Critical Skills Work Visa in South Africa

Applying for the South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa

A Critical Skills Visa in South Africa is ideal for professionals whose expertise is in high demand in the country. This visa caters to individuals with critical skills that contribute significantly to the South African economy.

This visa is classified as a “Critical Skills Work Visa,” allowing qualified professionals to live and work in South Africa. It is valid for up to 5 years and can be renewed, provided the individual continues to meet the requirements and their skills remain on the critical skills list.

The list is updated regularly, so if your profession isn’t on the current list, it could be added to the next edition.

If your profession is on the list, then one of our immigration specialists can guide you through the application process.

The applications we put together are comprehensive, eliminating the need to go back and forth adding forms, double-checking requirements, and incurring greater costs.

South Africa Critical Work Skills Work Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

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All Required Application Forms can be found at our Immigration Resources. A spouse and dependent children of a holder of critical skills work visa will be issued an appropriate visa, valid for a period not exceeding the validity of the critical skills work visa.

The documentation you need to apply for a Critical Skills Work Visa includes:

• Complete and sign the Visa application form (DHA-1738 Form 8) using black ink. Original signatures are required; copies are not acceptable.
• Submit your original passport.
• Provide 2 passport-sized photographs.
• Include Police Clearance Certificates from every country you have resided in for more than one year within the last five years.
• Present a valid passport or travel document that remains valid for at least 30 days after the end of your visit to South Africa. Your passport must have at least three blank pages for endorsements and must have been issued within the last 10 years at the time of your visa application submission. Include a copy of the main/bio page of your current passport.
• Submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Provide an original medical report.
• Include your academic qualifications, along with transcripts that detail the subjects taken for your degree. Honour’s degrees and postgraduate work are particularly valued in South Africa.
• Provide a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificate.
• Submit confirmation of your skills or qualifications from a professional body, council, or board recognized by SAQA or any other relevant government department.
• Register with a South African professional body and provide proof of this registration.
• Provide proof of accommodation in South Africa.
• Include a cover letter.

Critical Skills Work Visa Costs

The application fee for a Critical Skills Work Visa can vary based on your country of submission. When submitting in South Africa, the government fee for the application is R1,520.00
Submission at the VFS office in London, England is £125.00, with an additional fee of £40.00 (inclusive of VAT) per application.

These costs are not directly related to the visa application but may be incurred during the process:
Medical examination (if required): Cost depends on nationality and length of stay.
For Example:
•Obtaining a Medical Certificate in the United Kingdom – the cost is £199 (includes VAT).
•Obtaining a Medical Certificate in the United States of America – the cost is $225 (includes VAT).
•Travel insurance with a cost of approximately $1800 in the United Sates for the duration of 1 year (This is for 2x adults and 2x children – highly recommended, not mandatory)
•Courier fees with a Cost of approximately $30-$50 (optional, for sending the application)
•Accommodation costs (applicant’s responsibility during their stay)
The cost of these additional items will vary depending on the individual circumstances.
Your immigration consultant will provide an estimate on all fees required to complete the application process. This way, you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. We provide you with a comprehensive estimate based on international financial markets and up-to-date information regarding costs from the relevant government departments.

How to Apply for a South African Critical Skills Work Visa

In general, the steps to approval include:

1. Check the Critical Skills List to ensure that your area of specialisation is required in South Africa
2. (The list is updated according to South Africa’s employment needs, so even if your employment category isn’t currently considered critical, it might be added to the list soon)
3. Ask your immigration consultant if you’re uncertain what category your skills fall under
4. Your immigration consultant will also be able to tell you if you meet the minimum requirements specified in your category
5. Submit your applications first to SAQA and then to the relevant professional body
6. Once you have all the documentation in place, your immigration consultant will help prepare your submission pack, ensuring that you have completed all the forms correctly and that you’ve paid the incumbent fees
7. If everything checks out, you can submit your application.
   Your consultant will be able to give you a realistic turnaround time