Pathway

South Africa General Work Residence

South Africa Residency

Last updated August 24, 2026

Pathway overview

At a glance

South Africa's general work visa is for foreign employees with a confirmed local role who reach the current points threshold outside the critical-skills category.

Job offer required?: Yes, a confirmed South African role
Points threshold: At least 100 points
Who it suits: Workers outside the current critical-skills category
Main evidence: Contract, employer undertakings, qualifications, experience, and points
Employer-linked: The visa is based on the approved employment
Reform status: A broader skilled-worker replacement is proposed but not yet the current route

Summary

South Africa's general work visa is for foreign employees with a confirmed local role who reach the current points threshold outside the critical-skills category.

Current policy uses a points-based assessment with a qualifying threshold of 100 points and an employer-backed application. The general work route remains separate from the existing critical-skills route while the 2026 reform proposals await legislation and regulations.

Eligibility

You have a confirmed offer from a South African employer.
You reach at least 100 points under the current official criteria.
The employer can provide the required contract, undertakings, and company evidence.
You can prove the qualifications, experience, pay, language, and other points you claim.

The issuing authority makes the final decision. A quick check can identify a plausible fit, but it cannot confirm approval or replace the current application guidance.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can live and work in South Africa for the authorized employment.
Extensions or later permanent-residence options can depend on continuing lawful work and the separate rules then in force.

What This Route Is Not

It is not a job-search visa; an employment offer is required.
The 2026 White Paper proposes future changes, but those proposals do not replace the current visa until legislation and regulations take effect.

Next Steps

Use the official points table to calculate and document at least 100 points.
Confirm that the employer will provide the contract and immigration undertakings.
Collect qualifications, experience, salary, language, passport, and background evidence.
Apply under the current general work rules rather than relying on proposed reforms.