Can I change jobs on my work visa?

Not automatically — a work visa is employer-specific, and you need a change of conditions or new visa before moving.

Does a work visa lead to permanent residence?

Critical skills holders and long-term general work visa holders may qualify for permanent residence after meeting the requirements.

A spouse on an accompanying visitor's visa cannot work; they need their own work visa or an endorsement allowing work or business.

Immigration

South African Work Visa (General Work & Intra-Company Transfer)

In plain English

Foreign nationals may only work in South Africa on a work visa issued under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The main routes are the Critical Skills Work Visa (for occupations on the critical skills list), the General Work Visa (employer-driven, with proof no suitable local was available), and Intra-Company Transfer visas for multinational staff.

View requirements Visit official website

Who needs this permit

Any foreign national taking up employment in South Africa, and their employers — hiring someone without a valid work visa exposes the employer to fines and prosecution.

When is it required

Before starting work. A visitor's or study visa never authorises full-time employment.

Eligibility

A confirmed job offer from a South African employer
For critical skills: a qualification and experience matching the published critical skills list, plus professional body registration where required
For general work: the employer's proof that the position was advertised and no suitable South African candidate was available
Qualifications evaluated by SAQA

Documents you need before applying

Valid passport
Employment contract and job description
SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications
Police clearance certificates
Medical and radiological reports
Proof of professional registration where the occupation requires it
For general work visas: the Department of Employment and Labour certificate process via the employer

Download a printable checklist

A one-page PDF of everything you need to bring with you. Tick items off before you go.

How to apply — step by step

1
Identify the right visa category
Check whether your occupation appears on the current critical skills list — that route avoids the labour-market test and is usually faster.
2
Get qualifications evaluated by SAQA
SAQA evaluation takes weeks and blocks everything else, so start it first.
3
Apply through VFS abroad
First work visa applications are made in your country of residence with biometrics and the full document pack.
4
Start work only when the visa is issued
The visa names the employer and role. Changing employers means a change of conditions application before you move.

Where, how much, how long

Where to apply

VFS Global or South African missions abroad for first applications; renewals inside South Africa through VFS.

Fees

Application and VFS fees, plus SAQA evaluation and any professional body costs.

Processing time

Commonly 8–12 weeks; critical skills applications with complete documents can be faster.

Validity

Up to 5 years for critical skills; general work visas are tied to the contract, typically up to 5 years.

Renewal

General Work Visas can be renewed. ICT visas cannot be renewed — you must return home when they expire.

Common mistakes to avoid

Starting work on a pending application — illegal for both worker and employer
Qualifications not evaluated by SAQA in time
Letting the visa lapse while a renewal is decided without written proof of the pending application

Tips to speed up your application

Start SAQA evaluation before you even have the job offer — it is the longest single step
Keep every VFS receipt and email; they are your proof of pending applications