General Work Visa

Overview

The General Work Visa is South Africa's broad employer-sponsored work route, used when the role does not fall under the Critical Skills, Intra-company Transfer or other named categories. It is tied to a specific employer and contract. The amended Immigration Regulations published in 2024 introduced a points-based assessment for this category, replacing the previous requirement to obtain a certificate from the Department of Employment and Labour. The visa is issued for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of five years.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Secure a confirmed South African job offer and check whether the role fits better under the Critical Skills or Intra-company Transfer categories.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Obtain a SAQA evaluation and gather employer and qualification evidence to meet the points-based criteria.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Submit the application through VFS Global on behalf of the Department of Home Affairs.

4. 04

   After approval

   After approval, work only for the employer named in the visa and renew before expiry if the contract continues.

Matches these professions

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Related routes

• Critical Skills Work Visa

  Work visa for foreigners holding a skill or qualification on South Africa's official Critical Skills List, issued for up to five years and offering a direct route to permanent residence.

• Intra-company Transfer Work Visa

  Work visa for employees transferred by a multinational group from a foreign branch to a related South African branch, subsidiary or affiliate, issued for up to four years and not renewable.