Critical Skills Work Visa
Embracing the dynamic tapestry of expertise, Critical Skills Work Visas propel South Africa’s economic trajectory by ushering in a procession of adept and qualified global professionals.
Global Minds Powering Growth
Critical Skills Work Visas promote economic growth in South Africa through the import of skilled and qualified professionals.
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.
Since the release of the new Critical Skills List in 2022, there have been pertinent changes from the list issued in 2014.
These include that specific qualifications and NQF levels in terms of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) have been allocated to respective categories, and that graduates who have studied in a critical skills field and who have no post qualification experience, may not be able to obtain this visa.
Critical Skills Categories
The occupations on the latest Critical Skills List issued in 2022 span from various management categories, engineering and medical and science, etc. See below if you may fall within one of the listed categories.
What are the requirements for a Critical Skills Work Visa?
Inter-alia with the documents for an application, there are the following pre-requisite critical skills work visa requirements that one must comply with before being able to qualify:
Hold the relevant NQF level in line with the prescribed categories (varies from NQF level 4 (Matric) to NQF level 10 (PhD).
In addition to the registration with a SAQA recognised professional body, council or board; they must also issue the foreign applicant with a confirmation of skills letter which confirms that their skills and qualifications are in line with the category that they are applying for.
Registration with the relevant professional body, council or board recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Each critical skills category has its own prospective body that they need to register with.
A fixed term offer of employment for a period of 5 years with a South African employer.
What are the benefits of this visa?
This visa may be issued for a period of five (5) years and is renewable in South Africa.
One is eligible to qualify for permanent residency in South Africa immediately provided that the foreign applicant has five (5) year post qualification experience and a permanent employment offer (although not compulsory in law).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa and/or Permanent Residency if I have studied within a critical skills field?
This depends on the degree you obtained and if you have any work experience. Immigration trends in practice have shown that the Department of Home Affairs no longer issues Critical Skills Work Visas to graduates. In terms of Permanent Residency, the Directive that allowed foreign students that studied towards a critical skills area, was withdrawn since the release of the new Critical Skills List in 2022.
Can my family accompany me on a Critical Skills Work Visa?
Yes, your family may accompany you on a Critical Skills Work Visa. However, it is best to check with your South African Embassy/Consulate or Mission abroad on if they may apply simultaneously or if the main Critical Skills Work Visa must be obtained first.
Can I apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa from within South Africa?
Should you be in possession of a long-term work visa (excluding visitors and intra company transfer visas) then you may be able to apply for a change of status in South Africa. You may not change from a short-term business/holiday visa in South Africa, unless you have applied for a waiver through the Department of Home Affairs which has been approved.
Am I able to renew my current Critical Skills Work Visa that was issued in terms of the Critical Skills List issued in 2014?
This would depend on your occupation and qualification level. Since the release of the new Critical Skills List, applicants must comply to certain qualifications and NQF levels and in some categories, the enterprise sizes of the South African employer. It would be best to conduct a free assessment to determine if you are still eligible to renew/change your Critical Skills Work Visa.