You want to come to South Africa to work and make a new life. One of a few options available to you is applying for a South African general work visa.
The first step is to see if you qualify. You can do this by completing our online assessment. It’s free, quick and easy.
If you prefer to speak to someone, you can us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460.
You could also start by reading more about general work visas and contact us afterwards.
Who can apply for a South African general work visa?
Foreign immigrants who do not qualify for the following visas can apply for a general work visa:
- Quota work visa.
- Exceptional work visa.
- Intra-company transfer.
- Or whose prospective employee is not in possession of a corporate work visa.
Can my family come with me?
Immediate family members, i.e. partners and dependant children, can accompany holders of work visas.
Partners, i.e. spouses or life partners, are not allowed to study, work or run a business. They may also not be included in permanent residency applications. They may, however, apply themselves at a later time, dependent on their relationship with the permanent resident.
Dependant children can attend a South African school, but they would need a study visa to do so.
How long is this visa valid for?
A general work visa is valid for between 2 and 5 years, but never longer than the duration of the employment contract. Immigrants who obtain temporary residency and maintain it for 5 years are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
What are the requirements for a South African general work visa?
The main criteria for a general work visa is a valid job offer. It is also necessary for the prospective employer to show that they have been through the required steps before issuing the job offer. For both of these criteria certain requirements must be met in order for the application to be successful.
How do I apply for a general work visa?
Applicants must have a valid offer of employment (contract) before applying for a general work visa. In addition to the offer of employment, all other documentation as determined by the Department of Home Affairs should be included in the application.
Instead of doing the application yourself, let Intergate Immigration handle the process for you. You can reach us at +27 (0) 21 424 2460. If you’d like us to call you, all you have to do is complete our online assessment form or request a call back. Our client managers have years of experience in immigration and are happy to help you.