The requirements for general work visa applications include:
- A duly completed application form as per the submitting embassy, consulate or Department of Home Affairs office.
- SAQA Application – The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This is one of the requirements for a general work visa whereby SAQA evaluates all foreign qualifications and converts them to a South African education equivalent.
- Completed and signed general work visa application form.
- A valid passport.
- Proof of financial means to support the applicant's living expenses until they receive a salary: bank statements, cash or travellers' cheques.
- Medical reports.
How do I apply for a South African work visa?
In order to obtain this visa, the employing company must prove the position cannot be filled by a South African. This usually means they have to advertise the position in the local media first; this ensures jobs aren’t denied to South African citizens. Secondly, proof has to be submitted of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience.
How long can you work in South Africa on a visa?
For this reason, applicants who have had the benefit of a professional’s services are far more likely to secure a five year visa than those who have made the application themselves. Duration of a critical skills visa. A critical skills visa affords the holder the opportunity to work in South Africa for up to 5 years.
Can I apply for permanent residence in South Africa?
Permanent residence in South Africa is a possibility for employees with certain work visas. Workers are eligible to apply for permanent residence in South Africa after five years of living in the country with a General Work Visa.
What is a critical skills work visa South Africa?
Critical skills visa Critical skills work visa is issued to a foreign national who works within a specific profession deemed to be critical in the Republic of South Africa. The new critical skills list has just been published and released on the 3rd of July 2014.
How much does it cost to get a work visa in South Africa?
A duly completed DHA-947 form online. Handwritten forms will not be accepted by the Department of Home Affairs. Payment of the application fee of R1350.
How long does it take to get a work permit in South Africa?
When this is complete the candidate must lodge the Work Permit application in person at the South African Consulate in their country of residence. The processing time is 30 days (Consulate dependent). Once the application is approved the employee can then enter South Africa to commence their assignment.
How long does it take to get a general work visa in South Africa?
2 to 3 monthsHow long does processing this visa take? Although the South African department of home affairs are committed to processing an application within 30 days, it is more realistic to expect the visa to be processed within 2 to 3 months from the time of lodgement.
How can a foreigner work in South Africa?
You cannot come to South Africa on a tourist visa and then apply for a work visa. You can apply for different types of South Africa work visa including a general work visa, critical skills visa, intra-company transfer visa and a business visa (if you want to start your own business in South Africa).
Who qualifies for a work permit in South Africa?
General work visas may be issued to foreigners when there are no South African citizens or permanent residents with the relevant skills available. General work visas are valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 5 years.
Can I apply for a work visa without a job offer?
A short answer is No. Unfortunately, you can't apply for a work visa without a job offer. Your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor you for the visa and petition on your behalf.
How much bank balance is required for South Africa visa?
3000 South African RandHow Much Bank Balance is Required to Get a South African Visa? The high commission requirements state that you will need funds of an equivalent of at least 3000 South African Rand to apply for the visa. As per the requirements, you are expected to possess sufficient funds to support the entire duration of your stay.
What are the documents required for work visa?
Work Visa RequirementsWork visa application form.Your passport with a six-month validity period.Identity pictures.Proof of financial means.Health insurance for foreign workers.Work contract.Resume and proof of work experience.Letters of recommendation from previous employers.More items...
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
Can a foreigner work in South Africa without a work permit?
The immigration act of South Africa stipulates that anyone who knowingly employs foreign applicants without work permits will be in direct violation of the act and will be fined or might face imprisonment which will not exceed 12 months for their first offence.
How long is a work permit valid for in South Africa?
South African work permit will be issued for a period of four year or for the duration of the applicant's project or contract.
Do I need a visa to work in South Africa?
Any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident in South Africa and who wishes to work in the country generally needs to obtain a work visa. Work visas last for the same time as your employment contract or for a maximum number of years. In general, visa extensions are possible.
How long does it take to get a work visa approved?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
How long is a work permit valid for in South Africa?
South African work permit will be issued for a period of four year or for the duration of the applicant's project or contract.
Can I employ a Zimbabwean without a work permit?
Can I employ a Zimbabwean without a work permit? A Zimbabwean who would like to work in South Africa must have a valid work permit or be a permanent resident holder.
How can a Zimbabwean get a work permit in South Africa?
In the case that Zimbabwe citizens wish to work, live, or study in South Africa, they will be required to complete an application process through the embassy. You can find the details of the South Africa Embassy in Zimbabwe below.
What is a work visa in South Africa?
Your South African work visa acts as your temporary residence visa. Any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident in South Africa and who wishes to work in the country generally needs to obtain a work visa.
What are the types of work visas available in South Africa?
These include: general employment, inter-company transfer, highly-skilled migrant, or business entrepreneur.
How long does a work visa last in South Africa?
Work visas last for the same time as your employment contract or for a maximum number of years. In general, visa extensions are possible. You should apply for a work visa if: you wish to take up temporary employment in South Africa, with or without reward.
What is a letter of recommendation for a business visa in South Africa?
All business visa applicants must apply for a letter of recommendation from the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the feasibility of their business and the contribution of the business to the national interest of South Africa.
How long does it take to get an extension for a visa in South Africa?
You should start your application for an extension of your visa at least 90 days prior to the expiry date, which can be made at any Visa Facilitation Centre (VFS) office in South Africa; you can complete the application form online. There is a fee payable when applying for an extension of a temporary residence visa – the fee for an extension is the same as for the original application.
How long is a critical skills visa valid?
The Critical Skills Work Visa is valid for a maximum period of five years , and extensions are possible. However, as shown below, permanent residence is achievable immediately after earning the Critical Skills Work Visa.
What is a general work visa?
The General Work Visa is the most common type of visa. In order to obtain this visa, the employing company must prove the position cannot be filled by a South African. This usually means they have to advertise the position in the local media first; this ensures jobs aren’t denied to South African citizens. Secondly, proof has to be submitted of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience. Their qualifications have to be checked by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
What is a general work visa?
General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the relevant qualifications or skills and experience are not available for appointment.
Can a multinational company transfer employees in South Africa?
Occasionally, multi-national companies may decide to transfer an existing employee in a key position from a foreign branch to a branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that company in South Africa. Such employees must apply for intra-company transfer work permits.
How do I get a South African work visa as an entrepreneur?
If you intend on working for yourself in South Africa, you'll have to get a Business Visa.
How can I move money to South Africa from my bank account overseas?
To get the most of your money, you'll want to open a bank account in South Africa, which you can do before you arrive.
What documents do I need?
The documents you need vary depending on the visa requirements, and the country you’re applying from. However, in most cases you'll need to provide the following:
How will my visa affect my spouse and family members?
You can either apply once you have your visa in hand, or at the same time as you put in your own application. This extends to a spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18.
How to get a critical skills visa?
To get a Critical Skills Visa, you’ ll have to be planning on working in one of a number of shortage areas. The list of critical skills is published in the government Gazette periodically, or available from embassies. The range of jobs covered runs from niche positions like sheep shearing, to architects, network engineers and people working in the finance sector. With this visa type you might be able to get your paperwork sorted out without needing a firm job offer, as long as your qualifications are approved by the local authorising body in South Africa.
Do I need a South African work visa?
Your first priority should be to figure out if you need a work permit at all. In some cases, depending on your nationality and the role you’re going to take on, a permit might not be necessary.
How to get a visa for South Africa?
To get a visa to work in South Africa legally, the applicant must visit their country’s South African embassy, diplomatic representative, or consulate in person. They will need to bring the relevant documents along with them to apply, so they should confirm the requirements in advance.
What is the most common type of visa for foreigners seeking employment in South Africa?
General Work Visa: This is the most common type of visa for foreign citizens seeking employment in South Africa.
What department processes visa applications?
The Department of Home Affairs will process and finalize all applications. Processing time will vary with the type of visa and location of the applicant.
How long does it take to get a permanent residence in South Africa?
Workers are eligible to apply for permanent residence in South Africa after five years of living in the country with a General Work Visa. Individuals with Critical Skills Work Visas may apply for permanent residence permits immediately provided that they have five years of experience in their field.
What is a corporate visa?
A corporate visa allows a company to employ a set number of foreign workers with Individual Corporate Worker Certificates.
Why is South Africa a good choice for business?
South Africa's growing economy, warm climate, and rich cultural history make the country an excellent choice for companies in the midst of international expansions. However, some companies are deterred by the complex...
Can a family member travel to South Africa?
Spouses and children may receive residence visas after the employee has obtained a permanent residence permit or a work visa. Family members can also apply for work and study visas for their time in South Africa.
Who Needs a South African Work Visa?
The South African Work Visa acts as a temporary residence visa. If you are not a permanent resident or a citizen of South Africa and wish to work in the country, you will need to obtain a South Africa work Visa.
Types of South African Work Visas
This is the most common type of work visa you can apply for in South Africa. You can obtain this visa only if there is a position in a company which a South African Citizen does not fill. The position should be advertised on social media, ensuring that the jobs are not denied to the citizens of South Africa.
Where to apply for a South African work visa
An appropriate visa is required for a foreigner who wishes to enter South Africa at:
South Africa Work Visa: Introduction
South Africa Work Visa application is hassle-free with Tetra Consultants’ assistance.
Overview of types of South Africa Work Visa
Foreign travelers originating from countries that qualify for visa-free entry into South Africa do not need a visa if they are travelling for leisure purposes or only wish to stay for a short period of time.
Corporate Visa
The Corporate Visa is the only type that is not issued to an individual but instead to a business entity so that it can hire foreign employees.
Business Visa
Foreigners who wish to enter South Africa to invest in the country or set up a local business can choose to apply for this.
General Work Visa
General Work Visas are issued to foreigners who are employed in a South African company.
Critical Skills Work Visa
The Critical Skills Work Visa is issued to foreigners with a specific skillset for 1 year. The duration can be increased for up to 5 years.
Intra-company Transfer Work Visa
Besides granting the applicant the rights to work in South Africa, this visa also allows applicants to study part-time without obtaining further permission from the Department of Home Affairs.
There are 6 Types of Immigration Visas Which Allow You to Work in SA
The corporate worker’s visa is a specialized type of visa which allows a business in SA to recruit a predetermined number of foreign applicants to work for the business. The business must first apply for a corporate certificate before they are allowed to recruit foreign applicants to employ within the business.
How Much Is A Work Permit in South Africa?
The cost of an employment visa depends on whether you facilitate the process yourself or if you make use of an immigration agent’s services for Africa.
Can I Work in South Africa Without a Work Permit
Under no circumstances are you allowed to work in SA with no visa of any sort that allows you to legally work.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Work Permit in South Africa?
The Department of Home Affairs in SA, promises a processing time of 40 working days, but one can expect delays. In rare cases are the visas approved in these time frames so you need to keep following up online to see whether your visa is still processing or if an outcome has been reached.
