Section 19(2) 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. A concrete job offer is mandatory. Since 9 October 2024, applications are adjudicated under a points-based system: you must score at least 100 points based on your qualifications, salary, work experience, employer status, and language proficiency. The previous requirement for a Department of Employment and Labour (DOEL) certificate confirming a labour market test has been removed. The visa is tied to the specific employer — you must reapply if you change jobs.
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Validity
Up to 5 years (tied to employment contract), renewable
Last verified
6 July 2026
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.
100 Points under the Points-Based System
Since 9 October 2024, General Work Visa applications are scored against gazetted criteria and you must reach 100 points. Points are earned for qualifications (NQF 7–8: 30 points; NQF 9–10: 50 points), annual salary (R650,796–R976,194: 20 points; above R976,194: 50 points), work experience (5–10 years: 20 points; over 10 years: 30 points), an offer from a Trusted Employer Scheme company (30 points), and proficiency in an official SA language (10 points).
Tip: Score your profile against the points notice (GN 5448 of 2024) before applying. If you fall short of 100 points, a higher-salary offer or a Trusted Employer Scheme employer can close the gap.
No More DOEL Labour Market Certificate
The previous requirement for a Department of Employment and Labour certificate — confirming that no suitable South African citizen or permanent resident was available after a labour market test — was removed by the October 2024 amendments to the Immigration Regulations. The points-based assessment replaces it.
Tip: If you researched this visa before October 2024, discard old checklists that mention the DOEL certificate or a 60-day advertising requirement — they no longer apply.
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 SAQA application 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 gathering documents, ensure the employment terms, start date, and salary are agreed upon in writing — the salary directly affects your points score.
- 1Secure a signed offer letter or employment contract from the SA employer
- 2Confirm the employer is a registered South African company (CIPC registered)
- 3Check whether the employer is registered under the Trusted Employer Scheme — this earns 30 points
- 4Agree on a realistic start date that accounts for visa processing time (allow 3–6 months from start)
Score Yourself Against the Points System
1–2 daysSince 9 October 2024, your application is adjudicated on a points-based system with a 100-point threshold. Confirm you reach 100 points before spending time and money on documents.
- 1Add up your points: qualifications (NQF 7–8: 30 / NQF 9–10: 50), salary (R650,796–R976,194: 20 / above R976,194: 50), experience (5–10 yrs: 20 / 10+ yrs: 30), Trusted Employer offer (30), official language proficiency (10)
- 2If you fall short of 100, discuss options with your employer (salary structure, Trusted Employer registration)
- 3Identify the documents that prove each criterion you are claiming points for
Gather Your Documents
6–10 weeksStart gathering your documents, beginning 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 all your documents and evidence for your points score, 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 DHA application fee (R425) and the VFS service fee (~R1,550) — 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.
Facts last verified against official sources: 6 July 2026
Sources: Immigration Act 13 of 2002, section 19(2); Immigration Regulations (GN R413 of 2014, as amended, including the October 2024 amendments); Points-Based System notice (GN 5448, Government Gazette, October 2024); DHA revised General Work Visa checklist effective 9 October 2024 (https://www.dha.gov.za/images/notices/8october24/General_Work_Visa_requirements_-_8_Oct_2028.pdf); VFS Global South Africa DHA services portal (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha). Fees should be verified directly with VFS Global or DHA before submission.
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