28 Jan Turnaround Times for Visa and Permit-Related Services
Turnaround times for visa-related services as well as permits may vary from time to time, depending on the nature of the visa and the permits, as well as the agencies involved.
Generally, permits have historically operated without formally defined turnaround times for their products and enabling documents. These turnaround times were informally aligned with APP and AOP targets, despite these products not being explicitly included in those plans. However, in the 2025/2026 cycle, new targets have been set in both APP and AOP, which have highlighted the need to carry out a comprehensive review of all products, including those in the Business plan level.
This is because the Chief Directorate decided on documentation of their services and the confirmation thereof with regard to the turnaround times, with the intention of increasing transparency, reducing queries, building trust among the public, minimising the chances of fraud, as well as facilitating the engagement process among all the stakeholders.
Category and Turnaround Time
Services Reported at Annual Performance Plan
VISAS
- Business Visas – Section 15: 8 weeks
- Critical Skills Visa – Section 19(A) incl. TES: 4 weeks
- General Work Visa – Section 19(2) incl. TES: 8 weeks
- Port of entry visa – Section 10 (TTOS): 5 days
- Port of entry visa – Section 10 (Evisa): 10 days
- Worker – Section 26(a) – 8 months
- Extra Ordinary Skills – Section 27(b) – 8 months
- Business – Section 27(c) – 8 months
Services Reported at Annual Operational Plan
VISAS
- Visitor’s Visa – Section 11(1): 60 days
- Visitor’s Visa – Section 11(2): 60 days
- Exchange Visa – Section 22: 60 days
- Study Visa – Section 13: 60 days
- Medical Treatment – Section 17: 60 days
- Crew – Section 17: 60 days
- Visitor’s Visa – Section 11(6): 120 days
- Relative’s Visa – Section 18: 120 days
- Retired Person’s Visa – Section 20: 120 days
- Treaty Visa – Section 14: 120 days
PERMITS
- Spouse and dependents – Section 26 (b,c,d): 12 months
- Extra Ordinary Skills – Spouse and dependents – Section 27(b): 12 months
- Business – Spouse and dependents – Section 27(c): 12 months
- Quota worker – Section 27(a): 12 months
- Refugee – Section 27(d): 12 months
- Retired – Section 27(e): 12 months
- Financially Independent – Section 27(f): 12 months
- Relative – Section 27(g): 12 months
APPEALS
- Appeal section 8(4): 180 days
- Appeal section 8(6): 240 days
WAIVERS AND EXEMPTIONS
- Visa waivers/exemptions: 120 days
- Permit waivers/exemptions: 12 months
Services Reported at Business Plan Level
RECTIFICATIONS
- Rectification Visas & Permits: 30 days
TRANSFERS
- Visa Transfer: 30 days
VERIFICATIONS
- Visa: 40 days
- Permit: 90 days
PROOF OF PERMIT
- Proof of permit: 90 days
WITHDRAWAL OF PERMIT
- Withdrawal of permit: 90 days
CANCELLATION OF VISA
- Cancellation of visa: 90 days
Being aware of the turnaround times regarding permits as well as visa services will inform effective planning, while documenting these timelines with the approval of the 2025/2026 Annual Performance Plan will encourage transparency as well as a sense of consistency in the Department of Home Affairs’ working processes. Should you require any additional information, please do CONTACT US at June Luna Immigration Attorneys, where our legal team will be happy to assist you, while the timelines are intended to serve as a guideline in your next application process.