Points-Based System South Africa

What You Need to Know

South Africa has introduced a Points-Based System to modernise and streamline the immigration process for foreign workers. Implemented by the Department of Home Affairs, this system creates a clearer, more efficient, and transparent work visa application process, helping businesses hire skilled professionals while ensuring lawful immigration.

The system was formally introduced with the Third Amendment of the Immigration Regulations, 2014, gazetted on 9 October 2024 by Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber. Following this, Immigration Directive 10 of 2024 was published on 18 October 2024, providing detailed guidance on points allocation, revised salary thresholds, and criteria for employers participating in the Trusted Employer Scheme.

Key Features of the Points-Based System South Africa

The Points-Based System South Africa applies to Critical Skills Work Visas and General Work Visas. Applicants must score at least 100 points based on measurable factors including:

Occupation relevance
Qualifications (NQF level)
Annual gross salary
Work experience
Employment with a Trusted Employer
Language proficiency

Points Allocation Breakdown

This system ensures applicants and employers clearly understand the requirements, making the work visa process more predictable and transparent.

Occupation on Critical Skills List 100 Points

Qualifications: NQF 9–10 50 points

Qualifications: NQF 7–8 30 points

Salary above R976,194 p.a. 50 Points

Salary R650,676 – R976,194 p.a. 20 Points

Work Experience 5–10 years 20 Points

Work Experience 10+ years 30 Points

Offer from Trusted Employer 30 Points

Proficiency in one official language 10 Points

SAQA Evaluation Requirement Updates

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate requirement has been partially waived for applicants under the Points-Based System. Applicants may now submit proof of SAQA application while waiting for the final evaluation.

Initial visas can be issued for 12 months pending the SAQA certificate.

Once the SAQA certificate is received, visas may be renewed for up to 5 years.

Handling Pending Applications

Visa applications submitted before the implementation of the Points-Based System, including Critical Skills and General Work Visas, will continue to be processed under the previous rules. There is no retroactive effect on pending applications.

Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) Holders

ZEP holders applying for Critical Skills or General Work Visas are exempt from the Points-Based System. Their applications will follow existing procedures, ensuring a smooth transition toward long-term residency.

Alignment With Immigration Directive No. 9 of 2024

The Points-Based System must be considered alongside Immigration Directive No. 9 of 2024, which standardises requirements for port-of-entry visas. This ensures consistency across foreign missions and e-visa processing.

Ongoing Validity of Existing Visas

Existing Critical Skills and General Work Visas issued before the new Points-Based System remain valid under their original terms. Action is only required when renewing, extending, or modifying visas.

Impact on Businesses and Employers

The introduction of the Points-Based System South Africa is designed to benefit employers by simplifying the hiring of skilled foreign workers.

Key considerations include:
- Streamlined hiring process for foreign nationals
- Clear, measurable criteria for visa eligibility
- Reduced bureaucratic delays for companies seeking to fill critical skills positions

Next Steps for Businesses

Review Workforce Needs:

Assess if current or prospective foreign employees meet Points-Based System requirements.

Plan Visa Renewals:

Ensure upcoming visa applications comply with the new regulations.

Consult Immigration Specialists:

Expert advice can help avoid processing delays and ensure compliance with South African immigration law.

Why the Points-Based System Matters

South Africa’s Points-Based System is a major reform that enhances transparency, efficiency, and fairness in immigration. By simplifying visa requirements and providing clear criteria, South Africa is becoming a more attractive destination for skilled professionals, driving business growth and national development.

Contact Our Immigration Experts

For guidance on navigating the Points-Based System South Africa, determining eligibility, and submitting work visa applications, contact our immigration specialists. We provide tailored advice to ensure a smooth and compliant process under the new system.

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Please select the visa category you require assistance with:(Required)

RNW - What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

How old is the child?(Required)

Does the child's parent/ guardian have valid status within South Africa?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is the number of foreign nationals you are looking to employ?(Required)

CS - Do you currently have a formal offer of employment from a registered South African company?(Required)

CS - What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

CS - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

CS - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

CS - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

CS - In which country did you complete your highest qualification(Required)

CS - What position have you been offered(Required)

CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

GWV - What is your highest level of education?(Required)

GWV - Have you received an Offer of Employment(Required)

GWV - What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

GWV - How many years of work experience do you have?(Required)

GWV - Is your prospective employer a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme?(Required)

* Trusted Employers who have received this status form the DHA often meet the following criteria: - Have invested more than R100 million into the South African Economy - Employ more than 150 staff

GWV - Are you proficient in one of South Africa's 11 official languages?(Required)

ICT - Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

ICT - Have you been employed in your current position for longer than 6 months?(Required)

ICT - What is the expected duration of your secondment/ assignment?(Required)

RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

RV - What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

RV - Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

RV - Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RWV - Are you currently employed by a foreign entity outside of South Africa?(Required)

RWV - Do you earn an annual salary exceeding R650,000? (UDS $37,000 / EUR 33,000)(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R1.8 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

STWA - What is the duration of your assignment in South Africa?(Required)

STWA - Does your current employer support your work in South Africa?(Required)

SV - Do you have an enrollment letter from a recognized learning institution?(Required)

SV - What level of education will you be completing in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

VV - What is you intended duration of stay in South Africa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current visa(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

What is the expiry date of your current Intra Company Transfer Work Visa?(Required)

PR - What Visa do you currently hold for South Africa?(Required)

PR - Have you received a permanent offer of employment?(Required)

PR - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_CS - What is the expiry date of your current Critical Skills Work Visa?(Required)

PR_CS - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_GWV - What is the expiry date of your current General Work Visa?(Required)

PR_GWV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_GWV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

PR_ICT - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_ICT - Have you been offered Permanent employment by a South African employer?(Required)

PR_RV - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RV - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_RV - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you receive an irrevocable income of at least R37,000 per month (Rental income, dividends, interest, pension, ect )(Required)

PR_RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least ZAR 1,8 million(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is your relationship to a South African citizen/ Permanent Resident?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - Have you maintained your relationship with your South African partner/ South African PR holder?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - How long have you resided in South Africa?(Required)

RV - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

PR_VV11(6) - What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

Do you have an offer of employment from a South African employer?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a monthly irrevocable income of at least R37,000?(Required)

RPV - Do you have a net worth of at least R2.4 million?(Required)

RPV - Do you intend on working part time or conducting business while in South Africa?(Required)

RPV - Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

Are you being sent on a secondment or assignment to South Africa?(Required)

PR - Do you have direct family members that are South African Citizens or Permanent Residence holders?(Required)

BV - Do you intend to establish or invest in a business in South Africa?(Required)

What type of business do you intend to operate or invest in?(Required)

BV - Are you able to invest a minimum of R5 million into the South African economy?(Required)

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GWV - Total Points(Required)

Country(Required)

Important Notice: Applications are accepted only from the countries listed below.

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What is your current occupation and the nature of your business activities?(Required)

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