How to apply to retain my South African citizenship?

The simple answer to this question of “How to apply to retain my South African citizenship?” is you must get a letter of retention, which is issued by the department of Home Affairs. To get this letter, you must complete the BI-529 and DHA BI-1664 forms and provide a copy of your current South African passport. Let’s explore:

To apply to retain your South African citizenship, you must submit an application to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) before acquiring foreign citizenship. The application process involves completing forms, providing supporting documentation, and paying a fee.

Eligibility

To be eligible to retain your South African citizenship, you must be:

  • A South African citizen aged 18 years or older
  • Not have acquired foreign citizenship yet

Application Process

  1. Complete the Application Form: Download and complete the BI-1664 form, which is the Application for Retention of South African Citizenship.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents: Collect the following supporting documents:
    • Completed form BI-529 (Retention of South African Citizenship)
    • Certified copy of your South African passport
    • Proof of your permanent residency in the country where you intend to acquire foreign citizenship (if applicable)
    • Sworn affidavit stating that you have not yet acquired foreign citizenship
  3. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee at a designated DHA office or through an authorized payment channel.
  4. Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form, supporting documents, and proof of payment to a DHA office in person or by courier.

Processing Time

The processing time for applications to retain South African citizenship can vary depending on the workload of the DHA. However, it is generally between 6 to 12 months.

Additional Considerations

  • Dual citizenship is not automatically granted. The DHA will assess your application and determine whether you meet the requirements for retaining your South African citizenship.
  • If your application is approved, you will be issued with a letter of retention, which confirms your right to retain your South African citizenship.
  • It is advisable to apply to retain your South African citizenship before acquiring foreign citizenship to avoid any complications.

Online Courses and Learning tips : Top 10 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.