The General Work Visa lets foreign nationals work in South Africa in roles where no suitable local candidate is available. Applications from October 2024 onward are assessed under the Department of Home Affairs points-based system.
The South African General Work Visa is for skilled foreign professionals hired to fill positions where employers cannot find suitable South African candidates. It is one of the main temporary residence routes for employment-based migration and is subject to the updated Immigration Regulations and points-based assessment introduced in October 2024.
Exit and re-enter South Africa freely during the validity of your visa.
Holding a General Work Visa for more than five consecutive years may make you eligible to apply for South African permanent residence.
A Ministerial Waiver removed the requirement for a Department of Employment and Labour certificate, simplifying many applications.
Most General Work Visa applications are processed within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on completeness and submission channel.
To qualify for a General Work Visa in South Africa, you will typically need:
Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) in line with the National Qualifications Framework Act.
A valid job offer from a registered South African employer is mandatory.
Applicants must score at least 100 points based on education, work experience, language proficiency, salary, and Trusted Employer status.
Valid passport, police clearance(s), medical report, and other standard temporary residence documentation as required by the DHA.
The Department of Home Affairs implemented an updated points-based system (9 October 2024, amended 18 October 2024) for General Work Visa applications. You must achieve a minimum of 100 points. Points are awarded as follows:
| Criteria | Detail | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Education | NQF levels 9 and 10 | 50 |
| Education | NQF levels 7 and 8 | 30 |
| Work experience | 5 – 10 years | 20 |
| Work experience | 10+ years | 30 |
| Language skills | Proficient in at least one official South African language | 10 |
| Offer of employment (mandatory) | Annual salary R976,194 or higher | 50 |
| Offer of employment | Annual salary between R650,796 and R976,194 | 20 |
| Employment status | Offer from Trusted Employer | 30 |
It allows a foreign national to live and work in South Africa in a position where the employer cannot find a suitable local candidate, subject to DHA approval and the points-based system.
Yes. A formal offer of employment from a registered South African company is mandatory.
At least 100 points under the system effective from October 2024, based on qualifications, experience, language, salary, and Trusted Employer status.
No. A Ministerial Waiver removed the requirement for a Department of Employment and Labour certificate for General Work Visa applications.
Most applications are processed within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on where you apply and whether your file is complete.
Yes. Holding a General Work Visa for more than five consecutive years may make you eligible to apply for permanent residence, subject to meeting all other requirements.
If you can prove submission of your SAQA application, you may receive a 12-month provisional visa, renewable for up to five years once SAQA is complete.
Track your job offer, SAQA evaluation, points score, and every document in one guided journey — with a live readiness score.