How long does a South African critical skills visa take to process?

Expert Info

on 28 May 2017

I heard people saying it takes 60 working days to get a Work VISA from South Africa. Is that true? Please confirm. If not, how much time it actually takes to "receive" a critical skills work VISA after submitting the documents through VFS Global.
Your quick reply on this will give a big relief to me.

Anonymous (not verified) on 1 Jun 2017 - 10:21

Hi Kushal,

From my experience the process for getting a normal work visa can take 60 days or even longer as all applications now go through the Department of Labour as well.

Critical skills may be faster but it really does depend on your situation. I've heard of applications being turned around in a couple of months and then other people waiting over a year. It is really hard to give accurate processing time when it comes to the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.

I assume you'll be applying from overseas which should speed up the process.

For some good background information I suggest you take a look at the Visas for South Africa page.

Have you already secured a job offer? Will you be working with a immigration consultant to process your visa?

Good luck

Shantalie

Kushal Desai on 2 Jun 2017 - 11:36

Thank you so much for your reply, Shantalie! I need to start searching my job after getting the VISA. I'm working as a Software Test Engineer/Quality Analyst in India. I have around 3 years of experience. I submitted all the required documents for Critical Skills Work VISA. A small request, I follow @HomeAffairsSA on Twitter, shall I post my question to them directly on Twitter? I'm afraid of doing it because that doesn't look good asking about my VISA on Twitter. Please suggest...

Anonymous (not verified) on 7 Jun 2017 - 09:02

Hi Kushal,

I don't think it would effect you negativley if you asked a legitimate question on twitter.

Also remember that VFS do not determine the outcome of your visa - that is decided by the Dept of Home Affairs.

Regards

Shantalie

Kushal Desai on 7 Jun 2017 - 13:02

Hi Shantalie, I'm hoping this process will complete soon and I receive my VISA quickly. I will be in touch with you and Megan. Hats off to you both for being so helpful. Thanks & Regards, Kushal Desai

Pratik86 on 26 Oct 2017 - 07:39

Hi Kushal, Did you received your Critical Skill Work Visa?

Anonymous (not verified) on 28 Mar 2018 - 05:01

I am studying for a Post Graduate Diploma in Risk Management with the University of Unisa. So will I automatically qualifies for Criticall visa after completing the qualification since it fell under the Critical skills category Regards Oswell

Expat Health Insurance

Cigna Global Health Insurance.

Medical insurance specifically designed for expats. With Cigna, you won't have to rely on foreign public health care systems, which may not meet your needs. Cigna allows you to speak to a doctor on demand, for consultations or instant advice, wherever you are in the world. They also offer full cancer care across all levels of cover, and settle the cost of treatments directly with the provider.

Get a quote from Cigna Global - 20% off

Moving Internationally?

International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.

Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.

Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!