Temporary Work Visas
There is a variety of work visa categories available for foreign nationals who wish and seek to work in South Africa. The following categories are available:
Critical Skills Work Visa
A Critical Skills Work Visa is issued to a foreign national when s/he falls within one of the prescribed categories in terms of the latest Critical Skills List issued in August 2022. The occupations span from within business management, engineering, medical and science, etc.
A person who wishes to apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa must, inter-alia, comply with the prescribed qualification level requirements in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by having their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and be registered as a professional member with a SAQA recognised professional body, board or council. This visa may be issued for a period of five (5) years and is renewable in South Africa.
Intra Company Transfer Work Visa
An Intra Company Transfer Work Visa allows a foreign national employed abroad to reside in South Africa while working for the local branch, subsidiary or affiliate of their foreign employer. To be able to qualify for this type of visa, the foreign national must have been employed with the affiliate/subsidiary/branch company outside of South Africa for a period of at least six (6) months.
An important focus of this visa type is that the foreign national will be required to transfer his/her foreign skills to a South African citizen or permanent resident during his/her time in South Africa and a skills transfer plan must be submitted with the application to that effect.
This visa may be issued for a period of four (4) years and is non-renewable in South Africa.
General Work Visa
A General Work Visa for South Africa is the most onerous and strict work visa application of the bunch, as it is a two-fold process whereby it requires a foreign national to have secured an offer of employment with a South African employer, of which the South African employer must apply to the Department of Labour for a recommendation or certificate proving that the foreign national is the only person able to perform the required work or duties. Only once the Department of Labour has provided its recommendation, the foreign national may proceed to apply for a General Work Visa.
This visa may be issued for a period of five (5) years and is renewable in South Africa.
Short term Work Visa
A short term work visa, in terms of Section 11(2) of the Immigration Act, is the perfect solution for short-term and urgent work.
Unlike other short-term visas that allow holiday or business activities, this visa permits a foreign national to conduct short-term work in South Africa and it is not a complicated process compared to a traditional work visa application.
This visa may be issued for a period of three (3) months with the option to extend for a further three (3) months in South Africa, totaling to six (6) in total.
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Spousal Work Visa
A spousal work visa, in terms of Section 11(6) of the Immigration Act, allows a foreign spouse of a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident to accompany them while conducting work or business in South Africa.
It is subject to a contract of employment or proof of business registration that needs to be submitted with the application.
This visa may be issued for a period of up to three (3) years and is renewable in South Africa.
Study Visa
A Study Visa is issued to a foreign national who wishes to reside in South Africa whilst studying at South African institution of primary, secondary or tertiary education. This visa is subject to the institution being approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training and that the foreign national has been accepted to study at the institution. This visa allows ad-hoc work of at least 20 hours per week.
This visa may be issued in line with the course-period of study or in line with main visa holder when accompanying parent to South Africa; and is renewable in South Africa.
Corporate Work Visa
A Corporate Work Visa is issued to a foreign entity e.g., mine groups, farms, large projects of national importance that allows them to employ a pre-determined number of skilled/semi-skilled/unskilled workers. It is an extensive and three-fold process that requires involvement by the Department of Labour, the Department of Home Affairs and South African High Commissions/Embassies/Consulates abroad. This visa may be issued for a period of three (3) years and may be renewed.
Other Visa Categories
If any of the above categories do not apply to the intended work activities, the Immigration Act makes provision for long-term visitor visas for those wishing to come to South Africa for research, academic sabbaticals, teaching, films or advertising, artistry or touring and more.