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Pathway

South Africa General Work Residence

South Africa Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

South Africa's general work visa is for people with a confirmed local job who meet the current points requirement outside the critical-skills category. You need at least 100 points and an employer willing to support the application.

Job offer required?
Yes, a confirmed South African job
Points requirement
At least 100 under the current official criteria
Who can apply
Workers applying outside the critical-skills category

Summary

South Africa’s General Work Visa lets a foreign worker take a qualifying local job with employer support. The current points-based assessment has a qualifying threshold of 100 points. The general work route remains separate from the existing critical-skills route while the 2026 reform proposals await legislation and regulations.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

You must have a confirmed offer from a South African employer and prove at least 100 points under the official criteria. Provide evidence for the qualifications, experience, pay, language ability, and any other points you claim.

Your employer must supply the contract, company records, and required written commitments to meet its immigration responsibilities.

This route remains separate from the Critical Skills Work Visa. The 2026 reform proposals await the legislation and regulations needed to replace the current routes.

Applying for a general work visa
  1. Confirm the job and points You need an employer offer and at least 100 points.
  2. Document the application Gather employer records and evidence for each point claimed.
  3. Apply under current rules Follow the approved employment conditions.

Proposed reforms do not replace the current points and employer requirements.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can live and work in South Africa in the authorized job. Extensions or later permanent-residence options depend on continued lawful work and their own rules at the time.

What This Route Is Not

This is not a visa to move to South Africa and look for work. A confirmed job offer is required. The 2026 White Paper is a policy proposal, not a replacement visa already in force.

Next Steps

  1. Use the official points table to calculate and document at least 100 points.
  2. Confirm the employer will provide the contract, company records, and required written commitments.
  3. Gather qualification, experience, salary, language, passport, and background evidence.
  4. Apply under the current general work-visa rules.

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Discussed in these reports

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Sources