Needs employer and heavier approvals; harder than study.
Route overview
Employer plus labour-market test
Typical timeline / duration: 4-10 months
Important notes
Secure a South African employer and a signed employment contract for the proposed position.
Show that the employer could not find a suitable South African citizen or permanent resident with the relevant qualifications, skills, and experience, and meet the applicable labour and salary conditions.
Score at least 100 points under the points-based system in force since 8 October 2024. Points come from qualifications (50 for an NQF 9-10 master's or doctorate, 30 for an NQF 7-8 bachelor's or advanced diploma), offered salary (50 above ZAR 976,194 a year, 20 for ZAR 650,796 to ZAR 976,194), work experience (20 for 5-10 years, 30 for more than 10), 30 for a job with a Trusted Employer Scheme company, and 10 for proficiency in an official South African language.
Provide qualification and experience evidence, SAQA evaluation where relevant, medical and police-clearance certificates, passport, photographs, proof of funds, and the employer documents requested by the mission.
Apply for the work visa before beginning employment and work only for the employer, role, and conditions approved; a visitor visa cannot normally be converted inside South Africa into a work visa.
The general work visa is a labour-market-tested employer route. South African government guidance says the employer must show that citizens or permanent residents with the relevant skills are not available.
South Africa's work-visa framework has recently been changing, including points-based criteria and proposed replacement categories, so applicants should use the current DHA notice and mission checklist rather than an older generic form.
Preparation checklist
准备路径证明：获得南非雇主提供的职位，并签署拟任职位的劳动合同。
Save submitted files and track the next application, reporting, or renewal date.