South Africa - Critical Skills Work Visa

The Critical Skills Work Visa helps the South African government to seek new and experienced foreign nationals seeking jobs by creating the demanded skilled workers in the country.  This Critical Skills visa allows the candidate to seek employment within 12 months. Later on it can be extended to 5 years. Candidate present job must be listed in the Critical Skills list of the South Africa Department of Home Affairs to get this visa.

Documents Required:

  1. Passport and Travel History
  2. Application Form Hand Written
  3. Documentation Proving Identity and Civil Status
  4. Educational Credentials Evaluation Report
  5. Professional Credentials Evaluation Report
  6. Proof of financial support
  7. Yellow Fever Vaccination
  8. Recent Medical Reports
  9. Police Clearance Certificate
  10. Attested copies of documents

Submission Procedure:

  1. Collect Educational Documents and send for evaluation to SAQA(South African Qualification Authority) team
  2. Collect Professional Documents and send for The Institute of IT Professionals South Africa IITPSA upon receiving the SAQA Report
  3. Undergo Medical, Radiologist, Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificates as per the formats
  4. Collect police clearance certificates
  5. Book appointment at New Delhi South Africa High Commission and submit documents as per the checklist

Costs & Processing Time:

Visa Fee: INR 1520

Evaluation Fees: SAQA & IITPSA

Processing Time: In between 3 weeks to  6 weeks

Related FAQ's

How long does a critical skills visa last in South Africa?

The critical skills visa can be issued for 12 months without a listed employer or for five years with a suitable work offer in the chosen skills category. 

Is it necessary for SAQA to assess my qualifications?

Yes, all foreign qualifications need to be submitted to the South Africa Qualifications Authority to be evaluated within the National Qualifications Framework Act.

Who can apply for a Critical Skill visa?

Agricultural, engineering, architecture, business and economics, information technology, health professionals, and other areas are covered under the critical skill visa.  

What is a critical skills list work visa?

It is a work visa based on compliance with the Critical Skills List. The South African government publishes a list of key skills and qualifications for the economy. The candidate must be able to demonstrate that he or she is qualified and skilled in one of the jobs or skills listed on the critical skills list

What is the critical skills list (CSL)?

Additional Information: The Critical Skills List reflects skillsets that are deemed critical for South Africa and its economy. The list affects which occupations companies are eligible to recruit foreign workers for without needing to conduct labor market testing.

What is the checklist for a critical skills work visa?