Points-Based Immigration System FAQs

POINTS-BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the South Africa’s points-based immigration system?

It is a framework designed to assess foreign nationals applying for a Critical Skills Work Visa or General Work Visa, using a merit-based scoring system. Points are awarded for qualifications, work experience, employment offers, and language proficiency, aiming to streamline the selection of highly skilled and qualified migrants.

2. Who does the points-based system apply to?

It applies specifically to applicants for the Critical Skills Work Visa, aligned with occupations listed in the Critical Skills List and applicants for General Work Visas, whose designations do not fall under or align to those contained in the Critical Skills List.

3. How are points calculated under the system?

Points are awarded based on:

Academic qualifications (aligned to NQF levels)
Annual salary
Years of relevant post-qualification experience
Whether the employer is a member of the Trusted Employer Scheme
Whether the designation appears on the Critical Skills List
Language proficiency in English or another official language

4. What is the minimum score required for a Critical Skills Work Visa?

Applicants must meet a prescribed minimum threshold of 100 points to be eligble to apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa or a General Work Visa. Applications below the threshold may be rejected, even if all eligibility criteria are met.

5. How does the points-based system align with the Critical Skills List and South Africa's proposed National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP)?

It supports the NLMP by ensuring that only individuals with priority skills are admitted into the labour market. The system complements labour market testing and national development objectives.

6. What supporting documents are needed to score points?

Applicants must provide official, verifiable documentation such as:

SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications
Work experience letters or other forms of work experience vetting such as MIE
A signed job offer or employment contract, confirming the relevant designation
Proof of language proficiency

7. Can I appeal a rejection under the points-based system?

Yes. If a visa is rejected due to alleged insufficient points or a misapplication of the criteria, the decision may be appealed in terms of section 8 of the Immigration Act, provided it is within the prescribed time limit.

8. Does the system consider age when scoring applications?

No. Unlike points-based immigration systems in some other countries, age is not a scoring factor in South Africa’s system. The focus is on qualifications, experience, job offers, and language ability.

9. Does the points-based system favour certain nationalities or regions?

No. The system is non-discriminatory and applies uniformly across all applicants, regardless of country of origin. Assessment is based entirely on merit and compliance with the points criteria and visa requirements. Age was a proposed factor to be considered when the concept of the points-based system, was introduced; however, it was excluded as a considering factor when the Third Amendment to the Immigration Regulations were gazetted.

10. Is professional body registration required in the points-based system?

While not part of the points calculation, professional registration is mandatory for eligibility for a Critical Skills Work Visa. Without it, even a high-scoring applicant may be ineligible to apply, as it is required for all designations within the Critical Skills List.

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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 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 - 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)

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? (*add)(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)

RNW - 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)

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)

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GWV - Total Points(Required)

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POINTS-BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CONTACT US

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POINTS-BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS