General Work Visa — South Africa

The General Work Visa is issued under Section 19(2) of the Immigration Act. It requires a confirmed job offer and proof that the position could not be filled by a South African citizen or permanent resident.

Key Requirement: Labour Market Test

The employer must advertise the position and demonstrate to the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) that no suitably qualified South African is available. The DEL then issues a recommendation letter, which is essential for the application.

Documents Needed

• Completed DHA-1738 application form
• Valid passport with sufficient validity
• Job offer or employment contract
• Department of Labour recommendation
• SAQA evaluation certificate
• Company registration documents (CIPC)
• Employer's tax clearance and BEE certificate
• Medical (DHA-1740) and radiological (DHA-1741) reports
• Police clearance from all countries lived in for 12+ months

Processing Times

Processing takes approximately 8-12 weeks. The DEL recommendation process can add an additional 4-8 weeks before the DHA application is submitted.

Fees

• DHA application fee: R1,520
• VFS service fee: approximately R1,350

Common Pitfalls

1. Incomplete labour market test — the advertisement must meet DEL requirements exactly
2. Employer documentation gaps — ensure all company documents are current
3. Delays in DEL recommendation — start this process early

This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult a registered immigration practitioner for advice specific to your situation.