CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA

The Critical Skills Work Visa is the most sought-after visa aimed at skilled foreign national professionals whose skills have been identified as critical or scarce in South Africa. It allows qualified individuals to work in occupations identified as critical to South Africa’s economic development and growth. Eligibility for the visa is dependent on the Applicant’s occupation appearing on the Critical Skills List. The List includes professions in fields such as engineering, medicine, finance, and sciences, among others.

MORE INFORMATION

You immediately qualify for permanent residency once you have been offered permanent employment in an occupation that appears on the Critical Skills List.

Valid for up to 5 (five) years.

Can be renewed in South Africa.

The spouse and dependents of the Critical Skills Work Visa holder are eligible for accompanying dependent visas.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

CRITICAL SKILLS VISA REQUIREMENTS (MAIN REQUIREMENTS)

You immediately qualify for permanent residency once you have been offered permanent employment in an occupation that appears on the Critical Skills List.
Valid for up to 5 (five) years.
Can be renewed in South Africa.
The spouse and dependants of the Critical Skills Work Visa holder are eligible for accompanying dependant visas.

DO I NEED A JOB OFFER TO APPLY FOR THE CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

It is a requirement to submit along with your application for a Critical Skills Visa a formal offer of employment and/or a validly executed contract of employment with a South African entity.

CAN MY FAMILY ACCOMPANY ME TO SOUTH AFRICA ON A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

Yes, dependents such as your spouse and children can apply for accompanying visas or alternatively study visas depending on your family’s specific needs.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SAQA) IN THE PROCESS?

SAQA evaluates and verifies your foreign qualifications to ensure they meet South African standards. This is a critical step in your visa application process.

CAN I SWITCH TO A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA IF I AM ALREADY IN SOUTH AFRICA ON A DIFFERENT VISA?

Yes, you can apply for a change of status to a Critical Skills Visa from within South Africa, provided your current visa allows for status changes and you meet the requirements.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROFESSION QUALIFIES FOR A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

Your profession must be listed on the official Critical Skills List published by the Department of Home Affairs. This list is updated periodically and includes fields such as ICT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Check the latest list to confirm eligibility. Please see a link to the latest Critical Skills List here: Immigration Act: Regulations: Critical skills list

HOW LONG IS THE CRITICAL SKILLS VISA VALID, AND CAN IT BE RENEWED?

The visa is typically valid for up to five years. It can be renewed before expiration if you continue to meet the requirements. The Critical Skills Visa also offers a formal pathway to Permanent Residence.

DO I NEED TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF MY CRITICAL SKILL?

Yes, the visa is granted based on your qualifications and experience in a critical skill. Additionally, it is required in terms of the Immigration Act, 2002 that you adhere to the conditions attached to your visa at all times, such as being employed within a specific designation with a specific employer.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your submission. It typically takes 6–8 weeks, but delays may occur.

How will the new regulations published by the DHA on 09 October impact my application?

Breakdown of the Points-Based System

The Department of Home Affairs have gazetted new Regulations on 09 October 2024, which will impact the adjudication of Critical Skills Work Visa applications submitted after 09 October 2024.

All Critical Skills Work Visa applications will now be adjudicated under the points-based system. To qualify, an applicant must instead score a minimum of 100 points. Points are earned through various criteria including qualification, gross salary per annum, years of work experience, Trusted Employer status and language proficiency (table included hereunder).

Applicants for a Critical Skills Work Visa, will immediately earn 100 points through their occupation listed on the critical skills list.

	Criteria	Points (%)	Criteria	Points (%)
Occupation:	Occupation on Critical Skills List	100
Qualifications:	NQF levels 9 and 10	50	NQF levels 7 and 8	30
Offer of Employment (Mandatory):	Above R976,194 gross per annum	50	Between R650,976 and R976,194 gross per anum	20
Work Experience:	5 – 10 years	20	10+ years	30
Employment Status:	Offer from Trusted Employer	30
Language Skills:	Proficient in at least one official language	10

SAQA EVALUATIONS

A Ministerial Waiver was also granted for Critical Skills Work Visas, in response to the significant delays experienced by Applicants in obtaining SAQA evaluation certificates. Applicants who can provide proof of submission of an application made to SAQA of the evaluation of their foreign qualifications, will be eligible to apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa, which will be issued for a period of 12 months. Once the SAQA evaluation is successfully completed and submitted, the visa may be renewed for the full 5-year period, offering greater certainty and flexibility to foreign professionals.

MORE ABOUT THE CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA

The Critical Skills Work Visa is the most sought-after visa aimed at skilled foreign national professionals whose skills have been identified as critical or scarce in South Africa.

Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the previous Minister of Home Affairs, gazetted the latest Critical Skills List on 3 October 2023 (Government Gazette No. 49402 of 3 October 2023. This has been welcomed with open arms by corporations across South Africa, which may now fulfil the country’s objective of luring foreign professionals and sought-after critical skills. South Africa’s Critical Skills Work Visa offers freedom and opportunities to live and work in South Africa.

The South African Critical Skills Work Visa is issued for periods of up to five years and may be renewed, while also offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Should you qualify under the available positions in the 2023 Critical Skills List, available for download below, please contact us to facilitate your prospective application. Our team of experts will manage the entire process, allowing for a smooth and effective application process.

The South African Critical Skills List 2023: What’s Changed from the previous list published on 02 August 2022?

The Critical Skills DHET Technical Report

Whilst the methods to which the Critical Skills List came about are noteworthy, there are particular points of interest in the technical report that impacts the process of applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa, leaving some with the uncertainty of how to approach a Critical Skills Work Visa application.

Foreign applicants need to adhere to the guidelines set out in the technical report when compiling their applications for a Critical Skills Work Visa as the report is concise in its description of what the Department of Home Affairs will be considering when adjudicating such applications.

The South African Critical Skills List 2023: What’s Changed from the previous list published on 02 August 2022?

The new categories and Critical Skills work visa qualifying components may make the application procedure more onerous. Throughout your immigration journey, our immigration specialists can help you navigate these challenges and guide you through out the process.

PREPARE TO RENEW YOUR SOUTH AFRICAN VISA

The occupation of “University Lecturer” no longer requires SAQA professional body registration, but a letter of support from the Dean or Head of the Faculty or School or University Registrar. The following occupations have also been added to the List:

The Xpatweb 2023/2024 Critical Skills Survey Report Updates

WHY US?

Xpatweb offers a premium service, specifically to corporate entities and professionals, from identifying the category of visa best suited to the prospective employee, through to the compiling of a fully compliant application for submission, in the most efficient and timely manner.

Our diverse and skilled team of professionals possesses extensive expertise within the industry, uniquely positioning us to deliver exceptional services tailored to the specific needs of your business. We are committed to ensuring a positive and seamless experience throughout the immigration process. With a multi-disciplinary approach, we provide relevant and top-notch services, employing the optimal strategies to navigate the complexities of immigration. Trust us to guide you through the intricacies of the immigration landscape, ensuring a smooth and successful journey.

Xpatweb actively engages contributions to the formulation of the Critical Skills List specifically. We run the annual critical skills survey among large multinationals and corporates in South Africa. The survey is the most prominent of its kind with the purpose of identifying pressure points concerning the shortage of critical skills experienced across industries. Our latest survey reveals the top 10 skills in demand for 2023/24.

To see the latest results of our annual Critical Skills Survey, please see the link below:

Critical Skills Survey Report | Xpatweb’s Annual Critical Skills Survey 2024

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Full Name(Required)

Contact Number

Email Address(Required)

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

How old is the child?(Required)

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

What is the status of your spouse?(Required)

What is your marital status?(Required)

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

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

What is your highest level of Education?(Required)

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

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

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

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

What position have you been offered(Required)

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

What is your highest level of education?(Required)

In order to qualify for a General Work Visa, you must have an offer of employment from a South African employer. What is your expected annual income for the position you have been offered?(Required)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you currently residing in South Africa?(Required)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

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

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

What is your intention in South Africa?(Required)

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

What visa do you currently hold?(Required)

Please specify other(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)

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

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

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

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

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

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

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

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the duration of your relationship?(Required)

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

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

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

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

Do you have accompanying family members?(Required)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Total Points(Required)

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA

MORE INFORMATION

You immediately qualify for permanent residency once you have been offered permanent employment in an occupation that appears on the Critical Skills List.

Valid for up to 5 (five) years.

Can be renewed in South Africa.

The spouse and dependents of the Critical Skills Work Visa holder are eligible for accompanying dependent visas.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

CRITICAL SKILLS VISA REQUIREMENTS (MAIN REQUIREMENTS)

DO I NEED A JOB OFFER TO APPLY FOR THE CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

CAN MY FAMILY ACCOMPANY ME TO SOUTH AFRICA ON A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SAQA) IN THE PROCESS?

CAN I SWITCH TO A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA IF I AM ALREADY IN SOUTH AFRICA ON A DIFFERENT VISA?

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROFESSION QUALIFIES FOR A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

HOW LONG IS THE CRITICAL SKILLS VISA VALID, AND CAN IT BE RENEWED?

DO I NEED TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF MY CRITICAL SKILL?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A CRITICAL SKILLS VISA?

How will the new regulations published by the DHA on 09 October impact my application?

Breakdown of the Points-Based System

MORE ABOUT THE CRITICAL SKILLS WORK VISA

The South African Critical Skills List 2023: What’s Changed from the previous list published on 02 August 2022?

The South African Critical Skills List 2023: What’s Changed from the previous list published on 02 August 2022?

Veterinarian – NQF 8

Veterinary Nurse – NQF 6 or 7

PREPARE TO RENEW YOUR SOUTH AFRICAN VISA

The Xpatweb 2023/2024 Critical Skills Survey Report Updates

WHY US?

Xpatweb offers a premium service, specifically to corporate entities and professionals, from identifying the category of visa best suited to the prospective employee, through to the compiling of a fully compliant application for submission, in the most efficient and timely manner.

To see the latest results of our annual Critical Skills Survey, please see the link below:

Critical Skills Survey Report | Xpatweb’s Annual Critical Skills Survey 2024

TALK TO US