7 Myths about South African work visas busted! Find the facts here

There are various misconceptions about South African work visas that by no means appear to go away.

Sadly, shopping for into the misinformation may set you up for failure proper from the beginning.

That’s why we’ve determined to clear up the seven greatest myths and provide the info.

Let’s begin with the largest certainly one of all:

Fable: I’m assured to get a piece visa if I’ve a job supply in South Africa.

Fact: A job supply by itself just isn’t sufficient to ensure a piece visa. You have to meet the necessities of the visa you need to apply for. Solely then would you be capable to begin your utility.

Fable: I can begin working for an employer as quickly as my visa utility has been submitted.

Fact: No, it’s essential to have your visa authorized and in hand earlier than you can begin a job. Till such time, you can’t legally work for an employer.

Fable: I can work for any employer.

Fact: No, you can’t. A normal work visa is employer particular. If you wish to change employers, it’s essential to do a change of circumstances. In different phrases, it’s essential to submit paperwork to the Division of Dwelling Affairs to alter the employer in your visa.

The identical is true for a essential abilities visa with a stipulated employer. When you’ve got a essential abilities visa tied to an employer, it’s essential to additionally apply for a change of circumstances if you wish to work for a brand new employer.

Fable: If I’ve a piece visa, my accompanying partner can even robotically work in South Africa.

Fact: No, your partner might not work in South Africa. Accompanying spouses can solely reside in South Africa. This implies they can’t work, research or be concerned in a enterprise whereas dwelling in South Africa.

Fable: I don’t want a visa if I’m not getting a wage from inside South Africa whereas within the nation for work functions.

Fact: If you’re a foreigner with everlasting residence outdoors South Africa, you have to a visa to enter South Africa for any function. This consists of volunteer work in addition to short-term work when paid by an abroad employer. The rationale on your entry into South Africa will in the end decide what sort of visa you must apply for.

Fable: If I’ve a present work visa, the renewal is pretty much as good as assured. It will likely be fast and straightforward too.

Fact: Sadly this isn’t the case. You’ll have to fulfill all the factors of your visa once more, which suggests it’s a must to submit all of the required paperwork – once more. As such, it’s handled the identical as a brand new utility and the Division of Dwelling Affairs take as a lot time as they deem essential to course of this utility. As everyone knows, that’s by no means as shortly as one would hope.

Fable: If I work in South Africa for lengthy sufficient on my visa I qualify for everlasting residence.

Fact: That is the case for some South African work visas however not for others:

• Normal work visa: You’ll be able to apply for everlasting residence when you’ve got held a normal work visa for greater than 5 consecutive years, i.e. with no breaks in-between.
• Crucial abilities visa: If in case you have gained greater than 5 years of related, submit graduate expertise in your subject of essential ability, you possibly can apply for everlasting residence straight away. That is even when none of that have was gained in South Africa.

Suppose you may need misinformation on South African work visas?

You’ll be able to contact us any time you doubt data you’ve got heard or come throughout on the web. Our immigration consultants can be found on +27 (0) 21 424 2460 or information@intergate-immigration.com.

If you happen to’d desire for us to name you, merely ask for a name again. You permit your particulars and a advisor will contact you.

We don’t need you to come back to South Africa or begin an utility whereas below false impressions. And we’re certain you don’t need to both!