Immigration Policy Rules
Current policy rules and regulations governing South African visa applications. These rules are derived from the Immigration Act, regulations, and ministerial directives.
Minimum salary threshold for General Work Visa
Employers sponsoring a General Work Visa (Section 19(2)) applicant must demonstrate that the offered salary meets or exceeds the market-related rate for the occupation. The Department of Labour certificate must confirm the salary is appropriate.
Police clearance validity period
Police clearance certificates must be dated no more than 6 months before the date of visa application submission. Clearances are required from every country where the applicant has resided for 12 months or more since age 18.
Critical Skills Visa - proof of employment timeline
Holders of a Critical Skills Work Visa must provide proof of employment within 12 months of the visa being issued. Failure to do so may result in the visa being withdrawn. This proof must be submitted to the Director-General of Home Affairs.
Note: This requirement was reinforced in Directive DHA/DIR/01/2023