The critical skills work permit offers those applicants who practice within designated professions and who have 5 years appropriate post qualification experience, the opportunity to apply immediately for permanent residency.
If you are seeking to make an application under the critical skills category but do not possess 5 years post qualification experience please see here for more details on the critical skills work visa.
Below we discuss how to go about applying for a critical skills work permit.
Before submitting your application
Assessing whether you qualify for a critical skills work permit is the first step. The critical skills work permit has a number of criteria that includes:
- Your qualification.
- Your occupation.
- Your years of experience.
- Your registration with the appropriate professional bodies.
You can view the critical skills list here where you can assess if your qualification and occupation feature or take our free one minute assessment here.
Preparing your application for a critical skills work permit
- You will need to complete the permanent residency application form and pay the applicable application fee.
- Submit a copy of your unabridged birth certificate.
- Undertake biometrics.
- Submit a yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable.
- Provide police clearance certificates for all countries you have stayed in for in excess of 12 months since 18.
- Submit medical and radiological reports.
- Submit a marriage certificate where appropriate.
- Include unabridged birth certificates in respect of each dependent child.
- Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category.
- A certificate of registration with the professional body.
- Proof of post-qualification experience of at least five years.
- Testimonials from previous employers and a comprehensive curriculum vitae.
- A letter of motivation indicating that the critical skills possessed by the applicant will
be to the benefit of the South African environment in which the person intends to
operate and which relates to the critical skill in question.
Submitting your application for a critical skills permit
It is important to note that when applying for a critical skills work permit this can only be done in South Africa if you are on an appropriate visa. As an example, if you are an existing critical skills work visa holder you may apply for permanent residence in South Africa. It is always best to seek professional guidance on this matter as permanent residence applications take some time (up to 24 months) and where you submit your application can have far reaching consequences.
Getting assistance with applying for a critical skills work permit
Applying for a critical skills work permit can be complex, frustrating and expensive. With over 6000 successful applications since our inception in 2006 and the offering the reassurance of being ISO 9001 accredited, Intergate are ideally placed to assist.
Getting help with your visa or permit application
We welcome the opportunity to consult with you as to your eligibility for a visa /permit and answer any questions you may have with no obligation.
You can take our free one minute assessment here or request a call back for more information. Or simply call us at +27 (0)21 424 2460.