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South AfricaWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Critical Skills Work Visa (section 19(4), Immigration Act 13 of 2002)

A work visa for people whose occupation is on South Africa's gazetted Critical Skills List. Since October 2024 applications are scored under a points-based system, and a listed occupation alone gives the required 100 points. All other prescribed requirements still apply, including SAQA evaluation and professional body confirmation.

See requirements ↓
1 entry rule for South Africa based on recent travel

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Life in South Africa

Money

3

Currency

South African Rand

ZAR

South African Rand

Cost of living

43

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

18–45%

Income tax (national)

VAT 15% · social security 1%

45% applies to taxable income above R1,878,600 (2027 tax year); rebates create an effective tax-free threshold.

Official rates, 2026/27 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

5.0

#99 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Skilled professionals in an occupation on the Critical Skills List, usually with a job offer from a South African employer.

Eligibility

  • Occupation on the Critical Skills List

    Name a specific occupation from the current gazetted Critical Skills List in your application.

    100 points

    Points for listed occupation · points-based system

    Official wording

    The application must name a specific occupation from the current gazetted Critical Skills List. This gives 100 points under the points-based system.

  • SAQA-evaluated qualification

    Have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

    • A sworn translator must translate documents not in an official language
    Official wording

    Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and translated by a sworn translator if not in an official language.

  • Professional body confirmation

    • Written confirmation from a SAQA-recognised professional body, council or board (or relevant government department) of skills, qualifications and post-qualification experience.
    • Proof of registration or application for registration where required by law.
    • DHA notes university lecturers are exempt from professional body membership.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementEmployment offer or contract
  • Document checklistVisa application form DHA-1738, signed
  • FeesVisa application fee (South African Embassy Washington DC)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 4 more requirements
  • 13 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 8 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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