SA
Visas/permanent residence/PR - Skilled Worker (Section 27a)
Section 27(a)

PR - Skilled Worker (Section 27a)

For skilled workers with a permanent job offer in a critical skills occupation with no suitable South African candidate available.

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.

Offer of Permanent Employment

Proof of a permanent employment offer from a South African employer. The position must exist and the related job description must have been advertised in the prescribed form, with no suitably qualified South African citizen or permanent resident available to fill it.

Proof of Position Advertisement

Proof that the position was advertised in the prescribed manner (at least in a national newspaper and on the Department of Employment and Labour's database) for at least 2 weeks, and that no suitably qualified SA citizen or permanent resident was available.

Tip: Keep copies of all advertisements and a log of all applicants received with reasons for non-selection of SA candidates.

Qualification CertificatesCertified

Certified copies of all relevant qualifications.

SAQA Evaluation Certificate

SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications.

Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae

Detailed CV showing all qualifications and work experience.

Employer's CIPC Registration

CIPC registration of the employing company.

SARS Tax Compliance Status

SARS tax compliance status PIN or certificate.

Police Clearance Certificate

Police clearance from each country of residence (12+ months) plus SAPS clearance. 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

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