What is a Critical Skills Work Visa?
This visa is reserved for certain occupations that have been deemed scarce in the South African economy and are listed on the South African Critical Skills List. While applying for this visa comes with its own unique set of challenges, Critical Work Visas do not require an offer of employment, unlike General Work Visas. It is important to note that Critical Skills Work Visas are only issued for a period of one year, and that applications for renewal of such a visa must be completed within South Africa.
While there are many occupations included in the Critical Skills List, there are 12 main categories under which one may apply:
- Agriculture, Agricultural Operations and Related Sciences;
- Architecture and the Built Environment;
- Business, Economics and Management Studies;
- Information Communication & Technology;
- Engineering;
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences;
- Life and Earth Sciences;
- Professionals and Associate Professionals;
- Trades;
- Business Process Outsourcing (BPO);
- Academics and Researchers;
- Post-Graduate.
Why a Critical Skills Work Visa?
- Critical Skills Work Visas allow for multiple entries into South Africa which means applicants are at liberty to travel in and out of South Africa as frequently as they wish
- Upon receiving a permanent offer of employment, Critical Skills Work Visa holders (and their dependent family members) immediately qualify for Permanent Residence
- Critical Skills Work Visa applicants are not required to obtain a Certificate of Recommendation from the DOL.
- An offer of employment is not needed, and applicants will be able to reside in South Africa while searching for suitable employment opportunities
What are the main document requirements needed for a Critical Skills Work Visa application?
- Proof that an applicant’s foreign qualifications have been evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Applicants are required to prove that they possess the necessary qualifications and/or experience within one of the prescribed categories on the Critical Skills List
- Registration with a professional body, council or board as recognised by SAQA, whose function it is to confirm that the applicant possesses the necessary skills and/or qualifications in the category that they are applying under.
halloSA’s hot tip
Critical Skills Work Visas are the centrefold in the efforts by the Government of South Africa to attract skilled foreigners to our shores. Should your occupation fall within one of the above categories, or even if you are unsure, please contact us for a free assessment so that we may evaluate your eligibility for a Critical Skills Work Visa.
It is also worth noting that the DHA have committed themselves to a processing time of a maximum of four weeks for Critical Skills Work Visa applications.