General Work Visa

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.

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.

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

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.

Signed employment contract or offer of employment from a registered South African employer who is verifiable and in good standing with the Department of Employment and Labour. Must include job title, job description, salary, duration, and employer details.

Tip: The employer must be verifiable and in good standing. Ensure salary matches the points-based scoring criteria.

South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation of foreign qualifications. If the actual certificate is not yet available, proof of submission to SAQA may be accepted for an initial visa of up to 12 months only.

Tip: SAQA evaluations take 2-4 months. Submit early. Proof of submission can be used for initial application (12-month visa only).

Certified copies of all relevant educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates). Foreign-language documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator.

Proof that the employer is a registered company with CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission). Includes company registration certificate and proof of business operations.

Tip: The employer's CIPC status is verified by DHA. Ensure the company is in good standing.

Medical examination report on prescribed form BI-811, completed, signed, stamped, and dated by a registered medical practitioner. Not older than 6 months.

Tip: Must be completed by a registered medical practitioner on the specific BI-811 form.

Must be less than 6 months old

Radiological report (chest X-ray) on prescribed form. Not required for children under 12 or pregnant women. Not older than 6 months.

Must be less than 6 months old

Police clearance from each country where the applicant has resided for 12 months or longer after attaining the age of 18 years. Not older than 6 months.

Tip: Request early. Some countries take weeks/months to process. Must be original.

Must be less than 6 months old

Detailed CV showing educational qualifications, complete work experience history, and relevant skills.

Applicant must demonstrate a minimum score of 100 points on the prescribed Points-Based System (PBS) scorecard. Points are earned through: qualification level, gross annual salary, years of work experience, Trusted Employer status, and language proficiency.

Tip: Ensure you have documentary proof for each points category you claim: qualifications, salary slips, experience letters, language certificates.

Proof of offered gross annual salary for PBS scoring. May include the employment contract salary clause, employer confirmation letter, or latest payslips from current employer.

Tip: Higher salary = more PBS points. R600,000-R1,000,000 p.a. = 15 points; R1,000,001-R2,000,000 = 20 points; R2,000,001+ = 25 points.

Letters from previous employers confirming work experience duration and role, to support PBS experience points.

Tip: 5-10 years experience = 10 points; 10+ years = 15 points on the PBS scorecard.