General Work Visa South Africa: Requirements, Points System and Application Guide (2025)

The general work visa South Africa offers a legal route for foreign nationals to live and work in South Africa if they have a legitimate job offer and meet the criteria set under the Immigration Act, specifically section 19(2).

This visa type is essential for individuals who do not fall under the critical skills list but bring necessary qualifications and work experience to the South African labour market.

As of October 2024, South Africa has adopted a points-based system for general work visa applications, replacing the labour market testing requirement.

Applicants are now assessed across multiple weighted categories, including academic qualifications, work experience, salary band, language proficiency, and employer status.

This scoring system is part of an effort to streamline and standardise the process through which the Department of Home Affairs evaluates visa eligibility.

This guide outlines the complete requirements, application process, documentation, processing timelines, and scoring system for individuals seeking to apply for a general work visa in South Africa.

What is a General Work Visa in South Africa?

A general work visa is a temporary residence visa that allows a foreign national to work legally in South Africa in a position where no suitably qualified South African citizen or permanent resident is available.

The visa is governed by section 19(2) of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002 and is administered by the Department of Home Affairs, often in partnership with VFS Global for application processing.

The visa is intended for employment scenarios outside of the critical skills framework and is valid for up to five years.

Applicants may qualify for permanent residence after holding a general work visa continuously for five years and meeting additional requirements set by immigration regulations.

Section 19(2) Legal Basis

Section 19(2) provides the legislative framework under which the general work visa is issued.

It defines the criteria for eligibility and outlines the conditions under which the Department of Home Affairs may grant a foreign national permission to work in South Africa.

This includes procedural compliance with national qualifications assessment, employer documentation, and immigration regulations.

Points-Based System Overview

The general work visa now operates under a points-based system introduced in 2024.

Applicants must achieve a minimum of 100 points across defined categories. Points are allocated based on:

• Academic qualifications, assessed and verified by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• Total years of relevant work experience
• Whether the employer is classified as a Trusted Employer by the Department of Home Affairs
• Gross monthly or annual salary offered by the employer
• Language proficiency in English or an official South African language

This points system replaces the previous labour market testing approach and is designed to objectively evaluate applications using standardised metrics.

General Work Visa Points System Explained

South Africa’s general work visa is governed by a formal points-based system as of October 2024.

This framework provides an objective method for evaluating visa applicants based on qualifications, experience, salary, and employer profile.

The system ensures transparency in the Department of Home Affairs’ decision-making process under section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

Applicants must score a minimum of 100 points across prescribed categories.

These include academic level, work experience, salary offered, employer status, and language skills.

Each category carries a specific weight, and applicants must provide supporting documentation to verify each claim.

Points Allocation Structure

To qualify for a general work visa, applicants who are not on the Critical Skills List must earn at least 100 points from a combination of the remaining categories.

Those scoring 100 points through a critical skills occupation will be directed to apply under the critical skills work visa stream.

This system standardises how the Department of Home Affairs evaluates applicants and strengthens policy alignment between economic demand and immigration eligibility.

How to Apply for a General Work Visa

The application process for a general work visa follows a defined sequence. Compliance with each step is essential to meet the standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Applicants must be aware that first-time submissions must occur in their country of residence unless they already hold a valid temporary residence visa for South Africa.

Step 1 – Obtain a Valid Offer of Employment

A formal job offer from a South African employer is a mandatory prerequisite.

The employment contract must include full details on job title, responsibilities, duration, and salary structure.

The employer must meet local labour and compliance criteria.

Step 2 – Complete SAQA Evaluation

All foreign qualifications must be assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority.

The outcome must confirm the NQF level of the qualification and its relevance to the job offer. Incomplete evaluations or pending outcomes may delay processing.

Step 3 – Compile Supporting Documents

The application must include:

• Completed DHA-1738 form
• Valid passport with sufficient validity
• Medical and police clearance reports
• Proof of SAQA evaluation or submission
• Signed employment contract
• Proof of financial means

Step 4 – Submit the Application Abroad

Applications must be submitted to the relevant South African embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.

Submission within South Africa is allowed only if the applicant is already on a temporary residence visa.

Step 5 – Await Processing Outcome

Once submitted, the application undergoes review by the Department of Home Affairs.

Processing typically takes between 30 and 90 days, depending on the mission and document completeness.

Required Documents for General Work Visa Application

Applicants must prepare a full documentation set in line with the immigration regulations enforced by the Department of Home Affairs under section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

The documentation validates eligibility, intent, and compliance for those seeking to apply for a general work visa in South Africa.

Each item must be current, certified where applicable, and formatted as per the guidelines issued by the respective authorities, such as SAQA, VFS Global, and the Department of Home Affairs.

Core Documents for Submission

• DHA-1738 Application Form
  The official form for applying for a temporary residence visa under the work category.
• Passport
  Valid for at least 30 days beyond the end of the intended stay with two or more blank pages.
• Signed Offer of Employment
  A contract that includes job title, responsibilities, duration, and salary aligned to the points-based system thresholds.
• SAQA Evaluation Outcome or Submission Receipt
  All foreign academic qualifications must be assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority to determine NQF equivalence.
• Medical Report
  A formal health assessment completed by a registered South African medical practitioner.
• Police Clearance Certificates
  Required for every country where the applicant resided for more than 12 months since age 18.
• Proof of Financial Means
  Must reflect the applicant’s financial capability through recent bank statements or confirmation from the employer.
• VFS Confirmation Letter and Payment Receipt
  This is mandatory for submission appointments at embassies or within South Africa.

Situational Requirements for Overseas Applications

For applicants applying abroad, South African embassies or consulates may request a radiological report.

While no longer required domestically, the requirement persists in some regions and should be confirmed prior to submission.

General Work Visa Costs & Fees (2025)

Costs for applying for a general work visa include mandatory government fees, third-party processing charges, and document preparation expenses.

These must be budgeted for ahead of submission and are non-refundable, even in the case of application denial.

Updated Cost Breakdown

Fees vary by provider and country of application.

All amounts must be paid prior to submission, and applicants should retain receipts for audit purposes.

SAQA and VFS fees are paid directly to the respective organisations, while the Department of Home Affairs charges are payable through the official payment gateways.

What If Your Application Is Rejected?

Applicants for a general work visa may receive a rejection notice if the application does not meet the standards outlined under section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

The Department of Home Affairs applies strict criteria to ensure only eligible candidates proceed through the system.

Visa refusals are typically issued due to insufficient documentation, low scoring on the points-based system, or procedural non-compliance during submission.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Total score below the 100-point threshold
• SAQA evaluation not submitted or declined
• Offer of employment not compliant with salary or employer status standards
• Incomplete police clearance or medical documentation
• Application submitted inside South Africa without a valid temporary residence visa
• Errors or inconsistencies in submitted documentation

Options After Rejection

Applicants are permitted to challenge the decision or file a new application, depending on the reason for refusal.

A formal appeal must be supported by corrected or additional documents that directly address the original rejection grounds.

• Appeals must be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs or the South African mission where the application was processed.
• The appeal should include updated supporting documents and a written explanation.
• If the appeal is declined, a fresh application may be submitted after correcting the original issues.

Persistent rejections may trigger further scrutiny in future applications.

It is critical to align every aspect of the application with the formal criteria provided under the Immigration Act and the points-based system.

What Is a Trusted Employer?

A Trusted Employer is a business registered in South Africa that has been approved by the Department of Home Affairs under the Trusted Employer Scheme.

The scheme supports the broader immigration framework and contributes 30 points to an applicant’s general work visa score.

Trusted Employer recognition is part of the department’s effort to streamline skilled immigration and reduce bottlenecks in the visa issuance process.

Trusted Employer Scheme Explained

The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), launched in 2023, is aimed at organisations that demonstrate commitment to legal compliance, skills development, and investment in South Africa.

The scheme is administered by the Department of Home Affairs as part of Operation Vulindlela and provides qualifying companies with priority visa processing and reduced documentary requirements.

Selection Criteria for Employer Participation

Companies must meet or exceed a minimum score based on the following official evaluation factors:

Applicants benefit from an employment offer issued by a company that has been formally recognised under this scheme.

Relevance to General Work Visa Applicants

• Job offers from Trusted Employers add 30 points to the visa score.
• Reduced documentary checks accelerate processing timelines.
• Signals high employer credibility to DHA officers and embassy staff

Before submitting an application, prospective visa applicants should verify their employer’s status via the Department of Home Affairs portal or consult the current TES-approved list.

Embassy vs In-Country Applications

The Department of Home Affairs regulates where a general work visa application may be submitted, depending on the applicant’s legal status at the time of application.

This framework ensures control over immigration channels and aligns with section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

Embassy Submissions: Mandatory for First-Time Applicants

Applicants who are not already in South Africa on a valid temporary residence visa must submit their general work visa applications at the South African embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

This rule applies to first-time submissions and must be followed to avoid automatic rejection.

• Applications must be submitted at the embassy responsible for the applicant’s country of legal residence.
• VFS Global may manage submission logistics in several countries.
• Additional embassy-specific requirements may apply, such as radiological reports or in-person interviews.

In-Country Submissions: Restricted to Valid Visa Holders

Only applicants who already hold a valid temporary residence visa—such as a study visa, spousal visa, or relative’s visa—are allowed to apply for a general work visa from within South Africa.

• Submission must be handled through an authorised VFS centre located inside South Africa.
• Proof of current legal stay must accompany the application.
• In-country submissions that do not meet this requirement are not accepted and may result in status violations.

All applicants are strongly advised to confirm the applicable submission route based on their visa history before initiating the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for a general work visa while in South Africa?

Only if you hold a valid temporary residence visa at the time of application. First-time applicants must apply from outside the country, through the relevant embassy or consulate.

What is the general work visa processing time?

Processing usually takes between 30 and 90 days, depending on the country of submission, the volume of applications, and the completeness of supporting documents.

Is permanent residence possible after holding a general work visa?

Yes. After five continuous years on a general work visa, applicants may be eligible for permanent residence under the Immigration Act, subject to additional criteria.

What happens if I score below 100 points?

Applications that do not meet the minimum score are refused. You may correct deficiencies—such as securing a higher salary or applying through a trusted employer—and reapply once your score reaches the 100-point threshold.

What’s the difference between a general work visa and a critical skills visa?

A general work visa requires a job offer and a minimum point score. It does not depend on inclusion in the Critical Skills List. The critical skills visa, however, is limited to occupations officially recognised by the Department of Home Affairs as high-demand.

Do I need to work for a trusted employer?

No, but receiving an offer from a trusted employer adds 30 points to your general work visa application and may simplify document verification and reduce processing time.

Why Choose Migrate With Q

Migrate With Q is an immigration consultancy specialising in South African visa processes, including general work visas under section 19(2) of the Immigration Act.

With legal and procedural expertise aligned to Department of Home Affairs regulations, Migrate With Q helps clients navigate the increasingly structured points-based visa system.

Visa Process Expertise

The general work visa process includes multi-agency interactions with the Department of Home Affairs, SAQA, VFS Global, and occasionally, foreign embassies.

Migrate With Q offers integrated support that spans:

• Qualification evaluation submission and NQF verification assistance through SAQA
• DHA-1738 form preparation and submission tracking
• Full document validation, including police clearances and medical reports
• Case preparation for embassy or in-country submission via VFS Global
• Review and guidance on points scoring, Trusted Employer support, and appeal strategies

Alignment With Trusted Employer Ecosystem

For applicants whose employers are part of the Department of Home Affairs’ Trusted Employer Scheme, Migrate With Q ensures all required employer-side documentation is correctly submitted.

This includes employer pledges, salary benchmarking, and proof of skills alignment to the visa category.

The firm’s procedures are specifically designed to leverage the 30-point bonus for Trusted Employer-based job offers where applicable.

Support for Complex and First-Time Applications

Whether applicants are applying for the first time from outside South Africa or attempting to convert temporary residence into a general work visa, Migrate With Q offers:

• Document checklists tailored to embassy or VFS-specific requirements
• Advice on embassy submission vs in-country eligibility
• Step-by-step handling of appeal filings for rejected applications
• Processing status tracking and issue resolution

Migrate With Q’s support improves accuracy, boosts compliance with evolving Department of Home Affairs regulations, and enhances the likelihood of approval for qualifying applicants.