Looking to apply for a work visa? There are three types of work visas in South Africa: the Critical Skills Work Visa, General Work Visa and Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa. Scorpion explains what you need to know.
1. Critical Skills Work Visa
A critical skills visa means you are applying for work in South Africa that is on the Critical Skills List. This list is periodically updated and published in the Government Gazette. You do not need an employment offer to apply for this visa, however, in this case you will only be issued a one-year visa to enable you to secure employment within your critical skills category. (You will also need to provide proof of sufficient financial means to the value of a minimum of R3 000 in the form of three months’ bank statements if you do not have an offer of employment.)
Must-know:
- You must meet the minimum NQF level set for the job you want to apply for
- You do not need a certificate from the Department of Labour
- You will qualify immediately for permanent residency once you have been offered permanent employment in an occupation that appears on the Critical Skills List
- Visa is valid for up to 5 years
- Your spouse and dependents will be eligible for accompanying visas
2. General Work Visa
A general work visa enables foreigners to work for a South African employer, but only if the employer has made every attempt to fill the vacant position with either a South African citizen or a permanent resident holder.
Must-know:
- You must submit a copy of your offer of employment to apply for this visa
- You will need a certificate from the Department of Labour
- You will need to provide proof that the position was advertised in a national newspaper
- Visa is valid for the duration of the contract of employment, or a period not exceeding 5 years
- You can apply for your spouse and children to accompany you
3. Intra-Company Transfer Work Visa
The intra-company transfer work visa is issued when a company transfers an employee from their foreign branch to the South African office for a specific period of time and for a specific project. Visa holders are free to exit and re-enter South Africa freely.
Must-know:
- You do not need a certificate from the Department of Labour
- You can only be employed in the specific position for which the visa has been issued
- Visa is valid for 4 years
Scorpion can help applicants through the visa process by recommending a visa category that will suit them, and taking them through the application process with VFS. Need help? Click here: https://www.scorpion.biz/OnlineApplication/JoinOptions.aspx
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* This is only basic legal advice and cannot be relied on solely. The information is correct at the time of being sent to publishing.