How to Get a SA General Work Visa: The New Points-Based System (2025)
Applying for a General Work Visa for South Africa has recently undergone some significant changes. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a step-by-step breakdown on how to navigate this new process. Read on to learn about the new Points-Based System (PBS) in place, understand what the new requirements are, and identify the necessary documents for a successful application.
Step 1: Understanding the New General Work Permit
Gone are the days of the ‘DOL Certificate’ – it has been replaced with a more streamlined Points-Based System (PBS). With PBS, you are required to score 100 or more points to qualify for a General Work Permit. The distinction between the Critical skills vs general work visa is crucial. The critical skills visa is for applicants with skills or qualifications considered critical to the SA economy.
Step 2: The Points-Based System (PBS) Explained
Within the PBS, you will be evaluated based on five categories: Qualifications, Experience, Salary, Language, and Employment Status. While Qualifications and Experience are pretty straightforward, “Salary” refers to the proposed salary for the job offer in South Africa, “Language” refers to proficiency in at least one of South Africa’s 11 official languages, and “Employment Status” pertains to whether there’s a job offer from a “Trusted Employer.”
Step 3: Employer’s New Role
While the Department of Labour (DOL) may no longer be involved, your employer still has a crucial role to play in your visa application process. They will provide necessary documents, including the CIPC documents, underwrite repatriation costs, and ensure passport validity and compliance. The employer’s commitment greatly affects the candidate’s application success.
Step 4: Document Checklist
Here are the key documents you’ll need for a work permit application: DHA-1738 Form, a valid passport, medical reports, Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) verification of qualifications, and a formal job offer from a South African employer. It is important not to forget any of these crucial documents when preparing your application.
Step 5: Costs & Timelines
Talking about ‘costs,’ the question that comes to everyone’s mind is “How much does it cost?” The visa application fees are R1520, and VFS service fee is R1550. You’ll have to wait for 8-12 weeks for your visa, which is significantly shorter than the previous timeline that included a 6-month waiting period for the DOL Certificate.
Step 6: The SAQA Concession
If you are still in the process of receiving your SAQA verification, you can apply with just proof of SAQA submission for a temporary 12-month visa. This is a new concession aimed at streamlining the application process and ensuring skilled individuals can enter the workforce sooner.
As the best immigration agent for work visas in Cape Town, we’ve noticed that many applicants get confused about calculating their PBS score. That’s where our expertise comes in.
Conclusion
Applying for a General Work Permit for South Africa may be a complex and stressful experience. However, it doesn’t have to be. With expert guidance and a thorough understanding of the process, you can smoothly navigate your way through the application process. At Abroadscope, we’re here to help. We are the best solution for those questioning, “How do I get a work permit in South Africa?” Let us take the stress and complexity out of the equation.