Section 19(1) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 (as amended)
General Work Visa
The General Work Visa allows a foreign national to take up employment with a specific South African employer. Unlike the Critical Skills Work Visa, a concrete job offer is mandatory. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident is available for the position, supported by a certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL). The visa is tied to the specific employer — you must reapply if you change jobs.
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Validity
Up to 3 years (tied to employment contract), renewable
The General Work Visa is tied to your specific employer. If you change jobs while holding this visa, your visa becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one. Plan accordingly before accepting any new employment.
Phase one
Check Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet all the requirements below before gathering any documents. A missing eligibility criterion means a refused application.
Confirmed Job Offer from a SA Employer
You must have a signed employment contract or formal offer letter from a South African employer. The position must be in South Africa and the employer must be a registered South African company.
Tip: The offer must be in writing and signed by both parties. A conditional offer or letter of intent is not sufficient — you need a signed employment contract.
Employer Completed a Labour Market Test
Your employer must prove that no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. This requires advertising the position through prescribed channels (newspapers, job portals, the DOEL database) for at least 60 days and documenting that no qualified SA applicants were found or available.
Tip: Ensure your employer has completed the full 60-day advertising period and has documentation of all applications received and why they were not suitable. DHA scrutinises this closely.
Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL) Certificate
The employer must obtain a certificate from DOEL (formerly the Department of Labour) confirming that a diligent search for a suitable South African worker was conducted and that no suitable person was found. This is a mandatory prerequisite — without the DOEL certificate, the application cannot proceed.
Tip: The DOEL certificate process can take 4–8 weeks. Your employer must apply for it before your visa application is submitted. Start this process as soon as your employment is confirmed.
Qualifications Match the Role
You must hold the required qualifications and experience for the position offered. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Tip: If the role requires a professional registration in South Africa (e.g., for engineers, doctors, or accountants), that registration is also required. Check with your employer which registrations apply.
No Criminal Record
You must not have an unspent criminal record in South Africa or in any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years.
Tip: Order all police clearances simultaneously with the DOEL and SAQA applications to avoid delays.
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.
Secure a Job Offer
VariesThe General Work Visa process starts with a confirmed job offer. Before your employer begins the DOEL process, ensure the employment terms, start date, and salary are agreed upon in writing.
- 1Secure a signed offer letter or employment contract from the SA employer
- 2Confirm the employer is a registered South African company (CIPC registered)
- 3Agree on a realistic start date that accounts for visa processing time (allow 3–6 months from start)
Employer Completes the Labour Market Test
8–12 weeksYour employer must conduct a 60-day labour market test and apply for the DOEL certificate. This is the most time-consuming step and must happen before you submit your visa application. You and your employer should run this in parallel with gathering your own documents.
- 1Employer advertises the position for at least 60 days via prescribed channels
- 2Employer documents all applications received and provides reasons for non-selection
- 3Employer applies to DOEL for the certificate confirming no suitable SA applicant was found
- 4DOEL processes and issues the certificate (4–8 weeks)
- 5Employer provides you with a certified copy of the DOEL certificate
Gather Your Documents
6–10 weeks (parallel with DOEL)While your employer handles the DOEL process, start gathering your own documents. Begin with the longest lead-time items: SAQA evaluation and police clearances.
- 1Apply for SAQA foreign qualification evaluation (https://www.saqa.org.za)
- 2Apply for all required police clearances simultaneously
- 3Book and attend medical appointment with a DHA-approved doctor
- 4Arrange proof of medical aid coverage
- 5Complete the BI-1738 application form
Book Appointment and Submit
1 dayOnce you have the DOEL certificate and all your documents, book your appointment at VFS Global and submit your application.
- 1Book your appointment at VFS Global (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha)
- 2Attend with all original documents and required copies
- 3Biometrics are taken at VFS at submission
- 4Pay the VFS service fee (~R1,520) and biometric fee (~R230) — confirm current amounts at VFS
- 5Receive your application reference number
Await the Decision
4–8 weeksDHA processes complete applications within 4–8 weeks. Track your application via VFS Global.
- 1Track your application status online at the VFS Global or DHA portal
- 2Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- 3Do not commence employment until the visa is issued
Collect Your Visa
1 dayOn approval, collect your passport with the visa endorsement from VFS Global, or have it couriered to you.
- 1Collect your passport from VFS Global or receive it via courier
- 2Verify all visa details — employer name, validity dates, conditions
- 3Report any errors immediately — do not begin employment with incorrect endorsement details
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(1); Immigration Regulations (GN 413 of 2014, as amended); VFS Global South Africa DHA services portal (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha); Department of Employment and Labour (https://www.labour.gov.za). Fees should be verified directly with VFS Global or DHA before submission.
Ready to check off every document?
Use the interactive checklist to track your progress.