What is the critical skills work visa?
The critical skills work visa is a South African temporary residence visa, issued under section 19(4) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, for foreign nationals whose occupation is on the Critical Skills List published by the Minister of Home Affairs. It can be issued for up to five years.
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Since 18 October 2024, critical skills and general work visas have been assessed under a points-based system set by the Minister of Home Affairs. An applicant needs 100 points. An occupation on the Critical Skills List is worth all 100 points on its own, and an offer of employment is mandatory.
Applicants whose occupation is not on the list can still reach 100 points through a combination of other criteria, such as their qualifications, the salary offered, years of experience, language skills and an offer from an employer in the Home Affairs Trusted Employer Scheme. They receive a general work visa instead.
Documents and requirements
Besides the usual visa documents, such as a police clearance certificate and a medical report, the application must show that the applicant falls within the critical skills category, with:
- written confirmation of their skills or qualifications and post-qualification experience from the professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA, the South African Qualifications Authority;
- proof of registration with that body where the law requires it. With only an application for registration, the visa can be issued for up to 12 months;
- an evaluation of any foreign qualification by SAQA, translated into an official language by a sworn translator.
The employer must give a written undertaking to cover the costs of deportation if needed, and the employee may only be employed in the position for which the visa was issued.
Timing and planning
The visa must be in place before the employee starts work in South Africa. Applications are usually made from abroad, through a South African mission or a visa application centre, and the time they take varies by location, so the start date should be planned around them.
Critical skills visas when you hire through an EOR
With TopSource as your Employer of Record in South Africa, the application can be based on our offer of employment as the South African employer, and we provide the employer undertakings and documents it needs. We then plan the start date around Home Affairs processing times.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a job offer for a South African critical skills work visa?
Yes. Under the points-based system in force since 18 October 2024, an offer of employment is mandatory for both critical skills and general work visas.
How long is a critical skills work visa valid?
Up to five years. If the applicant has applied for, but not yet received, a professional registration that the law requires, it can be issued for up to 12 months.
What is the difference between a critical skills and a general work visa?
Both use the same 100-point test. An occupation on the Critical Skills List earns all 100 points and leads to a critical skills visa. Other applicants need a combination of points, for example for qualifications and salary, and receive a general work visa.
Related terms in South Africa
- Temporary Employment Services (South Africa)
- Section 198B Fixed-Term Rule (South Africa)
- BCEA Earnings Threshold (South Africa)
- Retrenchment (South Africa)
- Restraint of Trade (South Africa)
- Family Responsibility Leave (South Africa)
- Sick Leave Cycle (South Africa)
- Employment Equity Act Reporting (South Africa)
- B-BBEE Scorecard (South Africa)
- POPIA and Employee Data (South Africa)
- EMP201 Monthly Return (South Africa)