General Work Visa for South Africa: Your Complete Guide

If you’re looking to work in South Africa, the General Work Visa</span> is one of the most common options available to foreign nationals. This visa allows individuals who do not have critical skills but meet other necessary qualifications to work in South Africa, helping boost the country’s economy. Whether you’re a professional with years of experience or looking to gain valuable work exposure, the General Work Visa offers a pathway to legal employment in the country.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the General Work Visa</span>—from eligibility criteria and the application process to the required documents and tips for increasing your chances of approval.

What is the General Work Visa?</span></span>

The General Work Visa</span> is a temporary residence visa issued to foreign nationals seeking employment in South Africa. Unlike the Critical Skills Visa, which is specifically for individuals with skills deemed essential to the economy, the General Work Visa caters to applicants with diverse qualifications. However, there are certain key requirements that applicants must meet to be granted this visa.

Eligibility Criteria for the General Work Visa</span>

To qualify for a General Work Visa, applicants must:

1. Score 100 points or more based on South Africa’s new points-based visa system.

2. Have a confirmed offer of employment from a South African employer.

3. Provide evidence that the employer attempted to recruit a South African citizen or permanent resident before offering the job to a foreign national.

4. Obtain a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificate if the qualifications were earned outside of South Africa.

It’s important to note that securing a job offer is a mandatory part of the application process for the General Work Visa, so you should make sure that you have a signed employment contract or official offer letter.

Points-Based System for General Work Visa

“color: #000000;”>The points-based system introduced by the Department of Home Affairs evaluates visa applicants based on various factors such as qualifications, work experience, and salary levels. Applicants must reach a minimum of 100 points to be considered eligible for the General Work Visa.

• ang=”en-US” align=”left”>Qualifications:

  • NQF levels 9 or 10 (Master’s or Doctorate) – 50 points

  • NQF levels 7 or 8 (Bachelor’s or Honours) – 20 points

• Offer of Employment (optional but advantageous):

  • Salary above R968,184 per annum – 50 points

  • Salary above R645,456 per annum – 20 points

• Work Experience:

  • 10+ years – 30 points

  • 5–10 years – 20 points

• Proficiency in an official language of South Africa: 10 points

Application Process for the General Work Visa

“color: #000000;”>The process for obtaining a General Work Visa can be broken down into several steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer: As mentioned, you need a valid offer of employment from a South African company. The employer must demonstrate that they have tried to fill the position locally.

2. SAQA Evaluation: If your qualifications were earned outside of South Africa, they must be evaluated by SAQA. This process can take time, so it’s advisable to submit your qualifications for evaluation as soon as possible.

3. Submit Your Application: With the necessary documents, you can submit your General Work Visa application to the South African Department of Home Affairs or the nearest South African embassy or consulate if you’re applying from abroad.

4. Await Decision: Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive a decision. If approved, your General Work Visa will be issued, allowing you to work in South Africa for the duration specified in your visa approval letter.

align=”left”>Required Documents for General Work Visa

“color: #000000;”>To ensure your application is successful, you will need the following documents:

• A valid passport.

• A signed employment contract or official job offer.

• SAQA certificate (if applicable).

• Medical clearance certificate.

• Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have resided for 12 months or more since the age of 18.

• Proof of qualifications and relevant work experience.

Having all required documents ready will speed up the application process and reduce the chances of delays or rejections.

Duration of the General Work Visa

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>The General Work Visa is typically issued for the duration of the employment contract, with a maximum of 5 years. However, an initial 12-month visa may be granted if you’re in the process of obtaining a SAQA certificate. Once all documentation is submitted, a visa for up to 5 years can be issued, depending on your employment agreement.

Why Apply for a General Work Visa?

The General Work Visa is a great option for individuals who want to live and work in South Africa but do not possess critical skills. By meeting the points-based system’s requirements and securing a job offer, you can gain legal employment in a growing economy. South Africa offers ample opportunities for foreign workers in various sectors, including healthcare, education, engineering, and more.

Final Thoughts on the General Work Visa

Applying for a General Work Visa in South Africa can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. With the right qualifications, experience, and a valid job offer, you can obtain this visa and contribute to South Africa’s economy. Ensure that you meet the points-based system’s criteria, prepare your documents meticulously, and consider seeking expert advice to improve your chances of success.

For more details or professional assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Let us help you navigate the process and make your move to South Africa as seamless as possible.

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.

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