SA
Visas/permanent residence/PR - Work Visa Holder (Section 26a)
Section 26(a)

PR - Work Visa Holder (Section 26a)

For holders of work visas who have been employed in South Africa for 5 consecutive years with a permanent job offer.

Government FeeR1,520
VFS FeeR1,550
Processing Time~180 days
Max DurationPermanent
RenewableYes
Leads to PRCheck eligibility

Document Checklist

Required Documents (14)

Valid Passport

Original, machine-readable passport valid for no less than 30 calendar days after the expiry of the intended visit, with at least two (2) unused/blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Tip: Check expiry date carefully. Many rejections happen due to insufficient passport validity or no blank pages.

Certified Copy of Passport Bio-Data PageCertified

Clear, certified/notarized photocopy of the bio-data page of your passport.

Tip: Some VFS centres accept notarized copies. Ensure the copy is clear and legible.

Passport-Sized Photographs2 copies

Two (2) recent colour passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm) on a white or light background. Applicant's name must be written on the back of each photograph.

Tip: Photos must be recent (within 6 months). White background, no glasses, neutral expression. Write your full name on the back.

Must be less than 6 months old

Completed Application Form

Duly completed and signed application form. BI-84 (Form 11) for visitor/short-term visas, or DHA-1738 (Form 8) for temporary residence visas, or DHA-947 (Form 18) for permanent residence. Forms are completed online through the VFS Global portal (visa.vfsglobal.com/zaf/en/dha). You must create a VFS account, fill the form digitally, pay the VFS service fee (R1,550), then download and print the completed form for your in-person submission appointment.

Tip: Complete the form online at ehome.dha.gov.za where available. Double-check every field before signing.

Proof of 5 Years Continuous Work VisaCertified

Proof that the applicant has been the holder of a work visa (general work, critical skills, or intra-company transfer) for five (5) consecutive years. Includes copies of all previous work visas and passport stamps.

Tip: Provide certified copies of all work visas held. Any gaps in visa status may disqualify you.

Offer of Permanent Employment

Letter from the employer confirming a permanent employment offer. Must be on company letterhead, signed, and confirm the position is permanent (not fixed-term).

Employer's CIPC Registration

CIPC registration of the employing company.

SARS Tax Clearance / Tax Compliance Status

South African Revenue Service (SARS) tax compliance status PIN or certificate for the applicant.

Police Clearance Certificate

Police clearance from each country of residence (12+ months) in the past 5 years. South African Police Service (SAPS) clearance also required. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Medical Report (BI-811)

Medical examination report on prescribed form BI-811. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Radiological Report (Chest X-ray)

Radiological report on prescribed form. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Curriculum Vitae

Detailed CV showing qualifications and work experience in South Africa.

Qualification CertificatesCertified

Certified copies of all relevant qualifications.

SAQA Evaluation Certificate

SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications.

May Be Required (1)

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if the applicant has travelled from, or intends travelling from or transiting through, a yellow fever endemic area. Must be the original International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

Tip: Check the WHO list of yellow fever endemic countries. The certificate is valid for life after a 10-day activation period.

Required Forms

DHA-947

Department of Home Affairs application form

To apply, you must create an account on the VFS Global online portal, complete the application form digitally, and pay the VFS service fee (R1,550) before you can download your form and schedule your in-person submission appointment. Our platform helps you prepare your answers before you go to VFS.

Expert Tips

1

Ensure all documents are certified copies - originals plus copies

2

Book your VFS appointment well in advance

3

Keep all police clearances current - they expire after 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions