General Work Visa
South AfricaSouth AfricaAfrica
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General Work Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

56-84 days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Work visa for foreign workers not on Critical Skills List. Subject to new points-based system (as of October 2024). No longer requires Department of Employment and Labour certificate.

The General Work Visa is for foreign nationals seeking employment in South Africa in positions not requiring specialized skills or those not listed on the Critical Skills List. As of October 2024, applications are processed under a new Points-Based System, eliminating the previous Department of Employment and Labour certificate requirement.

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Requirements

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

Valid for at least 30 days after contract end

Passport photos

Recent photographs

Resume/CV

Work history and qualifications

Reference letters

Professional references

Police clearance

From countries of residence in last 5 years

Medical report

Health certification if requested

Optional

Sponsor Documents

Job offer letter

Detailed employment offer with terms

Company registration

Proof of business registration

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Advantages

  • Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
  • Simplified process (no DEL certificate needed)
  • Spouse and dependents can join
  • No skills list requirement

Considerations

  • Still requires job offer
  • Long processing time (8-12 weeks)
  • Not for critical skills positions
  • Must maintain employment

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

Get employment offer from South African employer

2

Prepare documents

Compile passport, job offer, qualifications, references

3

Apply at embassy

Submit application at South African diplomatic mission

4

Wait for processing

Processing takes 8-12 weeks typically

5

Collect visa

Receive visa in passport

Application Forms

General Work Visa Application

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General Work Visa — South Africa | BorderProof