South Africa general work visa

DHA's checklist effective 9 October 2024 asks for the application form and fee, a passport valid 30 days beyond the stay, police clearance from every country where you lived over 12 months in the last five years, the SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications translated by a sworn translator (or proof of application), and full particulars of the employer including CIPC registration where applicable.

The employer must undertake in writing to keep your passport valid, to bear deportation costs for you and your family if necessary, and to inform the Director-General if you breach the Act or the visa conditions, leave the job or change role. Work visas are issued only where South Africans with the relevant skills are not available.

Without a Critical Skills List occupation, points come from: NQF level 9–10 qualifications (50) or 7–8 (30); a mandatory job offer above R976,194 gross a year (50) or between R650,976 and R976,194 (20); 5–10 years of experience (20) or more than 10 (30); an offer from a Trusted Employer (30); and proficiency in at least one official language (10). An applicant who reaches 100 points this way, and meets all other requirements, may be issued a general work visa.

Apply at a South African mission abroad or through VFS Global in South Africa. Extensions must be submitted in person at least 60 days before the current visa expires (or seven working days before, if it was issued for under 30 days). The visa is issued for up to five years; if the SAQA evaluation is pending it is issued for one year and extended once a positive outcome is submitted. No medical report is needed since 8 July 2026.

DHA lists direct permanent residence for a foreigner who has held a work visa for five years and has received an offer of permanent employment (section 26(a)). Permanent residence based on a permanent work offer is also possible under section 27(a).