Section 19(2) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended)
Critical Skills Work Visa
The Critical Skills Work Visa is designed for foreign nationals with skills in occupations identified on the South African Critical Skills List. Unlike the General Work Visa, it does not require a prior job offer — but you must demonstrate that your skill appears on the gazetted list and that you hold the relevant qualifications and, where applicable, registration with a professional body.
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Validity
5 years, renewable
Confirm that your occupation appears on the current Critical Skills List before starting your application. The DHA publishes this list periodically — verify the latest version on the DHA website (https://www.dha.gov.za) before proceeding.
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the requirements below before gathering any documents. A missing eligibility criterion means a refused application.
Skill on the Critical Skills List
Your occupation or skill must appear on the Critical Skills List as gazetted by the Department of Home Affairs. The list includes categories such as medicine, engineering, information technology, finance, education, and skilled trades. Download the current list from the DHA website before applying.
Tip: The list is updated periodically. Even if your occupation was on a previous list, confirm it appears on the current published version. Your specific role must match the listed category.
Recognised Qualification or Expertise
You must hold a formal qualification (degree, diploma, or professional certificate) in the relevant field, or be able to demonstrate expertise and experience. Qualifications obtained outside South Africa must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Tip: Apply for your SAQA foreign qualification evaluation early — it typically takes 4–6 weeks. SAQA evaluations are mandatory for foreign qualifications and are submitted along with your application.
Professional Body Registration (Where Required)
If your critical skill requires registration with a South African professional or statutory body (e.g., HPCSA for health professionals, ECSA for engineers, SAICA for chartered accountants), you must hold that registration. Provisional or conditional registration may be accepted — confirm with the relevant body.
Tip: Begin registration with the professional body as early as possible. Some bodies require proof of your foreign credential evaluation from SAQA, so start both processes in parallel.
No Criminal Record
You must not have an unspent criminal record in South Africa, your home country, or any other country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years. Police clearance certificates are required from each relevant jurisdiction.
Tip: Order police clearances from all required jurisdictions at the same time — processing can take weeks in some countries. SA clearances must be less than 6 months old at submission.
Medical Fitness
You must be in good health. A medical certificate (Form BI-811) from a DHA-approved medical practitioner is required. A radiology report (chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis) may also be required depending on your country of origin and length of stay in South Africa.
Tip: Use a DHA-approved doctor only — other medical certificates will not be accepted. A list of approved practitioners is available from VFS Global centers. Radiology reports must be on official radiological letterhead.
Phase two
Gather Your Documents
Start with the longest lead times. Police clearances and foreign qualification evaluations typically take the longest. Begin those immediately.
Phase three
The Application Process
Follow these steps from eligibility check through to receiving your visa or permit.
Confirm Eligibility
1–2 daysBefore spending time or money on documentation, confirm that your occupation is on the current Critical Skills List and that you meet the qualification and professional body requirements.
- 1Download the current Critical Skills List from the DHA website (https://www.dha.gov.za)
- 2Confirm your specific occupation is listed — if in doubt, call DHA at 0800 601 190
- 3Identify which professional body (if any) governs your occupation in South Africa
- 4Confirm whether you need a SAQA foreign qualification evaluation (required for all foreign degrees)
Start Long-Lead Documents
4–12 weeksSeveral documents require weeks to obtain. Submit these applications simultaneously and as early as possible. The SAQA evaluation and professional body registration are typically the longest lead items.
- 1Apply for your SAQA foreign qualification evaluation (https://www.saqa.org.za) — allow 4–6 weeks
- 2Apply for professional body registration (if applicable) — timelines vary by body
- 3Order your home country police clearance — allow 2–8 weeks depending on jurisdiction
- 4Apply for your SA police clearance at SAPS (if you have been in SA for 12+ months) — allow 4–8 weeks
- 5Book your medical appointment with a DHA-approved practitioner
Compile Your Application
1–2 weeksOnce your long-lead documents arrive, compile your complete application package. Ensure every document is present, certified where required, and not expired.
- 1Complete and sign the BI-1738 application form
- 2Collect certified copies of all documents where required
- 3Organise documents in the order specified on the VFS Global checklist
- 4Prepare your employment reference letters and CV
- 5Ensure all non-English documents are accompanied by certified translations
Book Appointment and Submit
1 dayBook an appointment at a VFS Global application centre (if applying within South Africa) or at a South African embassy or consulate (if applying from abroad). Submit your complete application and pay the fees.
- 1Book your appointment at VFS Global (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha)
- 2Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies
- 3Biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) are taken at VFS Global at submission
- 4Pay the VFS Global service fee (~R1,520) and biometric fee (~R230) — confirm current amounts at VFS
- 5Receive your application reference number and track status online
Await the Decision
4–8 weeksDHA processes Critical Skills Work Visa applications within 4–8 weeks for complete applications. Track your application online using the reference number from VFS Global. If additional information is requested, respond promptly.
- 1Track your application online at the VFS Global or DHA portal
- 2Respond immediately to any requests for additional information
- 3Do not travel outside South Africa while your application is pending if you are in SA on a visa that does not allow re-entry
- 4VFS Global will contact you when the decision is ready — either for passport collection or courier delivery
Collect Your Visa
1 dayOn approval, your visa is endorsed in your passport. Collect your passport from VFS Global or have it couriered to you. Review your visa carefully — ensure the validity dates, conditions, and name are all correct.
- 1Collect your passport from the VFS Global centre or via courier (if that option was selected)
- 2Check the visa endorsement carefully — name, dates, permit type, and any conditions
- 3Report any errors to VFS Global immediately — do not leave errors in your endorsement
- 4Plan your stay and any required activities to comply with the visa conditions
Book your VFS Global appointment
Applications are submitted through VFS Global South Africa. Book your appointment and upload your documents online.
Visit VFS Global SASummary
Cost overview
All fees are estimates and subject to change. Verify current amounts directly with VFS Global, DHA, and relevant authorities before submitting your application.
Sources: Immigration Act 13 of 2002, section 19(2); Immigration Regulations (GN 413 of 2014, as amended); VFS Global South Africa DHA services portal (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha); Department of Home Affairs (https://www.dha.gov.za). Fees should be verified directly with VFS Global or DHA before submission — they are subject to change.
Ready to check off every document?
Use the interactive checklist to track your progress.