The South Africa Critical Skills Visa was introduced by the Department of Home Affairs South Africa in 2014. It is a visa designed to meet the shortage of skills in South Africa. The country lists out all the sectors and specific occupations that are facing a skills crisis. Professionals with skills and experience from outer nations are given a chance to migrate to South Africa on a Critical Skills visa, take up employment and obtain a permanent residency status of South Africa.
South Africa Critical Skills Visa is a temporary-open work permit which allows you to work and settle in South Africa. You need to hold a qualification and experience related to any 1 of the 200 occupations listed on the Critical Skills List. This visa operates through a simple online application system. You do not need any points or English language test or a job offer to apply for this visa. On the success of the application, you receive a visa grant which holds a validity of 12 months.
During the 12 month validity period, you need to fly to South Africa and find an employment for yourself. On successfully being employed to a South African job, you can apply for 5 year Critical Skills Visa.
To qualify and apply for the Critical Skills Visa, you need must have:
*The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory body, is mandated by legislation to oversee the development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). SAQA conducts evaluation to ensure the qualification meets S.A standards in terms of the NQF.
You must have the below documents during the application of a Critical Skills Visa:
To obtain a Critical Skills Visa, the basic steps in the visa process are:
Family members can be invited to stay on the Critical Skills visa after you find a job in South Africa
*R refers to Rand- currency of South Africa
Note: This does not include fee applicable to Kansas visa process services.