Form DHA-947 — Application for Permanent Residence Permit
Download Form DHA-947 from dha.gov.za
Note: This is the confirmed direct link from dha.gov.za. If it does not open, visit dha.gov.za and search for DHA-947 or BI-947.
What Is Form DHA-947?
Form DHA-947 — also referred to as BI-947 — is the official Department of Home Affairs application form for a Permanent Residence Permit in South Africa. It is a lengthy, multi-page document (approximately 18 pages) governed by sections 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.
This page covers the form itself — how to complete it, what categories it applies to, and what documents are required. It does not cover the full permanent residence process in detail. For the complete guide, see Permanent Residence South Africa.
Who Needs Form DHA-947?
You need Form DHA-947 if you are applying for permanent residence under any of the following categories (sections 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act):
Section 26 — Permanent residence in own right:
- Having held a temporary residence permit for 5 consecutive years
- Being a refugee who has been granted indefinite refugee status
- Being a child born in South Africa to a permanent resident
- Other qualifying grounds under section 26
Section 27 — Permanent residence on other grounds:
- Spousal or life partner of a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Child under 21 of a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Having a critical skill on the Department of Employment and Labour’s Critical Skills List
- Financially independent persons (meeting a prescribed investment/asset threshold)
- Refugee who will remain a refugee indefinitely
- Other grounds under section 27
Important: This Is a Complex Form
DHA-947 is one of the most complex forms in the DHA system. Before completing it:
- Read the full instructions on pages 1 to 3 of the form carefully
- Identify your specific category under section 26 or 27
- Refer to pages 13 to 18 of the form for the document checklist specific to your category
- Incorrect or incomplete forms are rejected without refund of the application fee
Consider using an accredited immigration practitioner for this application. While not required, the complexity of the form and the strict document requirements mean that errors are costly.
General Completion Instructions
Language: Complete in English only. All supporting documents not in English must be officially translated by a sworn translator and the translation must be attached.
Ink: Black ink, block letters. Do not use correction fluid.
Signatures: Both the applicant and spouse (if the spouse is party to the application) must sign the completed form and must attend the DHA interview. Do not pre-sign.
Interview: An interview with a DHA official at the nearest regional office (inside South Africa) or South African mission (outside South Africa) is compulsory for most permanent residence categories. Applications are not processed without the interview.
Copies: Keep certified copies of everything submitted. Original documents submitted with DHA-947 are generally not returned.
Key Sections of DHA-947
Section 1 — Personal particulars Your full name, ID number, passport details, nationalities (current and at birth), contact details, and employment status.
Section 2 — Spouse’s particulars (if applicable) Your spouse’s details if they are party to the application. Both spouses must attend the interview.
Section 3 — Dependent children (if applicable) Details of unmarried children under 21 who are included in the application.
Section 4 — Previous immigration history All previous permits, visas, and periods of residence in South Africa. All previous applications and their outcomes. Be complete — omissions are grounds for rejection.
Section 5 — Grounds of application The specific section 26 or 27 category you are applying under, and your motivation.
Section 6 — Declarations Signed by the applicant (and spouse if applicable) in the presence of a DHA official.
General Document Requirements
The following documents are required for all DHA-947 applications. Additional documents specific to your category are listed on pages 13–18 of the form.
- Completed Form DHA-947
- Valid passport (original and certified copy)
- All previous passports (certified copies of relevant pages)
- Current temporary residence permit (original and certified copy) if applicable
- Form DHA-529 (Determination of Citizenship Status) if applying from outside South Africa
- Two recent colour ID photographs (if required at your application venue)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if applicable
- Radiological report (Form DHA-806) — chest X-ray, not more than 6 months old
- Medical certificate (Form DHA-811)
- Police clearance certificates from every country lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years
- Proof of payment of the prescribed fee
Processing Time
Permanent residence applications are processed at DHA’s head office in Pretoria. Processing times vary by category and application volume but typically range from 6 months to 2 years. There is no guaranteed timeframe.
Track your application status at vfsglobal.com if submitted through VFS Global, or contact the DHA Contact Centre on 0800 60 11 90.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit DHA-947 at any DHA branch? No. Permanent residence applications must be submitted at a DHA regional office with a dedicated immigration services division, or at a South African embassy or consulate abroad. Confirm the correct submission point for your area before your appointment.
Do I need an immigration practitioner? Not legally required, but strongly recommended for most applicants. Permanent residence rejections are difficult to appeal and the refiled application still incurs a fee. An accredited immigration practitioner can review your eligibility and ensure the correct documentation before submission.
What happens if my application is rejected? You will receive a written notice. You may submit an appeal within 10 working days to the DHA Director-General, or lodge a review with the Immigration Appeal Board. An immigration attorney is strongly advisable at this stage.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-529 — Determination of Citizenship Status
- Form DHA-1712A — Affidavit for Life Partners — required for spousal/life partner permanent residence applications
- Form DHA-84 — Visa Application
- Form DHA-1738 — Temporary Residence Permit