South Africa Work Visa Process 2024 (Types of Visas)

South Africa is a vibrant nation with the second-largest economy in Africa. It’s a popular destination for tourism. The country offers various job opportunities, especially for skilled workers. This post will tell you about the South Africa Work Visa Process, the types of work visas, and the application process. The application for the South Africa work visa can be lodged through Visa Facilitation Services Centres(VFS) or the SA consulate/embassy.

Obtaining a work visa for South Africa is easy compared to other countries. All Work visas are issued for 5 years initially. South Africa also offers a Critical Skills work visa in which you can apply without a Job offer. The country is technologically advanced, with a fast manufacturing sector. It would be best if you gave a try to South Africa. More details are given below. Dont forget to Join our WhatsApp Groups to stay connected with us.

Types of South Africa Work Visas

There are three types of work visas available for foreigners wishing to work in South Africa:

• General Work Visa.
• Critical Skills Work Visa.
• Intra-company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa.
• Corporate Visa.

1) What is the South Africa General Work Visa?

The General work visa is valid for the duration of the employment contract or period not exceeding 5 years. It is the most common type of work visa.

The South African employer has to obtain a certificate from the Department of Labour as proof that there is no qualified South African citizen for the position.

As an employee, you must submit this certificate along with other documents when you apply for the visa.

2) What is a Critical Skills Work Visa?

This type of visa is aimed at skilled workers and the field that is in demand in South Africa. The South Africa Critical Skills work visa is valid for a maximum of five years.

To obtain this visa, your profession must be listed here. Only people from these fields can apply for this type of visa.

Note: For the Critical Skills Visa, you do not need a job at the time of application. However, you must find employment within 12 months after the visa is issued.

With the Critical skills visa, you can apply for permanent residency after you’ve lived in South Africa for five years.

Also Check: List of Countries that offer Job Seeker Visas (2024)

3) What is Intra-company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa?

For employees transferred within the same company, valid for the duration of the assignment. This type of visa is valid for four years and you cannot extend it.

4) What is Corporate Visa?

A Corporate Visa is issued to a company (for example farms, or construction companies). It’s not for an individual. On this visa, the company can employ many foreign-skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers.

Required Documents for General Work Visa

• A signed completed visa application form.
• A passport.
• Payment of the visa fee.
• Proof of financial means such as bank statements, cash, and cheques.
• Police clearance certificate.
• A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his/ her dependent family members, should it become necessary.
• A certificate from the Department of Labour.
• An employment contract.
• Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority
• All necessary information about the employer, company, and business address.

Required Documents for Critical Skills Work Visa

• A signed completed visa application form.
• A passport.
• Payment of the visa fee.
• Proof of financial means such as bank statements, cash, and cheques.
• Police clearance certificate.
• Medical and radiology reports
• Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the accredited professional body, council, or board recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
• Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority
• Proof of employment within 12 months after you obtain a critical skills work visa.

For an intra-company transfer work visa 

• Proof of financial means for a return ticket.
• An employment contract with the company abroad.
• A letter from the company or employer where you will be working confirming your transfer.

Also Check: US H2A Work Visa Process 2024 (Temporary Agriculture Visa)

How to Apply for the South Africa Work Visa?

• Find a job in South Africa: You must have a Job offer from a South African company.
• Determine your visa type: Depending on your situation you must apply for an appropriate visa such as a general work visa, critical skills, intra-company transfer, or corporate visa.
• Fill out the visa application form and Schedule an appointment: Make an appointment through the Visa Facilitation Services Centres (VFS). You can download the visa application from https://www.vfsglobal.com/
• Prepare your documents: Prepare the documents that are required by VFS for your country. Choose your country and destination country: South Africa.
• Apply for a Visa: Pay the Visa fee and submit your complete application along with the documents on the day of the appointment.

Processing Time

It usually takes between 8 weeks to have your South African work visa processed.

South Africa Work Visa Cost

The Cost of a Work Visa is USD80.

South Africa Visa Website

Please visit the Republic of South Africa Department of Home Affairs website. It contains all the information on visa types, FAQs, and how to make an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I get a work visa for South Africa?

• Have a Valid Job offer from SA.
• Make an appointment through VFS Global
• Submit the Visa application form, and documents and Pay the Visa Fee.
• Wait for the Decision.

Can You Apply for a Work Permit Without a Job Offer in South Africa?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for the South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa.

Is it difficult to get a work visa in South Africa?

It is not difficult to get a South African work visa. It usually takes weeks to process your visa application.

How do I qualify to work in South Africa?

Applicants who are not citizens of South Africa who wish to work in SA must obtain a work visa. There are four types of work visas which include General work visas, critical skills, intra-company transfer, and corporate visas.