South Africa?
8 months
Depending on the type of submission, a Permanent Residence application takes on average 4 – 8 months to process from the date of submission.
If your Permanent Resident Permit application has been delayed for a long period, you can request that it be finalised, and a conclusion granted.
Are permanent residence applications open in South Africa?
South Africa’s department of home affairs reopened applications for permanent residency permits in January.
This, after abruptly suspending all new applications at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, to deal with a backlog built over the past decade.
How long can a permanent resident stay outside South Africa?
3 years
It is important to remember that permanent residence status is granted for the purpose of settling permanently in SA.
Now that you have obtained this status, should you leave South Africa for a period of 3 years or longer, the Department of Home Affairs may withdraw your status.
Do I need a passport if I have a permanent resident card?
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need to show a Permanent Resident Card (Green card). A passport is not required.
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must present a valid passport from their country to travel to the U.S. by air.