Qualified electronic engineers are in high demand and classified as a scarce skill in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs has recently introduced the critical skills visa to attract highly skilled applicants to fill the huge gap of skill shortages in South Africa. (View Critical Skills Occupation List)

The critical skills visa allows an applicant to live and work in South Africa for a period of 5 years. The critical skills visa requires no job offer and entitles the applicant to search for employment opportunities within South Africa for a period of 12 months. The advantage in applying for a critical skills visa is that it requires no recommendation letter from the Department of Labour and having to place an advert in a local newspaper.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify for a critical skills visa:

• 1 x occupation on Critical Skills Lists

• Register with a professional body specific to your occupation

• All foreign qualifications to be assessed by SAQA

First time applicants who hold no valid South African temporary residence visa must apply in their country of residence. The processing times for a critical skills visa abroad is typically between 30-40 working days depending on the amount of applications lodged. The critical skills visa allows the applicant to add his or her family members as accompany dependents to the work visa and the option of applying for permanent residency.

Qualifying for permanent residency:

Applicants to who wish to apply for permanent residency must prove at least 5 years work experience relevant to their occupation.

Speak to one of New World Immigration’s consultants now to find out if you’re eligible to apply for a critical skills visa. Our friendly consultants will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your options.

Submit your enquiry now by emailing your details to consultant@nwisouthafrica.co.za or complete our free assessment online form.