SOUTH AFRICA CRITICAL SKILLS VISA | SOUTH AFRICA WORK PERMIT

South Africa is a country that lies on the southernmost tip of the African continent. It is also known to be the Republic of South Africa which has been a newly developing country in the world. South Africa is one of the most rapidly growing countries in the world. With more progressive laws, more and more qualified immigrants are also paving their way to establishing themselves in the newfound improved land. The South African Government has recognized areas where skilled and qualified workers are at high demand. The government realizes that skills are mandatory to enhance the growth of the country as well as are beneficial for the economic growth of the country. So the government of South Africa has introduced many schemes such as South Africa Critical Skills Visa (also known as South Africa Work Visa) to invite eligible workers around the globe to work for their nation. 

A critical visa permit falls under that visa scheme that allows individuals to live and work in South Africa on a temporary basis for a period of up to 5 years. This visa is basically granted to experienced and qualified applicants that are recognized on the basis of the skilled occupation list of the South African government. The applicant does not need any job offer to apply for the visa. This visa is for a duration of 1 year initially wherein the applicant can search for a job in that time span. On request and with proper documents, the applicant can also extend the validity period of the visa. This visa is also a way to apply for permanent residency if certain conditions are met.

South Africa Critical Skills Work Visa

This visa is intended for professionals whose occupations are on the Critical Shortage Occupation List. This is a kind of job seeker visa that allows the applicant to stay in South Africa and search for jobs. The visa converts to a work permit once the applicant has secured a job offer letter from an employer in South Africa.

Some key factors of the South Africa Critical Skills Visa

• In order to enter South Africa, there is actually no need for a job offer letter. A Critical Skills List is issued by the Department of Home Affairs. This visa is based on the qualifications and skills as adjudicated by the government.
• The duration of this visa is usually 12 months; however, it can be extended as per the concerned authority.
• To retain this visa, you must secure a job offer letter within the designated period.
• The duration of this visa is extended up to 5 years into a Critical Skills Work Permit.
• There is no requirement to go through the labor certification process as required in the General Work Visa.
• The temporary residency visa allows applicants to work and settle in South Africa for 5 years.
• There is also no requirement to secure a LOR (Letter of Recommendation) from the Department of Labour as well.
• There is a provision of Permanent Residency (PR) for which the candidate can apply. The only condition s that he has to show 5 years of experience.

  To qualify for a visa, one should take the following points into consideration

The applicant should demonstrate sufficient knowledge and professional qualifications to justify the position in the critical skill select visa occupational list.

The aspirant’s occupation must be registered by the professional governing body of South Africa.

To be recognized as a foreign qualification, an education or training program must be assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority.

BENEFITS OF SOUTH AFRICA CRITICAL SKILLED VISA

1. Usually granted multiple entries.
2. Dependants of the main applicant can apply for visit visas along with him or her.
3. Processing time for the VISA is generally 2 weeks.
4. You can find work that suits your interests, and you can move between employers.
5. You can change employers

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A SOUTH AFRICA CRITICAL SKILLED VISA

• A valid passport.
• Passport size photographs.
• Original cover letter signed by the applicant 
• Proof of funds has to be shown to prove the financial stability of an individual applying for the visa (3 months statement has to be shown amounting to be 13650 INR/ month)
• Medical reports proving the medical status of an individual applying for the visa
• A police clearance certificate.
• An attested foreign qualification certificate.
• The foreign qualification should comply with the SAQA authority of South Africa.
• Update resume.
• A job experience letter and a relieving letter will be required, along with proper attestation from your current employer.
• Completed permanent residency application form.
• Copy of birth certificate.
• Complete biometrics.
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate where applicable.
• Submit a marriage certificate.
• Skill evidence submitted to support the claim of critical skills
• Certificate of registration with the professional body.
• Post-qualification experience for at least five years.

  Some occupations that fall under the Critical Skills List

• Agriculture and related sciences
• Architecture 
• Business and Management Studies
• Information Communication & Information Technology
• Engineering
• Health and Related Clinical Services.
• Life and Earth Sciences
• Professors.
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) personnel
• Academics and Researchers