A South African work Visa / Permit offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live and work in the country for an extended period, with a potential pathway to permanent residence. South Africa, with its dynamic economy and unique job market, relies on highly skilled foreign nationals to fill critical skills gaps and contribute to upskilling the local workforce. This makes the country an attractive destination for professionals with expertise in various fields.

Who qualifies for a South African work Visa / Permit ?

The work Visa / Permit is intended for foreign nationals seeking long-term employment in South Africa. It also applies to individuals who have already worked in the country for five consecutive years and now wish to apply for permanent residency based on their employment. However, it is important to note that intra-company transfer visas do not qualify for this pathway. To pursue permanent residence, you would need to switch to either a general work visa or a critical skills visa and hold it for five consecutive years.

How to apply for a work Visa / Permit ?

To qualify, you must have accumulated five years of temporary work visas, including general or critical skills visas. The application process, while thorough, ensures that those who meet the requirements are rarely turned down.

Required documentation:

• A valid passport showing all previous and current work visas

• A signed employment contract from your employer

• Salary benchmarking from the Department of Labour

• Certification from a chartered accountant, particularly for those in permanent employment

Changes to previous Visa / Permit s:

The Quota Work Visa / Permit and Exceptional Skills Visa / Permit were discontinued under the Immigration Amendment Act of 2014, replaced by the Critical Skills Visa, which continues to provide a path to permanent residency for foreign professionals.

Advantages of a South African work Visa / Permit :

• No need to reapply for a work visa once permanent residence is granted

• Formal qualifications are not always required, though they can strengthen your application

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