Why apply for South Africa work visa?
- High standard of living
- Work 40 hours a week
- Earn an average salary of ZAR 374,000 annually
- South Africa has a relaxed and informal work culture
- Ample Job opportunities across multiple industries
- Destination for those looking to invest or do a business
- Variety of landscapes, and vibrant culture
Types of South Africa work visa
The following lists the many kinds of work permits for South Africa:
General Work Visa
In South Africa, a general work visa is a type of work permit that permits individuals to enter into employment contracts and remain employed for the term of the agreement or a maximum of five years.
Critical Skills Work Visa
The critical skills work visa is intended for skilled workers whose occupations are on the list of high-demand occupations in South Africa. The visa can be used for up to five years.
Intra Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa
Foreign nationals may be transferred within their own company to a national affiliate company through an intracompany transfer. This kind of visa has a four-year expiration date and cannot be renewed.
Corporate Visa
A company is granted a corporate visa. Many foreign nationals with various levels of competence, semi-skilled labourers, and unskilled labourers can work for the corporation under separate corporate worker visas.
Benefits of working in South Africa
- High Standard of living
- Relaxed work culture
- Pension benefits
- Healthcare benefits
- Transportation subsidies
- Good salaries
- Paid time off
- Work 40 hours per week
Requirements for South Africa work visa
- Valid Passport
- Filled application form
- 2 Passport photos
- Proof of paid visa fee
- Proof of financial means
- Medical and Radiology report
- Past 3 months bank statements
- Written statement from employer
- Police clearance certificate
- Certificate of vaccination
- Family documents if applicable (such as family certificate, marriage, or proof of relationship etc)
Additional documents required for different types of visas
General work visa:
- Certificate from the Department of Labor
- Proof of qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority
- Employment contract signed by employer and you
- Detailed particulars of employer
Critical skills work visa:
- Proof of application for registration certificate and proof of qualifications evaluation with the accredited professional body recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority
- Proof of employment within 12 months after you obtain a critical skills work visa
Intra company transfer:
- Proof of finances for a return ticket
- Employment contract with the company abroad
- Letter from the employer or the company where you will be working confirming your transfer
Corporate visa:
- Application form filled and signed
- Certificate by Department of Labor
- Statement mentioning the need to employ foreign workers
- Proof of registration of the corporation
Steps to apply for South Africa work visa
Step 1: Apply and get hired in South Africa
Step 2: Determine your visa type and apply
Step 3: Schedule an appointment
Step 4: Prepare your documents and submit the application
Step 5: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you will get your visa
South Africa work visa processing time
|
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
|
General Work Visa |
6 – 8 weeks |
|
Critical Skills Work Visa |
1 – 3 months |
|
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa |
30 – 40 days |
|
Corporate Visa |
2 – 4 months |
South Africa work visa cost
|
Visa Type |
Cost |
|
General Work Visa |
R 1,550 |
|
Critical Skills Work Visa |
R 2,870 |
|
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa |
R 2,870 |
|
Corporate Visa |
R 1,520 |
How can AIS Overseas help you?
AIS Overseas, a top overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. Our impeccable services at AIS Overseas include the following:
- Expert guidance/counselling for South Africa Immigration
- Free career counselling; book your slot today!
- Step-by-step guidance on moving to South Africa for Work
- Job search services to find related Jobs in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign citizens with extraordinary qualifications and skills—qualities that are considered remarkable in South Africa—can reside and work in the nation through South Africa’s Critical Skills visa.
The South African Department of Home Affairs created the South African Critical Skills Visa in June 2014 to assist the nation in attracting the knowledge and experience required to fulfil the goals outlined in its national economic infrastructure projects.
To qualify for a Critical Skills visa, prospective immigrants must hold experience in a profession listed as critical skills in South Africa.
Only those whose occupation is on the Critical Skills List are eligible to apply.
The Government Gazette is said to publish the Critical Skills List.
Processing dates vary, but the South African authorities aim to evaluate applications within 30 to 40 business days of receipt.
Please be aware that it can take considerably longer based on the specific request. This is especially valid for applications that require additional information or documentation. In that case, a personal contact shall be made to the petitioner to make arrangements for the delivery of the missing items.
The number of applications the embassy or consulate receives and the closeness of public holidays may also cause delays.
No, in order to be eligible, there is no need for a specific job offer. However, you will need to get employment within a year after receiving the visa.
Visas are granted based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate that they possess the necessary training and credentials in the targeted field of work, as listed on the Essential Skills List, which includes over 200 occupations where a skills deficit exists.
You will need to apply for a visa either a VFS Center or the South African Embassy or Consulate, depending on where you live.
You must apply at any VFS Visa application center that is capable of processing your application if you are in India.
You must obtain an assessment of your qualifications from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) if you want to study or work in South Africa but hold educational credentials from outside the country.
A SAQA certificate of evaluation must be submitted with an application for a work permit in South Africa.
The NQF's governing body, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), is also in charge of maintaining the program's moral principles and high standards.
Functions of SAQA
Coordination of the Sub-Frameworks and supervision of the NQF's ongoing development and implementation are the responsibilities of SAQA. Among SAQA's duties are:
· Manage the execution of the NQF and work with the Quality Councils
· Create and execute NQF guidelines and standards
· Enter credentials and partial credentials on the NQF
The level of the relevant National Qualifications Framework to which your foreign qualifications would be equivalent is determined by SAQA review.
The goal of the examination is to determine which international credentials are compliant with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) of South Africa.
The role is a crucial link in a value chain that leads to national recognition, as shown by the policy and requirements mentioned above. The place of foreign qualifications inside the NQF is the main emphasis of SAQA's role.
Certain internal criteria and requirements must be met in order to be admitted for professional licensing, employment, and study.
It will set you back R1,520. The price may differ depending on the nation and currency if the application is submitted in South Africa. There can be further expenses in the form of submission fees or agency fees.
Processing dates vary, but the South African authorities aim to evaluate applications within 30 to 40 business days of receipt.
Please be aware that it can take considerably longer based on the specific request. This is especially valid for applications that require additional information or documentation. In that case, a personal contact shall be made to the petitioner to make arrangements for the delivery of the missing items.
The number of applications the embassy or consulate receives and the closeness of public holidays may also cause delays.
Petitioners do not need to make an appointment in advance; all applications must be submitted in person at a South African embassy or consulate. After that, you have to fill out the application as completely and accurately as you can.
Finally, to prove your eligibility for this type of work permit, you must provide a number of supporting documents.
