Ministerial Waiver 2016 (withdrawn January 2022)expired

Ministerial Waiver (2016) - SA Graduate PR Pathway [WITHDRAWN]

Minister of Home AffairsIssued: 1 January 2016Expired: 31 January 2022

Summary

WITHDRAWN: Allowed graduates from SA tertiary institutions in critical skills areas to apply for permanent residence under Section 27(b) without 5 years experience, professional body registration, or employer testimonials.

Full Detail

This waiver had exempted foreign graduates from South African universities studying in Critical Skills List occupations from four key requirements for Section 27(b) permanent residence: 1. Proof of post-qualification experience of at least 5 years 2. Written confirmation from a professional body 3. Submission of testimonials from previous employers 4. Acquisition of 5 years post-qualification experience WITHDRAWN by Immigration Directive No. 2 of 2022 effective 31 January 2022. Applications submitted before this date continue to be processed under the waiver. Foreign graduates must now meet ALL standard requirements for Section 27(b) permanent residence, just like any other applicant.

Impact on Applications

WITHDRAWN. SA university graduates can no longer fast-track to permanent residence. Significant impact on foreign students who chose SA universities partly for this pathway.

Official Source Document

Download or view the original directive document.

View Official Source

Affected Visa Types

pr-extraordinary-skills