What Is the Points-Based System in South Africa?

South Africa’s new points-based immigration system, introduced by the Department of Home Affairs under the revised Immigration Act, 2002, aims to modernise the country’s work visa regime by quantifying eligibility using objective, merit-based criteria. This system governs both the Critical Skills Work Visa and the General Work Visa and became effective via Government Gazette 51416 in October 2024.

Why It Matters

Previously opaque, visa decisions are now based on a numerical threshold (100 points) derived from:

• Occupation relevance (especially if listed on the Critical Skills List)

• National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels

• Gross annual salary band

• Work history duration

• Language proficiency

• A trusted employer offers status.

Key Visa Types Under South Africa’s Points-Based System

Under the new policy, visa applicants who accumulate at least 100 points can qualify for one of two major work visa types—each regulated differently within the points model. Understanding these pathways is crucial to navigating South Africa’s immigration process under the purview of the Department of Home Affairs.

Critical Skills Visa: Strategic Entry for In-Demand Occupations

The Critical Skills Work Visa is designed for individuals whose roles appear on the official Critical Skills List, which is curated to reflect South Africa’s national labour shortages across STEM, healthcare, finance, and tech sectors.

General Work Visa: Flexible Pathway for Non-Critical Roles

If an applicant’s profession isn’t found on the Critical Skills List, they may still obtain a General Work Visa—granted they reach the 100-point threshold using other qualifying factors:

Key Attributes:

Qualification at NQF Level 8 or above (verified by SAQA)

Annual income above R650,976

10+ years of industry experience

Documented language proficiency

Offer of employment from any registered entity (extra points if a trusted employer)

Points-based criteria breakdown

South Africa’s points-based visa system uses a structured scoring model. Applicants earn points based on six key criteria. A minimum of 100 points is required to qualify for either a critical skills or general work visa.

Applicants reaching 100 points or more may be eligible for either a Critical Skills Visa or a General Work Visa, depending on whether their occupation appears on the critical skills list.

Summary of Evaluation Strategy

• Occupational eligibility is the most heavily weighted factor, favouring high-demand professions.

• Academic achievement and salary bands offer additional pathways for high-scoring applicants.

• Trusted Employer affiliation and language skills function as bonus criteria that can help applicants reach the threshold.

Application process step-by-step

Applicants must complete a standardised application process overseen by the Department of Home Affairs. It includes document collection, submission, review, and final decision.

Required documents and where to submit

Prepare the following:

• Proof of employment offer

• Qualification certificates

• SAQA evaluation (for non-South African degrees)

• Professional registration (if applicable)

• Medical report and police clearance

• Proof of language proficiency

Where to Submit Documents

Applicants must submit their documents to the appropriate authority depending on their location. Those applying from within South Africa should use a designated visa facilitation centre. If applying from outside the country, documents must be submitted to the nearest South African mission or consulate.

Estimated Timelines and Processing Delays

Visa processing typically takes between four and twelve weeks. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the type of visa being applied for—critical skills applications are often prioritised—along with the completeness of the submitted documentation and the workload of the local Department of Home Affairs office or consular post handling the application.

What Happens After Submission

Once the application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs reviews the total points scored and verifies the validity of all supporting documents. If the application is successful, a visa is issued in accordance with the terms of the employment contract. In cases where the application is denied, the applicant may pursue a formal appeal through the prescribed administrative process.

What if your visa is rejected?

Applicants who do not meet the minimum points threshold or fail to provide sufficient documentation may face rejection from the Department of Home Affairs. South Africa’s immigration regulations include mechanisms for applicants to appeal a decision or reapply after addressing deficiencies.

Common reasons for rejection

• Total score falls below the 100-point minimum

• Missing or invalid documentation (e.g., SAQA evaluation, job offer)

• Employment offer does not meet salary threshold

• Occupation not listed on the critical skills list (if applying under that category)

• Lack of language proficiency or professional registration (when required)

Appeal process and corrective actions

The Department of Home Affairs permits formal appeals within a specified timeframe after a visa refusal. Applicants should:

• Review the rejection notice for the reason code.

• Submit corrected or additional documents where applicable.

• Present evidence of updated employment, qualifications, or SAQA compliance

Appeals are assessed against the same points-based criteria. If the applicant subsequently meets the threshold and satisfies the eligibility requirements for either a critical skills or general work visa, the decision may be overturned.

Reapplication considerations

In cases where an appeal is not viable or successful, applicants may reapply. Reapplication is permitted but should only be attempted once gaps—such as employer status, qualification recognition, or work experience documentation—are resolved. All documents are reassessed, and previous application outcomes are taken into account during review.

Comparing South Africa’s points system to the UK and Australia

South Africa’s model draws from global best practices but incorporates local economic and regulatory priorities. A comparison with the points-based systems of the United Kingdom and Australia reveals key differences in design, implementation, and eligibility emphasis.

South Africa

• Minimum of 100 points required

• High emphasis on occupation relevance via the critical skills list

• Points awarded for qualifications, experience, salary, employer status, and language

• Requires a job offer for both visa types

• Administered by the Department of Home Affairs

United Kingdom

• Minimum of 70 points under Tier 2 (Skilled Worker Route)

• Job offer and employer sponsorship are mandatory.

• Emphasis on salary threshold and approved sponsor status

• Recognises shortage occupations with lower salary bands.

• Points for English proficiency, education, and role level

Australia

• General Skilled Migration (GSM) requires 65 points minimum.

• Does not require a job offer for subclass 189 (Independent Skilled Visa)

• Strong focus on age, skills assessment, and language ability

• Regional and state nomination schemes provide additional points.

• SkillSelect system used for expression of interest

Key distinctions

• South Africa mandates a job offer for both critical skills and general work visas, unlike Australia’s independent streams.

• The UK and Australia place less emphasis on professional registration but more on employer accreditation or migration agent systems.

• South Africa’s system provides bonus weighting for offers from trusted employers, creating a hybrid between discretionary employer sponsorship and transparent point allocation.

Becoming a trusted employer in South Africa

The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) is a program initiated by the Department of Home Affairs under the Immigration Act, 2002. It allows registered employers operating in South Africa to apply for priority visa processing privileges for their foreign workforce. The goal of the scheme is to reduce administrative burdens for compliant employers and support South Africa’s efforts to attract critical skills into the economy.

Purpose and background

The TES was introduced following the 2022 State of the Nation Address, as part of Operation Vulindlela under the Presidential Project Management Office. The Department of Home Affairs invited corporate employers to participate in a pilot phase, aiming to streamline work visa applications and remove systemic barriers to recruiting international talent.

Eligibility and selection criteria

To qualify, an employer must demonstrate financial and operational capability, a commitment to training South Africans, and compliance with national employment and immigration standards.

Applicants are evaluated on the following point-based factors:

An employer must submit a full application, including supporting documentation such as proof of investment, employment equity reports, sector verification, and evidence of internal training or development programmes.

Application and processing

Eligible corporate employers can submit their expression of interest using the official TES Application Form provided by the department. Applications may be hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed and are reviewed by an interdepartmental committee including representatives from Home Affairs, Employment and Labour, Trade, and Industry.

If approved, the employer is granted Trusted Employer status, allowing:

• Priority processing of work visa applications

• Reduced documentation requirements

• Streamlined processing at both local and foreign missions

Membership in the TES does not replace standard visa requirements but facilitates faster processing for eligible employers and their foreign employees.

User queries addressed in this section:

• What is the Trusted Employer Scheme in South Africa?

• How does a company qualify as a trusted employer?

• What are the benefits of Trusted Employer status for visa processing?

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum number of points I need to get a work visa?

Applicants must score at least 100 points across six categories to qualify. These include occupation alignment, qualifications, salary level, experience, employer status, and language proficiency.

Is a job offer mandatory under the new system?

Yes. All applicants must have a valid offer of employment. The offer must meet salary thresholds and be from a compliant employer. Offers from a trusted employer grant additional points.

Can I qualify for a visa if my job is not on the critical skills list?

Yes, but only under the General Work Visa route. You must still reach 100 points using other criteria like qualifications, salary, experience, and language skills.

What does the Trusted Employer Scheme do?

It allows eligible South African companies to receive priority visa processing by the Department of Home Affairs. Employers must meet investment, training, and employment criteria to join the scheme.

How is South Africa’s system different from the UK’s or Australia’s?

South Africa requires a job offer for all work visa types and scores heavily on occupation-based eligibility. Australia allows independent points-based migration, while the UK system is sponsor-dependent with lower minimum scores.