Critical skills work visas are issued for a period not exceeding five years) and to apply one you must submit the following:

• Application form fully completed in detail and signed.
• An original Passport and a copy authenticated by the issuing authority of the country of origin with a valid visa as proof of current status in the Republic.
• The Passport is valid and expires in no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended date of departure from the Republic in terms of regulation 9(1)(a)
• The application is being submitted in person, no less than 60 days before the expiry date of the applicant’s visa and if the visa was issued for less than 30 days, not later than seven working days before the expiry of the visa.
• A medical report, signed by a Medical Practitioner, reflecting their practice number, address and contact details, and the report shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• Police clearance certificate issued by the police or security authority of a country where the applicant resided for longer than 12 months in the last 5 years before submitting the current application , which certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if that person travelled or intends travelling from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic area: (Provided that the certificate shall not be required where that person travelled or intends travelling in direct transit through such an area)
• Offer of employment / contract of employment stipulating the conditions of employment and signed by both the employer and the applicant.
• A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary
• A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment.
• Proof that the applicant falls within the critical skills category by specifically selecting ONE occupation/critical skill for which the application is being made. The occupation/critical skill must be on the latest Critical Skills List. Selection must be done with a black pen.
• Proof of evaluation of the foreign qualification by SAQA and translated by a sworn translator into one of the official languages of the Republic, indicating the NQF Level of the qualification..
• If required by law, proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act;
• Valid Membership to the relevant Professional Body (Not required for University Lecturers)
• A confirmation, in writing, from the relevant professional body, council or board recognised by SAQA in terms of section 13(1)(i) of the National Qualifications Framework Act, or any relevant government Department confirming the skills or qualifications of the applicant and appropriate post-qualification experience (Not required for University Lecturers).
• If married, a marriage certificate. In case of a marriage concluded abroad, proof of official recognition thereof authenticated (apostilled) by the issuing authority of the country of origin, and translated into one of the official languages of the Republic and certified as a correct translation by a sworn translator at the expense of the applicant.
• If in a life partnership, a notarial agreement authenticated (apostilled) by the issuing authority and signed by both parties attesting that-
  1. the permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship has existed for at least two years before the date of application for a relevant visa, and that the relationship still exists to the exclusion of any other person; and
  2. neither of the parties is a spouse in an existing marriage or a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship.
• The affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties, and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship.
• Full birth certificates in respect of each dependent child
• Proof of a union recognised in terms of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act, 1998 (Act No. 120 of 1998), where applicable.
• Divorce decree, where applicable.
• Death certificate, in respect of the late spouse, where applicable.
• Legal separation order, where applicable.
• Proof of payment of the applicable fee
• Important Notes:
  1. A critical skills work visa is not a work-seekers visa. All applications must be accompanied by an offer of employment from employers who are verifiable and are in good standing with the Department of Employment and Labour.
  2. For all Corporate General Manager (CGM) and Director occupations, check the additional requirements in Table 10 of the Critical Skills Technical Report
  3. University Lecturers must specify the classification of education subject matter
  4. Engineering applicants registered with a SAQA Professional Body as “Candidate” and others similarly graded in the occupations listed above will be considered for a critical skills work visa, provided they meet all other requirements, and on condition that on receipt of the work visa, they will be working under the supervision of a qualified professional where applicable.
  5. All supporting documents will be verified, including employment and qualifications. An MIE Report (optional), if submitted, will assist with the efforts to verify employment.
  6. A critical skills work visa may be issued for a period not exceeding five years at a time.
  7. Fraudulent Documents: If the Director-General determines that a visa or permanent residence permit was obtained through misrepresentation or fraud, the permit or visa will be revoked. In such cases, criminal charges may be instituted against all individuals involved in the fraudulent activity.
  8. The applicant is personally responsible for all supporting documents submitted with this application.