How do I obtain a work permit?
Work permits or temporary visas for work are issued by the Department of Home Affairs. Applications for temporary residence visas are processed and finalised at the foreign offices of the Department of Home Affairs, and you should make travel arrangements only once the visa has been approved.The types of visa are:
- General Work Visas are issued to foreigners where it has been proven beyond reasonable doubt that South African citizens and permanent residents with the relevant qualifications or skills and experience are not available for appointment.
- From time to time the Minister of Home Affairs publishes a critical skills list in a Government Gazette. Toapply for a critical skills visa, you must provide proof of qualifications.
- Occasionally, multi-national companies may decide to transfer an existing employee in a key position from a foreign branch to a branch, subsidiary or an affiliate of that company in South Africa. Such employees must apply for intra-company transfer work permits.
Requirements for general work visa in South Africa
The requirements for general work visa applications can seem quite onerous. There is a role to play for both the prospective employee and employer. Intergate Immigration has successfully been helping applicants with the requirements for general work visa applications since 2006 and to date have achieved in excess of 4000 granted work visa on behalf of its applicants.
Below we detail some of the important factors when assessing the requirements for general work visa applications. But you are welcome to complete our free assessment here or contact one of clients managers on + 27 (0) 21 424 2460.
The requirements for general work visa applications include:
- A duly completed application form as per the submitting embassy, consulate or Department of Home Affairs office.
- SAQA Application – The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This is one of the requirements for a general work visa whereby SAQA evaluates all foreign qualifications and converts them to a South African education equivalent.
- Police Clearance Certificates (for all applicants older than 18 years of age).This requirement for a general work visa is a document issued by the police or security authority in each country you have resided more than one year and confirms the existence or non existence of any prosecutions or convictions that may be registered against you.
- Proof of Advertisement. In order to show proof that a local candidate (South African Citizen or permanent resident) has tried to be recruited to the role. These requirements for a general work visa needs to meet specific requirements in terms of where placed, size of advert etc.
- Employer documentation that includes your contract of employment and a letter of under taking for the repatriation deposit.
- Medical well being – part of the requirements for a general work visa application include proof that the applicant is in good health. Applicants will also have to submit a radiological report.
- Certain professions in South Africa require foreigners to be registered with the professional organisation which have a presence in South Africa. For example, Engineers are required to register with the “Engineering Council of South Africa” (ECSA).
- Personal information – this includes such items as your CV, proof or birth, marriage, divorce and passport.
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.