South African Work Visa Guides

Our immigration lawyers detail the steps of application and approval and other general guides to assist you in your immigration journey.

This Checklist and Guide cover the below important points to consider when applying for a Work Visa in South Africa Locally or Internationally:

• Educational/Professional Experience Requirements
• Proven English language competence
• Local employment contract required
• Recommendation from a SAQA- Accredited Professional Body/Board/Council Required
• Registration with relevant South African Professional Body/Board/Council Required
• Foreign qualification(s) to be evaluated by SAQA
• Tenure Requirements (length of service)
• Approval from the Department of Labour + labour market search required, amongst others
• Quotas / Caps (i.e. limitation on number of visa which may be issued or sponsored by a company in South Africa)
• Maximum Validity
• Renewals (must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the expiry of the existing work visa and preparation for the renewal application must start at least 6 months before)
• Payroll location (i.e. where salary an/ or benefits are paid from)
• Limitations
• May change status from one work visa category to another from within South Africa
• De-registration requirements / notification of employment termination
• Creates an avenue to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit
• Spouses and child may accompany