If you want to work in South Africa, but find the general or corporate work visas too limiting, the South African critical skills visa could be for you. This visa is based on a list of occupations that are needed in South Africa. If your occupation appears on the list and meet the criteria attached, you can make an application for a critical skills visa.
To see whether you qualify, complete our free online assessment. It’ll only take a few minutes of your time. If you prefer to speak to someone, you can contact us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460.
What makes a critical skills visa different from other South African work visas?
For starters, no job offer is required in order for a foreign immigrant to apply for a critical skills visa. Furthermore, the holder of a South African critical skills visa is allowed to change employers. This puts less obligation on the employer and gives the immigrant more freedom.
Can my family join me in South Africa?
Immediate family members, i.e. a spouse or life partner and dependent children, are welcome to join foreign immigrants in South Africa. They would, however, need to obtain the appropriate visas to do so.
How long is this visa valid for?
Temporary South African critical skills visas are valid for up to 5 years. Permanent residence can be applied for once the holder of the visa has been in employment for 5 years.
Applicants with 5 years experience in their field, that is considered a critical skill in South Africa, can make an application for permanent residence immediately.
What are the requirements for a South African critical skills visa?
The main criteria is that the applicant’s occupation must feature on the critical skills list. Once the visa has been issued, the foreign immigrant must obtain an appropriate position within 12 months. It is then also necessary to confirm employment with the Department of Home Affairs and get registered with the local South African professional body.
How do I apply for a South African critical skills visa?
Applicants must meet the criteria for a South African critical skills visa and submit all necessary documentation, as determined by the Department of Home Affairs.
You could do the application yourself, but why not simplify matters and let Intergate Immigration handle it for you? We have processed more than 9 000 visa and visa related applications since our doors opened in 2005.
Call us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460. If you’d like us to call you instead, simply complete our assessment form or request a call back. One of our consultants will endeavour to contact you within 24 hours.