General Work Visa in South Africa

A South African General Work Visa enables foreign nationals to work for a South African employer.

Labour Market Testing is no longer a requirement, with a Points-Based System having been introduced in October 2024 .
This change will improve accessibility to the South African General Work Visa, while enhancing processing times at the Department of Home Affairs.

The new Points-Based System will use a scoring model to assess various factors such as work experience, qualifications, and economic contribution, providing a more structured approach compared to the Labour Market Test. It aims to streamline the visa process and allow for a more transparent and efficient assessment of foreign workers’ eligibility.

The visa is valid for the duration of employment, up to a maximum of five years, and may be extended or renewed within South Africa. After holding a General Work Visa for five years, an applicant may qualify to apply for permanent residence.

Applicant Requirements:

Points-Based System: Applicant Scorecard

Under the new Points-Based System, applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria, and points will be awarded accordingly:

These points are used to evaluate the eligibility of foreign nationals applying for a General Work Visa under the Points-Based System. Applicants must meet the necessary thresholds in each category to ensure their visa application is considered successful.

Employer Requirements:

• Must be registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
• Must comply with South African labour laws.
• Must sign a letter of undertaking, assuming responsibility for the legal employment and compliance of the foreign worker.
• While navigating this process can seem daunting, working with an experienced immigration consultant can streamline the application and improve your chances of success. At IBN Immigration Solutions, our consultants can assist with every step of the process, providing expert guidance and ensuring that all requirements are met.

Last Updated 09/01/2025

All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources

1. Duly completed and signed application form.
2. Proof of payment of the applicable fee.
3. A valid passport that expires no less than 30 days after the intended date of departure from South Africa.
4. Medical report signed by a registered medical practitioner. This report must not be older than six months at the time of submission, and should include the practitioner’s practice number, address, and contact details.
5. Original police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority from any country where the applicant resided for more than 12 months in the last five years. This certificate must not be older than six months at the time of submission.
6. Yellow fever vaccination certificate if the applicant has traveled or intends to travel through a yellow fever endemic area, except if the travel is in direct transit through such areas.
7. A written undertaking by the employer, which must include:
   • Ensuring that the applicant’s passport is valid for the duration of their employment.
   • Accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and their dependent family members, should it become necessary.
   • Informing the Director-General if the applicant does not comply with the provisions of the Immigration Act or the conditions of their visa.
   • Informing the Director-General when the applicant is no longer employed by the company or if they are employed in a different role or capacity.
8. Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) or proof of application to SAQA for evaluation if the outcome is not yet available.
9. Full details of the employer, including proof of business registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), where applicable.

Notes:

• A General Work Visa shall be issued for a period not exceeding five years. However, if the outcome of a SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications is not yet available at the time of application, a visa may be issued for one year, subject to extension once a positive SAQA outcome is submitted within that period.

For a more detailed explanation of each document, including why they are required and how to ensure compliance, visit our Comprehensive Guide to Document Requirements for the General Work Visa.

General Work Visa Costs

The application fee for the South African General Work Visa can vary based on your country of submission. When submitting in South Africa, the government fee for the application is R1,520.00.

Additional Costs

These costs are not directly related to the visa application but may be incurred during the process:

• Medical examination (if required): Cost depends on nationality and length of stay.
• For example:
• Obtaining a Medical Certificate in the United Kingdom – the cost is £199 (includes VAT).
• Obtaining a Medical Certificate in the United States of America – the cost is $225 (includes VAT).
• Travel insurance with a cost of approximately $1800 in the United States for the duration of 1 year (This is for 2x adults and 2x children – highly recommended, not mandatory).
• Courier fees with a cost of approximately $30-$50 (optional, for sending the application).
• Accommodation costs (applicant’s responsibility during their stay).

The cost of these additional items will vary depending on the individual circumstances.

Your immigration consultant will provide an estimate of all fees required to complete the application process. This way, you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. We provide you with a comprehensive estimate based on international financial markets and up-to-date information regarding costs from the relevant government departments.

We recommend you get in touch with one of our immigration specialists before you begin applying for a General Work Visa in South Africa. That way, you get started on the right foot with realistic expectations for the next few weeks.

Step 1: Obtain a Job Offer

• Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a South African employer. Ensure the job offer meets the requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Employment Contract: Obtain a signed employment contract from your prospective employer.

Step 2: Meeting the Scorecard Requirements

• Scorecard Requirements: The points-based system for the General Work Visa functions through a scorecard, where applicants earn points based on essential factors such as qualifications, salary, and work experience. Achieving 100 points or more makes you eligible for the visa.
• Occupation:
  • Occupation on Critical Skills List: 100 points
• Qualifications:
  • NQF levels 9 and 10: 50 points
  • NQF levels 7 and 8: 30 points
• Offer of Employment (mandatory):
  • Above R976,194 gross per annum: 50 points
  • Between R650,796 and R976,194 gross per annum: 20 points
• Work experience:
  • 5 – 10 years: 20 points
  • 10+ years: 30 points
• Employment status:
  • Offer from Trusted Employer: 30 points
• Language skills:
  • Proficient in at least one official language: 10 points

Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Ensure you have all necessary documents as advised by your immigration consultant.

Step 4: Submit Application

• Compile Documents: Ensure all required documents are complete and correctly compiled.
• Submit Application: Submit your application to the South African embassy or consulate in your home country or your nearest Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS).
• Pay Fees: Pay the required visa application fee. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• Processing Time: Visa processing can take several weeks. Track your application status online if possible.

Step 6: Receive Decision

• Notification: You will be notified once a decision has been made on your application.
• Collect Visa: If approved, collect your visa from the embassy, consulate, or VFS centre where you submitted your application.

Step 7: Enter South Africa

• Travel to South Africa: Once your visa is issued, you can travel to South Africa.
• Border Control: Present your passport and visa at the South African border control upon entry.

Step 8: Renewal and Compliance

• Monitor Visa Expiry: Keep track of your visa expiry date.
• Renewal: Apply for visa renewal at least 60 days before it expires if you plan to stay longer.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all visa conditions and South African laws during your stay.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, we adhere to Google’s standards for transparency. As a private immigration firm, we follow the regulations outlined in the Immigration Act of South Africa. We are not affiliated with the South African government. Our clients pay for our expertise in handling applications for both temporary and permanent residency. While forms required during the process can be obtained for free at any Department of Home Affairs office, we also provide them as part of our service. Those who prefer to deal directly with the Department of Home Affairs can visit their website at www.dha.gov.za/immigration-services/