How to Apply for Critical Skills Visa in South Africa

Applying for a critical skills visa in South Africa has been noticeably challenging to candidates who wish to migrate to South Africa to work in the Republic. This is a simplified guidance that can be used by an individual who wish to know the steps required to complete and submit an application with the Department of Home Affairs of South Africa.

Documents Required for Critical Skills Visa Application.

Application for DHA-1738 completed in full with BLACK ink and signed by applicant. Only handwritten application forms are accepted in Black INK only.
Valid passport (Certified Copy).
Proof of evaluation of foreign qualification by SAQA (Certified copy of SAQA certificate).
Confirmation of skills from professional body (Certified copy of certificate of confirmation from IITPSA professional body).
Proof of application for a certificate of registration with the professional body (Certified copy of valid certificate of IITPSA Membership).
Proof of verification of working experience verified by reputable institutions such as MIE (https://www.mie.co.za ). MIE certificate.
Offer of Employment.
Contract of Employment signed by both Employer and Employee.
A written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant.
A written undertaking by the employer to ensure that the passport of his or her employee is always valid for the duration of his or her employment.
Company registration documents with Companies and intellectual properties commission and SARS.
- COR14.3: Registration Certificate
- Letter of Good standing
- SARS
A medical report completed on doctor’s letter head. Report not older than 3 months at time of submission. All Medical and radiological reports must be supported with separate letter from doctor confirming that the reports have been issued based on personal examination.
A radiological report completed on doctor’s letter head, Radiological Report issued by a registered radiologist on letterhead certifying that the applicant has been examined by him or her regarding active pulmonary TB signs. Report not older than 3 months at time of submission.
Letter from Sponsor/host (where you are going to stay for the first month before your first salary)
Proof of finance (Sponsor’s 3 latest payslips).
Latest 3 months bank statements from sponsor, minimum of R6000 (stamped by the bank).
Sponsor’s Documents (Certified copies).
- ID
- Permanent residence
- Permit
- Passport
Sponsor’s Utility bills (Water or Electricity or Rent or lease agreement and landlord’s ID accompanied with utility bill).
Current CV (with 5+ years of experience).
Reference letters from your employers (signed and stamped).
Academic qualifications (certified copies)
- Copy of degree
- Copy of Academic transcript
- Copy of A level certificate
- Copy of O level certificate
Birth certificate (Certified copy).
Two passport size photos.
Affidavit for keeping passport (Certified letter).
Police clearance certificate (certificate shall not be older than six months at the time of its submission).

Step by Step Guide for Applying Visa with VFS:

STEP 1: Create an Account with VFS

Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/eoi/register
Enter email and password
Click on agree Ts&Cs
Submit
Then sign-in

Step 2: Choose Critical Skills Visa

Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zwe/en/zaf/apply-visa
Download forms
Application form
Medical forms (Medical repost & Radiological report).

Step 3: Book an Appointment with VFS center

Visit https://visa.vfsglobal.com/zwe/en/zaf/book-an-appointment
Choose suitable date
Make the payment for booking.
Advice (book for premium services, because your appointment will be valid for 6 months and you can go back to get missing documents if they said there is any, then come back to submit any day any time)
Save copy of appointment confirmation (It’s required on the day of submission).

Step 4: Visit a Visa Application Center

On the day of submission, visit the center with all required documents including:
Confirmation of booking appointment.
Visa processing fee ($127 USD cash)

Step 5: Submit your application.

After submission, you will receive a receipt with Application reference number.
The App Ref Number will be used to track your application.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Visit https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/F7k1tK8h2krC6dm7vgUVS/hncGocbKYaMiSzY5eD9jk9EwbIAjfIwd5Qn1W5aVsz9fuGB24KD3nM2TediCEw3o=
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone.

Summary of Required Documents in Categories:

Category 1: Your Personal Documents

Passport
Academic Qualifications & Transcript
Birth certificate
Police clearance
2 passport sized photos
Application form

Category 2: Company Document

Registration certificate, Letter of Good standing, and SARS
Offer letter
Contract of Employment
Letter of Support from Employer
Letter of Undertaking from employer accepting responsibility and costs
Letter of Undertaking from employer to ensure passport validity

Category 3: Sponsor Documents

ID
Permanent Residence + permit + passport
Proof of finance
Letter of support from sponsor
Utility bill from sponsor
3 months latest bank statements

Category 4: Proof of Employment

MIE certificate
Current CV
Reference letters from employers.

Category 5: Medicals

Medical Report
Radiological Report

Category 6: Profession Documents

SAQA certificate.
Certificate of confirmation from IITPSA professional body.
Certificate of Membership with IITPSA.

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