South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched a Points-Based System (PBS) for work visas effective from 9 October 2024. This system standardizes the visa process for General Work Visas (GWV) and Critical Skills Work Visas (CSV), and ensures alignment with South Africa’s labour market needs.
- The PBS scoring structure
- Full requirements for both visa types
- Who may apply within South Africa
- The complete step-by-step process
- Key updates from DHA’s immigration stakeholder conference
1. The Points-Based System (PBS) Explained
To qualify for a work visa, applicants must score at least 100 points in a framework assessing their qualifications, experience, salary, and more:
| Category | Points |
| Occupation on Critical Skills List | 100 (CSV only) |
| NQF Level 9–10 Qualification | 50 |
| NQF Level 7–8 Qualification | 30 |
| Salary > R976,194/year | 50 |
| Salary R650,976–R976,194/year | 20 |
| Work Experience (5–10 years) | 20 |
| Work Experience (>10 years) | 30 |
| Trusted Employer | 30 |
| SA Language Proficiency | 10 |
Note: Applicants for a General Work Visa must reach 100 points without using the 100-point allocation for being on the Critical Skills List.
2. General Work Visa Requirements
This visa is for applicants who do not qualify under Critical Skills, but can meet the PBS score via qualifications, salary, experience, etc.
- Completed and signed DHA-947 application form
- Proof of payment
- Valid passport (30+ days after departure date)
- Medical report (signed, not older than 6 months old, incl. practice number)
- Police clearance from every country lived in for more than 12 months in past 5 years
- Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
- Employer’s written undertakings to:
- Ensure valid passport
- Accept deportation cost responsibility
- Inform DHA of non-compliance or termination
- SAQA-evaluated qualifications (or proof of submission)
- Sworn translations if not in SA official language
- Employer’s business registration proof (CIPC)
- Proof of job offer or signed employment contract
If SAQA evaluation is still pending, a 1-year conditional visa is issued, extendable upon receipt of the positive result.
3. Critical Skills Work Visa Requirements
- Proof the occupation is listed on the latest Critical Skills List
- Confirmation of skills by a SAQA-recognized professional body or government department
- Proof of registration with the applicable professional body
4. Who May Apply from Inside South Africa?
| Visa Type | May Apply from SA? |
| If currently on a valid long-term visa (e.g. study, work) | Yes (via VFS Global) |
| Visitor visa | No – must apply abroad |
| Medical treatment visa | No – must apply abroad |
Applications from within South Africa are made via VFS Global. Outside South Africa, apply through your nearest SA embassy or consulate or SA VFS office (where applicable) in country of residence.
5. Application Process – Step by Step
- Assess PBS score using qualifications, salary, experience, employer status, and language skills.
- Submit qualifications to SAQA (online application). Submit proof of application if results are pending.
- Collect all documents as per the visa type. Ensure they meet validity standards.
- Complete the DHA-947 form.
- Book appointment at VFS (inside SA) or consulate (abroad).
- Submit biometric data and physical documents.
- Pay fees if not done online.
- Wait for adjudication. Processing may take 8–12+ weeks depending on completeness and background checks as well where the application is submitted.
6. Highlights from the DHA Stakeholder Conference – 11 April 2025
- General Work Visa (GWV) Integration: The GWV has fully been incorporated into the PBS. GWV applicants may not rely on points awarded for Critical Skills – these are excluded from the GWV criteria.
- No recommendation from the Department of Labour needed.
- Trusted Employer Advantage: Applicants endorsed by a Trusted Employer will receive an automatic 30-point boost under the PBS, reinforcing the government’s push toward employer accountability and compliance.
- Document Verification Enforcement: Strict document verification processes are in place. Any instance of misrepresentation or falsification will result in immediate visa revocation.
- Application Restrictions for Certain Visa Holders: Individuals currently in South Africa on a visitor or medical treatment visa must apply for new visas from outside the country. No in-country change of status is permitted for these categories.
- 1st Provisional Visa Concession: A one-year conditional visa may be issued in cases where a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation is still pending, providing limited relief for affected applicants.
- 2nd Provisional Visa Concession: A one-year visa may be issued in cases where the applicant submitted an application for registration with the professional body, but is still awaiting confirmation of membership.
Need Help with Points-Based System Applications?
Mc Menamin Van Huyssteen & Botes Attorneys Inc.
- Points-Based Work Visa Applications
- Temporary & Permanent Residence Permits
- Business Visas
- Contract Law, Property Law & Litigation
Whether you are applying locally or abroad, our team ensures your application meets every new DHA requirement — professionally and efficiently.
Let us simplify your immigration journey.
Contact our legal team:
Tel: +27 12 344 0525
Cell: +27 83 228 7050
Email: mvh@mweb.co.za / elria@mvh.co.za
SERVICE IS OUR BENCHMARK