Expert Info

Posted by Mrs.K
on 17 Nov 2016
Does anyone have a current timeline for the time it takes to get a Permanent residence permit? My husband applied in December 2015 and the consulate can not give us a time estimate at all. Some days its 2 years, some days 3 years and some days just a 'I dont know, I have no idea..." So if anyone could let me know how long you waited I would really appreciate it!
Meagan on 17 Nov 2016 - 13:19
Hi Mrs K,

From what I've read online, it seems like the processing time varies a lot from case to case. According to the VFS Global website FAQs:

How long will it take to process my application by Department of Home Affairs?
 
This depends on the category of visa application; however applications have a minimum processing time of 8-10 weeks for Temporary Residence Permit applications and 8 – 10 months for Permanent Residence Permit applications. The Department of Home Affairs cannot guarantee the outcome or the length of time an application takes to process; neither can it guarantee the return of decision within a certain timeframe. This is due to the fact that applications are assessed individually and individual circumstances can mean processing times may vary and result in longer decision times. Therefore you are requested to wait until a decision on the application is taken since VFS Global does not have any control over the processing times.

I hope yours gets resolved soon!

M
Anonymous (not verified) on 17 Feb 2017 - 05:26
I have been residing in south africa for 12 year, married for 14 years to a S.A. citizen. Thanks to VFS GLOBAL ( lost my application) filed in Nov 2015.. Was able to track onlineuntil Dec 2016 now lost.. Still no answers. How do I get back to my family in S.A. and support them? Pathetic