Work Visa requirements

All visa applications have to be lodged in person at the mission in Canberra by prior appointment only.

In terms Section 19 (2) of the South Africa Immigration Act No.13 of 2002, persons who intend to be employed in South Africa are required to obtain a General Work visa.

Please note: Provisional Airline bookings may be made for the proposed departure date, however, the Mission advised that payments should NOT be made in the event of an unsuccessful application. The processing time is twenty one (21) working days from receipt of application if application is complete.

In order to obtain the required permit, the following documentation is required:

From the applicant:

1. Duly completed application form signed by the applicant - Form DHA-1738. Application must be completed and signed in black ink only.
2. Two photographs.
3. A valid machine readable Passport / Travel Document valid for no less than (30) days after the expiry of the intended visit with three (3) completely blank pages. Machine readable passports which have been manually extended are not accepted for visas and for travel purposes.
4. A vaccination certificate if applicant travelled through the yellow fever belt of Africa and South America
5. Proof of sufficient funds by means of recently certified bank statements for the last 3 (three) months (including a day or two before application is submitted - minimum of ZAR 3000.00 per month per person) / cash available / travellers cheques - to cover envisaged living expenses until the applicant receives a salary.
6. Medical Certificate
7. Police clearance certificate from the police authorities in each country where the applicant, after having attained the age of 18 years, has resided for 12 months or longer during the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application.
8. A certified copy of your Marriage certificate or completed affidavit in the case of life partners (if spouse/partner traveling with applicant)
9. Certified copy of unabridged birth certificates of minor dependant children (if traveling with applicant)
10. Divorce decree (if applicable)
11. Proof of legal separation (if applicable)
12. Proof of custody/adoption/guardianship (if applicable)
13. Consent from parent(s) (if applicable)
14. Death certificate in the case of spouse (if applicable)
15. Original proof of qualifications and evaluation thereof by the South African Qualifications Authority
16. Translation into English of all documentation by a sworn translator (proof of registration of translator)
17. An application for a general work visa shall be accompanied by:
    1. A letter issued to the prospective employer by the Department of Labour to the effect that a certificate has been issued to the Department confirming that:
       1. despite a diligent search, the prospective employer has been unable to find a suitable citizen or permanent resident with qualifications or skills and experience equivalent to those of the applicant;
       2. the applicant has qualifications or proven skills and experience in line with the job offer;
       3. the salary and benefits of the applicant are not inferior to the average salary and benefits of citizens or permanent residents occupying similar positions in the Republic;
18. Undertaking to register with the professional body, board or council in the RSA (where applicable)
19. Letter of registration, where required by a law, from the relevant professional body/board/council
20. Full particulars of the employer, including, where applicable, proof of registration of the business with the Commission on Intellectual Property and Companies (CIPC);
21. An application for a general work visa shall be accompanied by:
    1. the contract of employment signed by both applicant and employer stipulating the conditions of employment is in line with the labour standards in the Republic and is issued on conditional that the general work visa being approved;
    2. a written undertaking by the employer accepting responsibility for the costs related to the deportation of the applicant and his or her dependent family members, should it become necessary;
    3. employer shall ensure that the passport of his or her employee is valid at all times for the duration of his or her employment;
    4. an undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General should the applicant not comply with the provisions of the Act or conditions of the visa;
    5. an undertaking by the employer to inform the Director-General upon the employee no longer being in the employ of such employer or when he or she is employed in a different capacity or role;
22. Non refundable fee of AUD 131.00 payment has to be made by way of a postal money order or bank cheque payable to the South African High Commission. Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted. Incorrect payment will not be accepted.

Submission of applications:

According to the new Regulations an application for any visa referred to in section 11 up to and including sections 20 and 22 of the Act must submit his or her application in person to the:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600
Phone: (02) 6272 7300
Web Address: www.sahc.org.au

Return Postage:

Please bring a self-addressed registered or express post envelope along with the application.

Processing time currently not available.

For further information, please contact this Mission between 08:30 am and 12:00 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Monday to Friday.

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