South Africa has many job opportunities for skilled workers in various positions and increasingly foreigners are finding work in South Africa as the country has a growing economy and manufacturing sector. Hence, the government encourages applications by skilled workers in occupations. The most recent list of critical skills hasas much as 35,000 job positions across 53 different categories.
The most common route to follow is that of applying for a South African general work permit when a foreign national applies for a work visa in South Africa. This permit falls under the temporary residency visa stream, which allows the bearer to work in South Africa for an extended period.
Eligibility for South Africa Work Permit:
- Advertisement placed in a national newspaper
- All foreign qualifications evaluated by SAQA
- Obtain a recommendation letter from the Department of Labor
- Applicant must have an existing employment offer
Types of Work Visas for South Africa:
General work visa: The General Work Visa is one of the most common type of visa. In order to obtain this type of visa, the employing company first has to provide substantial proof that a South African citizen cannot fill the position. Secondly, you will have to submit proof of the applicant’s qualifications and/or experience.
Critical skills work visa (highly skilled migrants): The South African government regards some skills and qualifications as critical or exceptional. A person who has such skills and/or qualifications can apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa. The applicant does not have to secure a specific position of employment at the time of application in order to obtain this visa.
Corporate visas: The Embassy does not issuea Corporate Visa to an individual but to an employing company, and allows that company to employ a number of foreign workers during a certain period. This type of visa is incredibly advantageous to a company as it allows the firm to employ foreigners much faster and at a discounted fee to the DHA.
Business Visas: If you plan to move to South Africa to open a business or invest in an existing business, you must apply for a Business Visa. Applicants are required to invest substantial capital and show a business plan. 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.
Work Visa Application Process:
Step 1: Apply for a visa or permit online on the VFS Website. You will need to fill the correct online form and pay the mandatory fee in order to schedule an appointment after application form filling. Pay the relevant fees online as the Visa Facilitation Centre cannot collect payments in cash.
Step 2: On the day of your appointment, please plan to arrive 15 minutes early at the Visa Facilitation Centre. Bring your appointment letter, printed online application form, proof of payment and supporting documents, along with a valid passport or travel document. Once your visa application process is completed, the center will issue an acknowledgment receipt. Submit this receipt and collect your documents after the center takes a decision.
Step 3: You will need to arrange for supporting documents for your visa or permit application -
- One passport photograph
- A medical certificate that is no older than six months
- A radiological certificate that is no older than six months
- Police clearances from all countries in which you have lived for more than 12 months
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Death certificate, if you are widowed
- Divorce certificate, if applicable
- Eligibility documents (vary depending on permit category)
Step 4: Enroll your fingerprints and photograph at the Visa Facilitation Centre. This includes a digital finger scan and a digital photograph. The center cannot process your visa if you do not submit your biometric information. All children and infants will also provide their biometric data as required by Department of Home Affairs.
Step 5: Choose whether you would prefer to collect your documents in person at the Visa Facilitation Centre or have a representative collect the decision on your behalf. Original passport is required to collect the decision. A representative needs to carry an authorization letter with the name of the applicant and his passport number followed by name and ID number of the representative collecting the application.
Expected Processing time:
Processing times vary and fluctuate and you can currently expect to wait for around 4 – 8 weeks.
How can Akbar Travels help you obtain the South Africa Visa:
So, are you all set to start your visa application process? If yes, then let us get started! The Visa Experts at Akbartravels.com will assist you with the entire process of obtaining your South Africa Visa. We are experts in the travel & tourism sector with over 40 years of experience. We provide friendly, comprehensive, up-to-date visa services that cater to our client’s individual needs and have helped a significant number of individuals in getting a successful visa.
Useful Links:
How to apply for a South Africa Visa
Tips to get South Africa Visa
Reasons for South Africa Visa Rejection
