Frequently Asked Questions

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Visa Escalation and Litigation Services

Why do visa applications experience delays at the Department of Home Affairs?

Visa processing delays in South Africa commonly occur due to administrative backlogs, procedural inefficiencies, and high application volumes. In some cases, visa or permanent residence applications remain pending without any explanation, causing major disruptions to employment, business operations, and family planning. 

If your visa or Permanent Residence Permit application has exceeded normal Department of Home Affairs processing times, you should: 

  • Check the application status through official channels.
  • Confirm that all required documentation was correctly submitted.
  • Consider formal visa escalation procedures if there is no progress.

A Diagnostic Assessment is a comprehensive review of your immigration matter. It includes:

  • Assessment of submission records and timelines.
  • Identification of procedural or administrative errors.
  • A report outlining whether escalation or litigation is viable based on legal merit. 

This assessment ensures a tailored course of action suited to your specific circumstances and increases the likelihood of a successful resolution. 

Escalatory letters are formal legal communications sent to the Department of Home Affairs, structured to: 

  • Highlight the urgency of your pending application.
  • Cite applicable immigration legislation and procedural delays.
  • Warn that litigation will be initiated if adjudication is not completed within a specified timeframe (typically 25 business days)

These letters are legally sound and designed to prompt DHA action without immediate court involvement. 

If escalation efforts are unsuccessful, our legal team may initiate a High Court application to compel adjudication. This involves: 

  • Filing a formal legal application with the High Court of South Africa.
  • Requesting a Substitution Order (direct visa approval) or an Alternative Order (requiring DHA to adjudicate within a set timeframe).

This ensures that the Department of Home Affairs complies with its constitutional and administrative obligations. 

Visa Litigation Services has achieved a 100% success rate in visa litigation cases where legal action was deemed appropriate, showcasing our experience and precision in managing complex immigration challenges. 

  • In depth expertise in South African immigration law.
  • Extensive knowledge of Department of Home Affairs procedures.
  • Proven track record of resolving long standing visa delays.
  • Custom legal strategies tailored to individual cases.
  • Full legal and administrative support through escalation and litigation.

Visa and Permit Appeal Applications

What should I do if my visa or permit application is rejected?

You may choose to either: 

  • Submit a formal appeal to the Department of Home Affairs, or 
  • Reapply, depending on the nature and reason for the rejection 

A professional case assessment is recommended to determine the best strategy based on your visa category and submission history. 

Visa and permit applications are often rejected due to: 

  • Missing or incomplete documentation.
  • Non compliance with visa eligibility requirements.
  • Adjudication errors by Department of Home Affairs officials. 

After a rejection, an appeal can be filed requesting DHA to reconsider its decision. Outcomes may include: 

  • Approval of the visa.
  • Upholding of the original rejection. 

Yes, in certain cases, reapplication may be more effective than appealing. The decision depends on: 

  • The reason for rejection.
  • The applicant’s visa status.
  • The location of submission (in-country vs. out-of-country). 

If your first appeal is rejected: 

  • A second appeal can be submitted.
  • If both appeals fail, and strong legal grounds exist, litigation may be pursued to challenge the Department’s decision in court.

Legal action is appropriate if: 

  • All administrative remedies (appeals or reapplications) have been exhausted.
  • There is evidence of an unfair or unlawful rejection.
  • There has been non compliance with the Immigration Act or procedural rules.

To reduce the risk of rejection: 

  • Ensure all required documents are submitted in full.
  • Comply strictly with the Immigration Act and Regulations.
  • Seek professional immigration assistance to ensure accuracy and completeness at the time of application. 

Visa and permit appeal outcomes can take anywhere from 8 to 12 months, depending on: 

  • Case complexity.
  • DHA processing backlogs.
  • Nature of the original decision. 

Note: Processing times have improved, but delays may still occur. 

Yes, in most cases, applicants can legally remain in South Africa while their appeal is being processed if: 

  • The appeal was submitted before the current visa expires.
  • The applicant maintains valid immigration status.

If the current visa is still valid, departure from South Africa will not result in an undesirable status. 

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