Step 1: Check if your profession is on the Department of Home Affairs’ Critical Skills List.
Step 2: Get your evaluation done by South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Step 3: Get your skill assessment by any of the professional bodies/councils recognized by SAQA.
Step 4: Proof of sufficient financial means.
Step 5: Proof of accommodation when in South Africa.
Step 6: Employment contract and other supporting documents. This is an optional step and will be required only when you will be applying with a job offer.
Step 7: Arranging miscellaneous documents –
- Duly completed DHA-1738 form
- Birth Certificate, certified copy
- Passport-sized photos (2)
- Passport, with at least 2 blank pages and expiry not less than 30 days after the expected date of departure from South Africa
- Updated CV
- Medical Certificate. Not older than 6 months at the time of submission. Get the Medical certificate form here.
- Radiologist Report. Not older than 6 months at submission. Get Form here.
- Academic qualifications – certificates, transcripts, degrees etc.
- Extract from the Government Gazette with the critical skill clearly encircled. You will have to submit just the page that mentions your critical skill, and not the printout of the entire Gazette.
- Cover Letter, with your personal details – name, address, contact etc. – and stating that you are applying for a Critical Skills Visa.
- Police Clearance Certificate from each of the countries that you have lived in for 12 months or more since turning 18 years old.
- From previous employers – at least 2 testimonials/recommendations/references.
Step 8: Submitting your visa application.